Episodit
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"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 informationâthey 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 informâthey captivate.
Pitch to keep the conversation going. The goal of a pitch isn't to close the dealâit's to earn the next conversation.Keep it simple and audience-focused. Engage people with clear stories, concise visuals, and a message built around what they care about.
Key Takeaways:
Choose an idea, project, or product you frequently explain. Challenge yourself to describe it in 30 seconds, focusing only on the problem you solve and why it matters to your audience. Then ask someone if they can clearly explain it back to you. Revise your pitch until they can.
Activity:Episode Reference Links:
Guy KawasakiGuyâs Book: Think RemarkableEp.82 Itâs Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others FirstEp.47 Quick Thinks: How to Use Storytelling to Be a Better FounderConnect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
(00:00) - Introduction(01:29) - Being a Great Evangelist(02:51) - Why Stories Move People(04:15) - Entertain Before You Inform(06:36) - The Goal of a Pitch(09:56) - Evolve Every Pitch(12:42) - The 10-20-30 Rule(15:57) - Better Slides, Better Presentations(16:39) - Lessons from Podcasting(18:09) - The Final Three Questions(22:20) - Conclusion
Chapters:********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com
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"You want to own the message and your narrative."
Strong communication is about more than delivering a messageâitâs about building trust over time. As Zoomâs Chief Marketing Officer, Kim Storin has helped shape communication at one of the worldâs 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 problemsânot just capture attention.
Key Takeaways:
Lead with authenticity and transparency. Clear, honest communication builds trustâespecially during periods of change or crisis.Own your narrative. Consistent messaging and a clear story shape how others understand your brand, team, or ideas.
Before your next team update or difficult conversation, ask yourself: "What information can I share that will build trust?" Include one additional point of context or reasoning that helps your audience better understand the decision.
Activity:
Kim StorinEp.82 Itâs Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First
Episode Reference Links:Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
(00:00) - Introduction(01:37) - Leading Through a Global Crisis(03:36) - Changing Brand Perception(06:50) - Building Culture at Scale(09:00) - Virtual Communication Gains & Losses(11:24) - Creating Meaningful Moments(12:34) - Communicating Through Difficulty(16:03) - The Final Three Questions(21:33) - Conclusion
Chapters:********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.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.
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"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 learningâthey keep refining their craft. David Rogier, founder and CEO of MasterClass, has spent years sitting across from elite performers, athletes, artists, and entrepreneursâand heâs 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.
Lead with curiosity. Build trust by asking thoughtful questions and focusing on the other person's needs, not your own. Never stop improving. The world's top performers continuously seek feedback, refine their skills, and embrace lifelong learning.
Takeaways:
Study an expert. Watch a communicator you admireâa speaker, leader, or interviewerâand identify three techniques they use to engage their audience. Try incorporating one of those techniques into your next presentation or meeting.
Activity:
David RogierMattâs MasterClass
Episode Reference Links:Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
(00:00) - Introduction(00:39) - The Power of Learning(01:28) - Building Trust(04:21) - Creating Great Content(07:23) - Leading Different Teams(09:45) - Learning from Masters(10:54) - Communicating with a Stutter(14:00) - The Final Three Questions(17:39) - Conclusion
Chapters:********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart
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âCommunication is the number one way to remove friction.â
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 arenât just skilled with wordsâthey 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:
Great communication goes beyond words. Gestures, facial expressions, visual cues, and even the language we use in emails and meetings can either create friction or build trust, clarity, and connection.Focus on the other person, not yourself. By applying the Platinum Ruleâtreating others as they want to be treatedâand intentionally putting people at ease, communicators can foster stronger relationships, deeper conversations, and greater influence.
Practice the Platinum Rule. Before your next important conversation, meeting, or email, take one minute to answer: âWhat does this person need from me right now?â Then tailor your communication to their priorities, concerns, and preferred styleânot your own. Afterward, reflect on how that shift changed the quality of the interaction.
