Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 329. Your Brand is Your Promise: The 4 C’s for Better Communication | 05 oct. 2026 | 00:24:02 | |
“A brand is a promise, and a great brand is a promise well kept.” Takeaways:
Printable Expanded Takeaways & Activities To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.
Connect:
| |||
| 328. Ask Matt Anything: Don’t Let Your Communication Fizzle at the Finish | 01 oct. 2026 | 00:18:52 | |
“How you end something often can be as important, if not more important, than how you start.” What’s the best way to wrap up a presentation? How do you stop yourself from repeating the same point? And what can you do when strong emotions start taking over? Matt Abrahams tackles these questions and more in this Ask Matt Anything episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, recorded with members of the Learning Community. He shares why a strong ending deserves as much attention as a strong opening, along with practical advice for holding attention, getting better at small talk, breaking repetitive speaking patterns, and channeling emotion more effectively. Takeaways:
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 327. The Human Reset: Reclaiming Authenticity in the Age of AI | 28 sept. 2026 | 00:25:44 | |
“Our imperfections reveal that we’re human.” As AI makes it easier to polish our words, how do we prove that our communication is actually our own? For Matt Abrahams, the answer isn’t to avoid AI, but to protect the distinctly human thinking, experiences, and imperfections that build trust. In a special episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Lorraine K. Lee takes over the host chair to interview Matt about the updated edition of Think Faster, Talk Smarter. They discuss Matt’s TRUST framework for demonstrating authenticity, the risk of outsourcing empathy to AI, and ways to use AI as a practice partner rather than a replacement for your own thinking.
Connect:
| |||
| 326. Rethinks: The Secrets to Getting the Information You Need from AI | 24 sept. 2026 | 00:25:28 | |
“Most teams leave the vast majority of their innovation potential on the table.” If you treat artificial intelligence like an oracle, you’ll likely be disappointed. But treat it like a teammate, and Jeremy Utley and Kian Gohar say you may be surprised by how useful a collaborator it can be. Utley, an adjunct professor at the Stanford d.school, and Gohar, a bestselling author and futurist, have studied how teams can use AI to generate more creative ideas and solve problems. Their research shows that tools like ChatGPT can unlock new possibilities, but only when teams know how to work with them. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Utley and Gohar join Matt Abrahams to discuss how to move beyond treating AI like a magic 8-ball and start using it as a creative partner for brainstorming and innovation.
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 325. Message Market Fit: Turning Great Ideas Into Communication That Lands | 21 sept. 2026 | 00:19:55 | |
“No one cares about us, our company, our products. We have to make them care, and for that, we need the right words.” Great work doesn’t always speak for itself. For communication strategist and author of Message Machine: How Communications Will Make You An Unstoppable Founder, Oliver Aust, getting your ideas noticed requires “message-market fit,” finding the right words and stories to make people understand why what you offer matters. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Aust joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how to craft messages that resonate and stand out. From focusing on outcomes instead of products to building a personal brand and using storytelling to make sense of change, Aust shares practical strategies for communicating your value with greater clarity and impact.
Printable Expanded Takeaways & Activities To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 324. Rethinks: Defining Where We Want AI To Take Us | 17 sept. 2026 | 00:23:03 | |
“If you're worried that a ChatGPT type tool can replace you, you need to [ask]: Why am I communicating? What am I trying to say? Am I being authentic?” Artificial intelligence can now do a lot of things. But if you’re worried about it taking your place as a communicator, Russ Altman says you need to question why you’re communicating in the first place. A Stanford professor of bioengineering and host of Stanford Engineering’s podcast, The Future of Everything, Altman sees advancing technology not as a threat to human creativity and connection, but as a tool for raising our standards for communication. In this Rethinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Altman and Matt Abrahams discuss how effective communication can help us articulate ideas, strengthen connections, and navigate toward the future we want. Takeaways:
Activity:
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 323. Turn Up the Heat: Make Conflict More Constructive | 14 sept. 2026 | 00:24:42 | |