Activity:Printable PDF of Takeaways & Activity
Vanessa Van EdwardsVanessaâs Books: Cues / CaptivateEp.137 When Words Aren't Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication
Episode Reference Links:Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
(00:00) - Introduction(01:01) - The Importance of Strategic Communication(01:45) - The Power of Gestures(04:10) - A Readiness Check for Speakers(05:56) - Over-Signaling vs. Under-Signaling(08:18) - Dangerous Words in Communication(12:27) - Imagery Cues & First Impressions(15:03) - Virtual Backgrounds Matter(17:33) - The Platinum Rule(19:01) - The Final Three Questions(23:59) - Conclusion
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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 worldâand 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, AIâs 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:
Ep.250 How to Navigate Conflict: Tools For Productive CommunicationConnect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
(00:00) - Introduction(01:13) - PREP Framework(04:13) - Improving Word Recall(07:10) - Public Speaking Nerves(11:35) - Concise vs. Detailed Communication(13:39) - AI & Communication Skills(16:12) - Storytelling Fundamentals(18:51) - Lingo vs. Jargon(20:22) - Difficult Feedback Conversations(22:36) - The Power of Paraphrasing(25:07) - Effective Gestures(29:28) - Conclusion
Chapters:********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.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.
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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 speakâit'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:
Farnaz KhademEp.22 Under Pressure: How to Communicate Clearly and Timely During a CrisisConnect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
(00:00) - Introduction(01:01) - Communication Fundamentals(02:21) - Choosing the Right Channel(04:01) - Building Communication Networks(05:13) - Coaching Better Communicators(07:07) - Crisis Preparation(09:10) - Crisis Response(11:03) - The Power of Storytelling(12:51) - AI in Communications(15:52) - The Final Three Questions(21:06) - Conclusion
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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 authenticityâoften 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:
Ep.12 It's Not What You Say, Itâs How You Say It: How To CommunicaâŠEp.137 When Words Aren't Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal CommunicationConnect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
(00:00) - Introduction(00:37) - Be Big, Balanced, and Still(01:31) - The Right Speaking Stance(02:16) - Moving with Purpose(03:07) - Presence While Seated(03:53) - What to Do with Your Hands(04:38) - Gesturing Beyond Your Shoulders(05:27) - Effective Eye Contact(06:12) - Thinking While Speaking(06:57) - Bringing It All Together(07:44) - Practice Through Recording(08:30) - Conclusion
Chapters:********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.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.
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Why the most effective communicators help people see not just what's changing, but why it matters to them.
For SinĂ©ad Bovell, effective communication isnât just about explaining whatâs coming nextâitâs about giving people the confidence and agency to engage with it.
Bovell is a futurist, founder of the tech education company WAYE, and an expert advisor to the United Nations AI Advisory Body. Known for making complex topics accessible to broad audiences, she has spent years helping leaders, organizations, and young people understand the implications of artificial intelligence and other transformative technologies. Her approach starts with a simple principle: meet people where they are and connect big ideas to what matters in their lives. âIf you scare people too much, if you disempower them, they do unsubscribe from the very activities you need them to lean into.â
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Bovell joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss how to communicate complexity without overwhelming people and why skills like adaptability and judgment are becoming more valuable in the age of AI. From making emerging technologies more accessible to building trust through relevance and empathy, they discuss what it takes to help audiences engage with change rather than fear it.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.
Episode Reference Links:
Sinéad BovellConnect:
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(00:00) - Introduction(01:00) - Explaining Complex Ideas(03:48) - The Future of Soft Skills(06:52) - Talking About AI Without Fear(10:33) - Storytelling for Young Audiences(12:46) - Reaching Young Audiences(15:01) - Career Pivots & Reinvention(16:53) - Becoming a Better Communicator(18:59) - The Final Three Questions(25:09) - Conclusion
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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 doesnât 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:
Think Fast Talk Smart Learning CommunityConnect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
(00:00) - Introduction(00:34) - Speaking Up in Meetings(03:14) - Listening Through Emotion(06:30) - Giving Feedback Upward(10:07) - Conclusion
Chapters:********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.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.
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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. âIf you're going to do something fundamentally new,â he says, âhow are we supposed to forecastâ what success will look like? Instead of relying on certainty, leaders should focus on learning. âIf you cannot fail, you cannot learn.â
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 âdepositsâ in a companyâs 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:
Eric RiesEricâs Book: IncorruptibleEp.56 Lean Messaging: How Simple Messages Really StickEp.54 Leadership and Ethics: How to Communicate Your Core ValuesConnect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
(00:00) - Introduction(00:53) - Lean Startup Fundamentals(02:35) - Business Plans vs. Reality(05:03) - Learning from Failure(06:43) - Why Companies Go Bad(09:21) - The Culture Bank(12:23) - The Final Three Questions(18:43) - Conclusion
Chapters:********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.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.
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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 youâll see again â which means success isnât about claiming victory, itâs about building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. âMost people think of negotiation statically,â he says. âIt'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.â
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Christensen and host Matt Abrahams explore what it takes to negotiate well â 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:
Stan ChristensenAll Things Negotiation PodcastEp.15 The Art of Negotiation: How to Get More of What You WantEp.204 Tough Talks: Turn Tension Into TrustConnect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
(00:00) - Introduction(00:43) - What Is Negotiation?(01:22) - Negotiating Every Day(02:24) - The Power of Listening(03:57) - Asking Better Questions(05:58) - Handling Emotions(06:56) - Authentic Emotion(07:54) - Body Language Matters(08:45) - Collaboration in Negotiation(10:23) - Framing Conversations(11:48) - Setting the Agenda(13:10) - Co-Creating Structure(14:46) - A Common Negotiation Mistake(15:25) - Why Start a Podcast(16:29) - Learning from Guests(17:26) - The Final Three Questions(22:53) - Conclusion
Chapters:********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.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.
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What it takes to lead as a communicator and communicate as a leader.
Leadership isnât just about making decisions â itâs about how you communicate them. As Matt Abrahams puts it, âCommunication is operationalized leadership.â
At a recent Me2We event, in connection with Stanford GSB's Executive Education LEAD program, Abrahams held a live discussion with four of the podcastâs most popular guests: Celine Teoh, facilitator of the GSBâs 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 Teohâs five Aâs for inviting dissent to Raoâs warning against âjargon monoxide,â from VanDerveerâs relationship-first approach to Dodsonâs case for leading like a teacher, this conversation explores what it takes to communicate as a leader â and lead as a communicator.
Episode Reference Links:
Celine TeohTara VanDerveerHuggy RaoHuggyâs Book: The Friction ProjectDavid DodsonDavidâs Book: The Managerâs HandbookEp.194 Live Lessons in Levity and Leadership: Me2We 2025 Part 1Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
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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 â whether youâre leading a meeting, giving a presentation, or navigating everyday conversations.
Whether youâre 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:
HeadspaceConnect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
(00:00) - Introduction(00:46) - Speaking Anxiety(05:52) - Mindful Communication(11:01) - Clarity & Structure(14:38) - Creating Engagement(20:14) - Building Presence(25:16) - Conclusion
Chapters:********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.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.
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What keeps us from being more social? Nick Epley calls it a âmind-reading mistake.â
We all think about what others think, particularly what they think about us. The problem, says Nick Epley, is that weâre 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, âA mind-reading mistake,â Epley says. âIf 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.â
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 donât. From taking an interest in others to sharing more freely about ourselves, Epley shares strategies for being a little more social â 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:
Nick EpleyNickâs Book: A Little More SocialEp.133 From Good to Super: How Supercommunicators Unlock the Language of ConnectionConnect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
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Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.
This episode is brought to you by Babbel. Think Fast Talk Smart listeners can get started on your language learning journey today- visit Babbel.com/Thinkfast and get up to 55% off your Babbel subscription.
Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
(00:00) - Introduction(01:31) - Problems with Body Language(04:15) - Perspective Getting(07:14) - Asking Better Questions(08:41) - Moving Beyond Small Talk(10:13) - Why We Hold Back(11:33) - Advice For Introverts(15:17) - A Little More Social(18:34) - The Final Three Questions(24:45) - Conclusion
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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 âgrowth aging mindsetâ 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, âitâs not just the big moments, itâs the little moments, too.â
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 â and thinking about â aging differently.