“I’m not saying necessarily fight more, I’m saying fight better.” Conflict doesn’t have to mean avoidance or escalation. Priya Parker, expert facilitator, strategic advisor and author of The Art of Fighting: The Transformative Power of Conflict, argues there’s a third option: “healthy heat,” where disagreement is handled with enough care, curiosity, and even humor to become productive rather than destructive. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Parker joins Matt Abrahams to rethink how we approach disagreement. She explains why practicing low-stakes conflict can prepare us for harder conversations, how teams can build better systems for working through tension, and why the goal isn’t to fight more, but to fight better. Takeaways:
Activity:
Printable Expanded Takeaways & Activities
Connect:
| |||
| 322. Talk Back: Why Arguing With Yourself Can Help You Flourish | 10 sept. 2026 | 00:21:09 | |
“What you think is not gospel.” Can arguing with yourself make you happier? Martin Seligman, positive psychology pioneer and author of Agency: The Psychological History of Human Progress, says our negative thoughts don’t have to dictate how we feel. By recognizing our internal narratives and challenging them with evidence, we can change our outlook and build a greater sense of agency. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Seligman and Matt Abrahams discuss flourishing, optimism, and the power of self-talk. They also examine why celebrating other people’s successes takes more than saying “congratulations,” and how active, constructive communication can deepen our relationships. Takeaways:
Activity:
To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 321. The Respect Effect: What Stereotype Threat Teaches Us About Communication | 07 sept. 2026 | 00:20:04 | |
“Everybody you interact with needs that signal of respect.” Feeling seen and respected can shape how we communicate and connect with others. For Stanford social psychologist and author of Churn: The Tension That Divides Us and How to Overcome, Claude Steele, understanding stereotype threat and “churn,” the tension that arises when we worry about being judged based on our identity, can help us build greater trust across differences. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Steele joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how stereotypes influence our interactions and how to reduce their impact. From giving feedback that communicates respect to building trust, Steele shares how seeing people’s full humanity and potential can strengthen our connections. Takeaways:
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 320. Quick Thinks: How to Prepare, Stand Out, and Ace Your Interview | 03 sept. 2026 | 00:17:26 | |
“The ability to handle yourself in interviews and other high-pressure situations can make the difference in getting the job and achieving your goals.” A successful interview is more than answering questions well. It’s an opportunity to communicate what sets you apart and demonstrate the value you can bring. Preparation, structure, and storytelling can help you do that with confidence. In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams and communication teacher Laura Joyce Davis share strategies for preparing for job interviews. From identifying what differentiates you to structuring answers and telling memorable stories, they explain how to present your experience with clarity while staying authentic and human. Takeaways:
Activity:
Connect:
******** Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 319. Open the Portal: The Simple Science Behind Impactful Storytelling | 31 août 2026 | 00:24:30 | |
“Causality is this foundation that really allows us to anchor what we’re trying to do when we’re telling stories.” Storytelling doesn’t require a dramatic narrative. For behavioral scientist and former Disney Imagineer Troy Campbell, even everyday information can become a story when we explain the “because” behind it, connecting what happened to why it matters. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Campbell joins Matt Abrahams to unpack the psychology behind storytelling and persuasion. From structuring ideas around goals, insights, and actions to creating “portals” that prepare audiences for what comes next, he shares practical ways to make communication more relevant, persuasive, and memorable. Takeaways:
To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium. Episode Reference Links: Connect:
| |||
| 318. Quick Thinks: Network Smarter and Make Better Connections | 27 août 2026 | 00:14:03 | |
“We are now competing in conversation with someone’s feed.” Connecting with others requires more than knowing what to say. The signals we send through our body language, the questions we ask, and even where we position ourselves can shape how others experience a conversation. In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, behavioral researcher and author of Cues and Captivate, Vanessa Van Edwards joins Matt Abrahams to explore the subtle cues that make communication more engaging. She shares strategies for navigating networking events, sparking more meaningful conversations, and signaling the warmth and competence that shape charisma and connection.
Printable Expanded Takeaways & Activities Episode Reference Links:
Connect:
******** Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 317. Plot Twist: The Second Story Hiding Inside Every Great Pitch | 24 août 2026 | 00:24:09 | |
“We’re all salespeople at the end of the day.” Whether you’re pitching a movie, an idea, or yourself, persuasion is about more than the story you’re telling—it’s also about the story your audience sees for themselves. For Deadpool and Zombieland screenwriter Rhett Reese, that means keeping communication concise, compelling, and centered on what your audience needs. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Reese joins Matt Abrahams to share lessons from screenwriting that apply far beyond Hollywood. From cutting unnecessary words to crafting pitches that make your audience the protagonist, he explores how storytelling, collaboration, and clarity can make any message more persuasive. Takeaways:
Printable Expanded Takeaways & Activities Episode Reference Links: Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 316. The Persuasion Equation: Grab Attention & Make Your Message Meaningful | 20 août 2026 | 00:20:48 | |
“The tools of communication have changed, the human brain has not.” In a world of endless content and shrinking attention spans, getting your message heard means giving people a reason to care. For Carmine Gallo, a communication coach, author of Viral Voices, and CEO of Gallo Communications, that starts with understanding what captures the brain’s attention: emotion, relevance, and a compelling story. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Gallo joins Matt Abrahams to explore the timeless principles behind persuasive communication. From crafting attention-grabbing hooks to using analogies and storytelling, he shares practical techniques for making your ideas more emotional, clear, and memorable. Key Takeaways:
Activity:
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 315. Quietly Powerful: How Introverts Can Communicate With Confidence & Impact | 17 août 2026 | 00:22:43 | |
“Over time, what works is truly showing up in a way where you actually care, you're actually trying to give value.” In a culture that rewards boldness and visibility, quieter voices can be easy to overlook. But Susan Cain, a former Wall Street lawyer, negotiation consultant, and bestselling author of Quiet and Bittersweet, argues that introverts bring powerful strengths to communication and leadership, from deep listening to thoughtful reflection. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Cain joins Matt Abrahams to explore how introverts can communicate with confidence without pretending to be extroverts. From overcoming speaking anxiety to embracing quiet leadership, she shares how sincerity and self-awareness can help us show up at our best.
To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium. Episode Reference Links:
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 314. Rethinks: Turn Tension Into Trust | 13 août 2026 | 00:32:29 | |
"The first negotiation is actually a negotiation I have with myself about my own story." Before you can have hard conversations with others, you need to have an honest conversation with yourself. That's the counterintuitive advice from Sheila Heen, a Harvard Law School lecturer and co-author of Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most, who says our own internal narratives often derail our attempts at negotiation and conflict resolution. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Heen joins Matt Abrahams to explore effective communication in high-stakes situations. From giving and receiving feedback with her “ACE” framework (Appreciation, Coaching, and Evaluation) to recognizing the "degrees of difficulty" in disagreements, she offers practical strategies for having productive conversations even when emotions run high. Key Takeaways:
Activity:
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 313. Hold the Headline: How Curiosity Cuts Through Complexity | 10 août 2026 | 00:26:57 | |
"The dumbest thing you can be is a know-it-all." Curiosity isn't about having all the answers—it's about asking better questions. Journalist and podcast host Nayeema Raza believes the strongest communicators balance confidence with openness, using curiosity to better understand people, ideas, and the world around them. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Raza joins Matt Abrahams to explore how to make complex ideas accessible, ask questions that spark meaningful conversations, and communicate with both confidence and humility. From writing punchier questions to embracing uncertainty, she shares practical strategies for becoming a more thoughtful and engaging communicator. Key Takeaways:
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 312. Quick Thinks: Speak with Confidence, Clarity, and Power | 06 août 2026 | 00:09:47 | |
"You want to make sure you have the energy at the end of your communication as well as at the beginning." Key Takeaways:
Connect:
******** Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 311. Don't Lose the Room: How to Make Ideas Stick | 03 août 2026 | 00:22:32 | |
"Know your stuff, practice, and then just do it and be there."
Activity:
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 310. A Matter of Meaning: What Other People Teach You About Your Communication | 30 juil. 2026 | 00:19:46 | |
"Meaning is about being mindful of the effect you have on other people."
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 309. Stretch, Don't Stress: How Great Communication Makes Better Leaders | 27 juil. 2026 | 00:26:02 | |
"When there's a gap between our intention and our impact, we diminish others and our communication." Key Takeaways:
Activity:
To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium. Episode Reference Links:
Connect:
| |||
| 308. Ask Matt Anything: From Nerves to Know-How in High-Stakes Moments | 23 juil. 2026 | 00:17:27 | |
“Managing emotions—yours and your audience's—is hard enough, but it's even harder when you're under pressure to respond."
Episode Reference Links: Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 307. Accent-uate, Don't Compensate: Why Clarity Matters More Than Perfection | 20 juil. 2026 | 00:23:15 | |
"It's not an accent, it's an identity." The way we speak shapes more than how we're understood—it shapes how we're perceived. Peter Novak believes the goal of communication isn't to eliminate an accent, but to communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and authenticity. As a linguist, communication coach, and expert in accent bias, Novak helps multilingual professionals communicate more effectively while embracing the identity their voice represents. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, he joins Matt Abrahams to explore how accent bias influences the workplace, why clarity matters more than sounding "native," and the practical techniques anyone can use to communicate with greater confidence and impact.
Printable Expanded Takeaways & Activities Episode Reference Links: Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 306. Trust the Process: How to Design Teams That Actually Work | 16 juil. 2026 | 00:17:42 | |
"The assumption of swift trust is really useful." Key Takeaways:
Activity:
Printable Expanded Takeaways & Activities Episode Reference Links:
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 305. The Humor Habit: Why Great Communicators Think Like Comedians | 13 juil. 2026 | 00:27:47 | |
"People aren't inside of our heads, so you have to give them that emotional information as well as the factual information." Humor is more than entertainment—it's a powerful way to create connection. As a comedian, writer, and former teacher, Chris Duffy has learned that laughter, curiosity, and emotion can transform even ordinary conversations into memorable experiences. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Duffy joins Matt Abrahams to explore how humor can strengthen communication, build deeper connections, and make ideas more memorable. Together, they discuss how to engage an audience, bring authenticity to repeated messages, and create conversations that invite others to participate rather than simply listen. Key Takeaways:
Activity:
Printable Expanded Takeaways & Activities
Connect:
| |||
| 304. Rethinks: Craft Compelling Communication | 09 juil. 2026 | 00:22:31 | |
"If all you're trying to do is inform, you're not going to pull it off. You have to entertain your audience." Great presentations don't just share information—they create connection. As Apple's former Chief Evangelist and Canva's co-founder, Guy Kawasaki has spent decades helping people communicate ideas that inspire action. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Kawasaki joins Matt Abrahams to share practical strategies for crafting compelling presentations, building better slide decks, and using storytelling to keep audiences engaged. From investor pitches to keynote speeches, he explains why the best communicators don't just inform—they captivate.
Printable Expanded Takeaways & Activities Episode Reference Links:
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 303. On Point, On Brand: Why Honest Communication Always Lands | 06 juil. 2026 | 00:22:33 | |
"You want to own the message and your narrative." Strong communication is about more than delivering a message—it’s about building trust over time. As Zoom’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kim Storin has helped shape communication at one of the world’s most recognizable brands, balancing empathy, transparency, and consistency in an era of rapid technological change. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Storin joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how leaders can communicate with authenticity, navigate crises with clarity, and build cultures rooted in transparency. They explore the art and science of shaping perception, maintaining connection in hybrid workplaces, and creating messages that solve problems—not just capture attention. Key Takeaways:
Printable Expanded Takeaways & Activities
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 302. Master This: How to Learn Like the Experts Do | 02 juil. 2026 | 00:18:38 | |
"If these masters are still continually trying to improve their own craft, I don't have any excuses." The world's best don't reach the top and stop learning—they keep refining their craft. David Rogier, founder and CEO of MasterClass, has spent years sitting across from elite performers, athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs—and he’s discovered that excellence is less about talent than a relentless commitment to growth. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, he joins Matt Abrahams to share lessons from building a company around learning, persuasion, and communication. From earning the trust of high-profile talent to leading creative and technical teams, Rogier reveals why curiosity, adaptability, and authentic relationship-building are essential communication skills.
Printable Extended Takeaways & Activities
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 301. Trust at First Sight: Create More Meaningful Connections | 29 juin 2026 | 00:24:55 | |
“Communication is the number one way to remove friction.” If communication is the key to connection, then removing friction is what makes every interaction work. According to Vanessa Van Edwards, the most effective communicators aren’t just skilled with words—they know how to align their gestures, body language, and presence to make others feel at ease. A behavioral researcher and bestselling author of Captivate and Cues, Van Edwards studies the subtle signals that shape how we are perceived. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, she joins Matt Abrahams to explore the hidden factors that influence communication, from purposeful gestures and expressive body language to the words, images, and visual cues that build trust and credibility. Takeaways:
Printable PDF of Takeaways & Activity
Connect:
| |||
| 300. Matt’s Answers for Better Speaking and Leadership | 25 juin 2026 | 00:30:31 | |
Celebrating 300 episodes with listener questions from around the world. In this special 300th episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams celebrates a major milestone with a live Ask Matt Anything session featuring questions from listeners around the world—and a few from the team behind the show. He introduces a new communication framework, PREP (Point, Reason, Example, Point), before tackling topics ranging from word recall and public speaking nerves to storytelling, AI’s impact on communication, giving difficult feedback, and using gestures more effectively. Along the way, he shares practical strategies, favorite communication techniques, and lessons learned from 300 episodes dedicated to helping people communicate with confidence, clarity, and connection. To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium. Episode Reference Links: Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 299. Choose The Right Channel: How Stanford Finds Its Voice | 22 juin 2026 | 00:22:00 | |
How to communicate with impact when the stakes are high. Communication isn't about getting information out. It's about making sure it gets through. In an era of fragmented attention and endless platforms, the challenge isn't finding ways to speak—it's finding ways to connect. According to Farnaz Khadem, Vice President of University Communications at Stanford, great communicators start with three questions: What's the goal? Who's the audience? And what does the data tell us? Whether guiding a university through a crisis, helping experts share their ideas with broader audiences, or deciding where a story should be told, she believes effective communication centers around understanding people. "People want to know what's actually happening," she says. "And if what is happening is you don't know what is happening, you have to tell people you don't know." In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Khadem joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss the importance of preparation, transparency, and active listening when communicating during uncertainty. From navigating the opportunities and risks of AI to crafting stories that create genuine connection, she shares practical lessons for building trust, adapting to changing audiences, and communicating effectively when the stakes are highest. Episode Reference Links: Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 298. Quick Thinks: How to Look Confident, Composed, and Credible | 18 juin 2026 | 00:09:44 | |
The nonverbal habits that make you look confident, composed, and authentic before you even speak. How you carry yourself can shape how others perceive your confidence, credibility, and authenticity—often before you say a word. In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams shares practical, research-backed techniques for strengthening your presence through body language, posture, gestures, and eye contact. Learn how to stand and sit with confidence, move with purpose, use your hands effectively, and avoid common nonverbal habits that can distract from your message. Whether you're presenting to an audience, leading a meeting, or navigating everyday conversations, these simple strategies can help you communicate with greater composure and impact. Episode Reference Links:
Connect:
******** Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 297. Agency Over Anxiety: Communicating in Uncertain Times | 15 juin 2026 | 00:26:20 | |
Why the most effective communicators help people see not just what's changing, but why it matters to them. For Sinéad Bovell, effective communication isn’t just about explaining what’s coming next—it’s about giving people the confidence and agency to engage with it. To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium. Episode Reference Links: Connect:
| |||
| 296. AMA: Speaking Out, Staying Grounded, and Managing Up | 11 juin 2026 | 00:10:58 | |
Practical communication strategies you can use immediately at work and beyond. How do you speak up when a conversation is moving faster than you can think? What should you do when emotions threaten to derail your listening? And how can you give honest feedback to a boss who doesn’t seem interested in hearing it? In this Ask Matt Anything episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams answers listener questions from the Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community on some of the most challenging workplace communication scenarios. From practical techniques for inserting your ideas into fast-paced meetings to strategies for managing emotions and delivering feedback upward, Matt shares actionable advice to help you communicate with greater confidence, clarity, and impact. Episode Reference Links: Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 295. Culture Club: Communicating Values That Scale | 08 juin 2026 | 00:19:36 | |
Why the best leaders treat uncertainty as a chance to learn, not a failure to avoid. Most companies are built to grow. Far fewer are built to stay true to their purpose as they do. Eric Ries is an entrepreneur, creator of the Lean Startup movement, and author of Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay Great. For Ries, innovation starts with a simple reality: nobody can predict the future. “If you're going to do something fundamentally new,” he says, “how are we supposed to forecast” what success will look like? Instead of relying on certainty, leaders should focus on learning. “If you cannot fail, you cannot learn.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Ries and host Matt Abrahams explore how leaders can communicate through uncertainty, turn setbacks into valuable insights, and build cultures rooted in trust. From the power of the build-measure-learn feedback loop to the importance of making “deposits” in a company’s culture bank, Ries shares practical strategies for creating organizations that innovate, adapt, and stay true to their values as they grow. To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium. Episode Reference Links:
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 294. Ask & You Shall Receive: Questions For Better Negotiations | 04 juin 2026 | 00:23:39 | |
Do you really win the negotiation if it means losing the relationship? You might think that successful negotiation means getting what you want here and now. But Stan Christensen says this short-sighted view is selling many negotiators short. Christensen is a professional negotiator, host of the All Things Negotiation podcast, and instructor of one of Stanford's most popular courses on the subject. His core insight: most negotiations happen with people you’ll see again — which means success isn’t about claiming victory, it’s about building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. “Most people think of negotiation statically,” he says. “It's you and I. There's a fixed pie. We're trying to get more for ourself and less for the other party. In reality, 95% of negotiations are gonna be with people you see again, so I define success as contributing to the value of the long-term relationship.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Christensen and host Matt Abrahams explore what it takes to negotiate well — from the power of listening and asking questions to managing emotions and communicating for collaboration. Whether you're negotiating a business deal or just deciding where to go to dinner, Christensen shows why every negotiation is an opportunity to strengthen the relationship. Episode Reference Links:
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 293. 5 Leadership Lessons From Stanford: Me2We 2026 | 01 juin 2026 | 00:35:28 | |
What it takes to lead as a communicator and communicate as a leader. Leadership isn’t just about making decisions — it’s about how you communicate them. As Matt Abrahams puts it, “Communication is operationalized leadership.” At a recent Me2We event, in connection with Stanford GSB's Executive Education LEAD program, Abrahams held a live discussion with four of the podcast’s most popular guests: Celine Teoh, facilitator of the GSB’s famous Interpersonal Dynamics course; Huggy Rao, organizational behavior professor and co-author of The Friction Project; legendary Stanford basketball coach Tara VanDerveer; and Dave Dodson, lecturer and author of The Manager's Handbook. In this special live episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, the panel shares frameworks and lessons for leading and communicating more effectively. From Teoh’s five A’s for inviting dissent to Rao’s warning against “jargon monoxide,” from VanDerveer’s relationship-first approach to Dodson’s case for leading like a teacher, this conversation explores what it takes to communicate as a leader — and lead as a communicator. Episode Reference Links:
Connect:
| |||
| 292. Headspace Habits: Lessons for Calm, Confident Communication | 28 mai 2026 | 00:26:13 | |
The hidden habits behind calm, confident communicators. What does it really take to become a more confident communicator? In this special collaboration between Think Fast, Talk Smart and Headspace, host Matt Abrahams shares practical, mindful strategies for speaking with clarity, managing anxiety, listening more deeply, and connecting more authentically with others. Across five short lessons, Matt outlines how to calm speaking nerves, become a better listener, structure your ideas clearly, engage any audience, and strengthen your presence — whether you’re leading a meeting, giving a presentation, or navigating everyday conversations. Whether you’re speaking to a crowd or having a one-on-one conversation, these tools can help you communicate with more confidence, calm, and connection. Episode Reference Links: Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 291. Hello, Stranger: Why Curiosity Beats Charisma Every Time | 25 mai 2026 | 00:30:16 | |
What keeps us from being more social? Nick Epley calls it a “mind-reading mistake.” We all think about what others think, particularly what they think about us. The problem, says Nick Epley, is that we’re almost always wrong. Epley is a professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and author of A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Unexpected Happiness, Health, and Connection. What keeps people from engaging authentically, connecting deeply, and enjoying a meaningful social life? It comes down to an error of social cognition, “A mind-reading mistake,” Epley says. “If I don't think you want to talk to me, I won't try. And I'll never find out that I'm wrong about that.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Epley and host Matt Abrahams explore why we hold ourselves back from meaningful conversation, and what happens when we don’t. From taking an interest in others to sharing more freely about ourselves, Epley shares strategies for being a little more social — and making your life considerably better as a result. To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium. Episode Reference Links:
Connect:
| |||
| 290. Quick Thinks: How to Have Better Conversations About Aging | 21 mai 2026 | 00:16:30 | |
How can we approach aging with more joy, empathy, and meaningful connection? We often talk about lifespan, or how long we live, but Kerry Burnight believes the more important question is how fully we live along the way. Burnight is a gerontologist, former professor of geriatric medicine, and author of Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life's Second Half. Drawing from decades of experience working with older adults, she discusses why adopting a “growth aging mindset” can change the way we think about getting older, and why autonomy matters just as much as safety in conversations with aging loved ones. As she puts it, “it’s not just the big moments, it’s the little moments, too.” In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Burnight and host Matt Abrahams explore the role of listening, storytelling, and empathy in effective communication across generations. Through memorable examples and actionable advice, Burnight offers a compassionate framework for talking about — and thinking about — aging differently. Episode Reference Links:
Connect:
******** Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 289. Better with Age: Why Joy Matters More Than Longevity | 18 mai 2026 | 00:22:54 | |
A full life isn’t about the quantity of time, but the quality. Our lifespan might describe how long we live, but it doesn’t say anything about how well we live. For that, Kerry Burnight says, we need a different measure: joyspan. Burnight is a gerontologist, former professor of geriatric medicine, and author of Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life's Second Half. In her decades working with older adults, she noticed a gap: “I would have a lot of people who lived long lives and were in pretty darn good physical health. They were miserable.” That observation led her to dig into the research on well-being — and to find what it takes to enjoy a long life, not just endure one. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Burnight joins host Matt Abrahams to explore her joyspan framework, explaining how growth, connection, adapting, and giving contribute to a full life. From changing the conversation around aging to communicating more effectively across generations, Burnight offers practical wisdom for living better at any age.
Connect:
******** Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 288. Turn Your Audience into Co-Creators: Lessons from the Tiger Sisters | 14 mai 2026 | 00:23:45 | |
The Tiger Sisters share the keys to collaborative communication. Good marketing communication doesn’t just go one way. As the Tiger Sisters know, building a brand is about bringing your audience into the conversation. Cherie and Jean Luo are sisters, tech and finance experts, and co-hosts of the Tiger Sisters Podcast, a show about money, power, and love. Their approach to content creation mirrors how they think about communication: know your audience, stay curious, and embrace feedback. “We often think about our community as the co-producers of our episodes,” Cherie says. “Each episode we put out is like a mini product. Once we put it out, we can get feedback on whether or not people are resonating.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, the Tiger Sisters join host Matt Abrahams, sharing how they’ve built a thriving brand through collaboration — with each other and with their audience. From simplifying complex topics to crafting messages that resonate, the Luo’s insights show why the best communication is about healthy back and forth. Episode Reference Links: Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 287. Give It a Rest to Do Your Best: The Sleep Habits That Catalyze Your Communication | 11 mai 2026 | 00:25:50 | |
If you want to do your best, you’d better get your rest. The quality of your sleep fundamentally affects the quality of your communication. Communicating well, Dr. Cheri Mah says, starts with being well-rested. “Sleep impacts nearly every aspect of how you function,” says Mah, a sleep physician, adjunct lecturer at Stanford Sleep Medicine Center, and internationally recognized expert on sleep and human performance. In her research and work, particularly with elite athletes and professional sports teams, she explores the link between getting rest and doing our best. “If you are getting quality sleep, you can think more clearly, react under pressure, make good judgment calls, have more patience, be more empathetic,” she says. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Mah and host Matt Abrahams explore strategies for better sleep, from bedtime routines to paying off “sleep debt” to the “nappuccino” — a caffeine-fueled power nap. Whether you struggle to sleep or can nod off at any time or place, Mah’s insights reveal why doing our best requires getting our rest. To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium. Episode Reference Links: Connect:
********
| |||
| 286. Driven to Succeed: Turn Doubt Into Your Competitive Advantage | 07 mai 2026 | 00:23:58 | |
Confidence, clarity, and speaking when it matters. Confident communication isn’t about being the loudest in the room. For Susie Wolff, it’s about displaying assurance before you even open your mouth. Wolff is a former professional race car driver, managing director of F1 Academy, and author of Driven. Throughout her career in one of the world's most male-dominated industries, she’s learned that confidence starts within. “If you want others to believe in you, you need to at least have confidence in your own abilities,” she says. By letting her capabilities speak for themselves, Wolff felt she didn’t have to. “I was never the loudest voice in the room. But I made sure when I did speak that I really had something to say.” In this special episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, co-hosted by Matt Abrahams and Tiggy Valen, Wolff shares how inner drive creates outer clarity. From delivering hard truths with empathy to achieving buy-in for a bold vision, Wolff offers lessons on communicating with confidence, even in the face of stiff competition. Episode Reference Links:
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 285. Think Inside the Box: How Constraints Spark Creativity and Communication | 04 mai 2026 | 00:21:25 | |
The secret to better communication isn’t adding more—it’s knowing what to leave out. Epstein is an author and investigative journalist known for his New York Times bestseller Range. In his latest book, Inside the Box, he explores how constraints can sharpen creativity and elevate thinking, a theme that reflects his broader work at the intersection of psychology, performance, and innovation. “If you assume someone will only remember one thing,” he explains, “decide what that is before you start talking.” That simple constraint forces clarity — and changes how we communicate entirely. In this episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Epstein and host Matt Abrahams unpack why limits make us better communicators and thinkers. From the dangers of “featuritis” to the creative breakthroughs sparked by restriction, they explore how blocking familiar paths leads to more original ideas and communication. To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium. Episode Reference Links:
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| How To Speak Up — When You Don’t Want To | From TED Business | 30 avr. 2026 | 00:16:10 | |
What stops you from speaking up when it matters most? This week on Think Fast Talk Smart, we’re featuring a special episode from TED Business. Healthcare leader Sarah Crawford-Bohl offers a practical, compassionate framework to have difficult conversations with clarity and heart — and shows how it can lead to stronger teams and real impact. TED Business is a podcast from TED that offers you a new idea and perspective for any business conundrum — whether you want to learn how to land that promotion, set smart goals, undo injustice at work, or unlock the next big innovation. Every Monday, host Modupe Akinola of Columbia Business School presents the most powerful and surprising ideas that illuminate the business world. After the talk, you'll get a mini-lesson from Modupe on how to apply the ideas in your own life — because business evolves every day, and our ideas about it should, too. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or here. Episode Reference Links: Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 284. Hear Me Out: How Understanding Accents—Ours & Others—Improves Communication | 27 avr. 2026 | 00:21:45 | |
Understanding the accent you didn’t know you had. Fridland is a professor of sociolinguistics at the University of Nevada, Reno, and author of Why We Talk Funny: The Real Story Behind Our Accents. According to her, we don’t just sound a certain way, we hear a certain way too, affecting how we understand others. “We’re hearing with an accent — a bias shaped by our own language and experience,” she says. But instead of expecting others’ communication to fit our preconceptions, Fridland says to meet people halfway. “If we want to make communication successful, it’s not just their job as a speaker, it’s my job as a listener.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Fridland and host Matt Abrahams discuss how empathetic listening opens the door to understanding. Whether you’re communicating in a context of mutual intelligibility or attempting to bridge cultural and linguistic divides, Fridland’s insights show how connection is a collaboration — shaped by accents on both sides of the conversation. To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium. Episode Reference Links:
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 283. Ask Matt Anything: Authenticity, Anxiety, and Answering Well | 23 avr. 2026 | 00:18:34 | |
Simple strategies to think faster, stay authentic, and communicate with confidence.
Strong communication isn’t about having the right lines ready—it’s about being present enough to respond with clarity. In the moment, it’s easy to rush, overthink, or lose your structure. But with the right tools, you can slow down, connect, and communicate with intention. In this Ask Matt Anything episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams shares insights from a live session with the Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community. Through real audience questions, he outlines practical ways to manage nerves, adapt to different situations, and build communication habits that last. Episode Reference Links: Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 282. The Language of Luck: Why Fortune Favors Those Who Pay Attention | 20 avr. 2026 | 00:23:33 | |
If you can make conversation, you can make your own luck. Good communication isn’t passive. And good luck, says Tina Seelig, is the same. There’s “what the world gives us,” and then there’s “how we respond to it.” Seelig is executive director of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program at Stanford University and author of What I Wish I Knew About Luck. For her, good fortune doesn’t find us, we find it. “Opportunities for lucky things to happen are ubiquitous. But they're invisible and most people don't see them,” she says. In the same way that communication requires active listening, making our own luck requires presence to the people and possibilities that come our way. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Seelig and host Matt Abrahams explore how communication creates luck. From curious listening to resolving the conflicts that block opportunity, Seelig offers practical ways to respond to what life offers — and turn everyday interactions into the foundation for good fortune. To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium. Episode Reference Links:
Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||
| 281. Be Clear, Be Concise, Be Remembered: Masters of Scale | 16 avr. 2026 | 00:37:15 | |
Great communication isn’t about saying more—it’s about making what you say matter. If we want to communicate more effectively, we need to treat communication less like a habit—and more like a series of intentional choices. In this special feed drop, we’re featuring a conversation from the Masters of Scale podcast, where host Jeff Berman sits down with Stanford lecturer and Think Fast, Talk Smart host Matt Abrahams to explore what it really takes to communicate with intention. Most of us default to what feels natural—long-winded openings, generic pitches, or focusing on what we want to say. But as Matt explains, effective communication starts with the audience. Get to the point quickly. Focus on what’s relevant. “Tell the time, don’t build the clock.” From high-stakes presentations to job interviews and everyday interactions, Matt shares practical, science-backed strategies for showing up with clarity and confidence. Communication is something we all do every day—but doing it well, especially when it counts, takes intention. As this conversation makes clear, small shifts in how we prepare, structure, and deliver our message can make all the difference. Episode Reference Links: Connect:
******** Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. | |||