Episode Reference Links:
Dr. Kerry BurnightKerryâs Book: JoyspanEp.176 From Stereotypes to Synergy: Communicating Across GenerationsConnect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
(00:00) - Introduction(00:37) - Aging Mindsets(03:05) - Give of the Day(06:33) - Difficult Aging Conversations(14:00) - Explaining Complex Ideas(15:29) - Conclusion
Chapters:********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.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.
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A full life isnât about the quantity of time, but the quality.
Our lifespan might describe how long we live, but it doesnât 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: âI would have a lot of people who lived long lives and were in pretty darn good physical health. They were miserable.â That observation led her to dig into the research on well-being â 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.
Dr. Kerry BurnightKerryâs Book: JoyspanEp.176 From Stereotypes to Synergy: Communicating Across Generations
Episode Reference Links:Connect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
(00:00) - Introduction(01:05) - Defining Joyspan(03:12) - The Joyspan Matrix(08:48) - Learning to Adjust(09:42) - The Power of Stories(13:23) - Internalized Ageism(16:25) - The Final Three Questions(21:49) - Conclusion
Chapters:********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.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.
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The Tiger Sisters share the keys to collaborative communication.
Good marketing communication doesnât 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. âWe often think about our community as the co-producers of our episodes,â Cherie says. âEach 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.â
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, the Tiger Sisters join host Matt Abrahams, sharing how theyâve built a thriving brand through collaboration â with each other and with their audience. From simplifying complex topics to crafting messages that resonate, the Luoâs insights show why the best communication is about healthy back and forth.
Episode Reference Links:
Jean LuoCherie Brooke LuoTiger Sisters PodcastConnect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
(00:00) - Introduction(00:52) - The Tiger Sisters Mission(02:28) - Going Viral on TikTok(04:18) - Explaining Complex Topics(06:14) - Learning from the Audience(08:23) - Working as Sisters & Co-Founders(11:23) - Reinventing Careers(12:49) - Family Expectations(14:38) - Personal Branding(17:15) - Teaching Through Storytelling(19:20) - The Final Three Questions(22:47) - Conclusion
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Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.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.
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If you want to do your best, youâd 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.
âSleep impacts nearly every aspect of how you function,â 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. âIf you are getting quality sleep, you can think more clearly, react under pressure, make good judgment calls, have more patience, be more empathetic,â 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 âsleep debtâ to the ânappuccinoâ â a caffeine-fueled power nap. Whether you struggle to sleep or can nod off at any time or place, Mahâs 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:
Dr. Cheri MahEp.183 Rethinks: How Anxiety Can Fuel Better CommunicationConnect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn********
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Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.
(00:00) - Introduction(01:15) - Sleep & Performance(02:29) - Better Sleep Habits(04:34) - Quieting a Racing Mind(06:07) - Dr. Mahâs Night Routine(07:37) - Sleep Extension(09:10) - Preparing for Big Events(10:02) - The Nappuccino(11:39) - Managing Jet Lag(14:14) - Chronotypes Explained(16:18) - Starting the Day with Sleep(17:58) - The Final Three Question(22:15) - Conclusion
Chapters:
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Confidence, clarity, and speaking when it matters.
Confident communication isnât about being the loudest in the room. For Susie Wolff, itâs 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, sheâs learned that confidence starts within. âIf you want others to believe in you, you need to at least have confidence in your own abilities,â she says. By letting her capabilities speak for themselves, Wolff felt she didnât have to. âI was never the loudest voice in the room. But I made sure when I did speak that I really had something to say.â
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:
Susie WolffSusieâs Book: DrivenTiggy ValenPaddock ProjectEp.235 Refine, Reframe, Repeat: Make Your Communication a Slam DunkConnect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
(00:00) - Introduction(01:06) - Early Motorsport Passion(02:01) - Finding Your Voice(03:33) - Building Confidence(04:28) - Becoming a Leader(06:48) - Cross-Cultural Communication(07:57) - Building F1 Academy(12:20) - Giving Tough Feedback(15:32) - Embracing Discomfort(18:01) - The Final Three Questions(23:03) - Conclusion
Chapters:********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.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.
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The secret to better communication isnât adding moreâitâs knowing what to leave out.
Communication isnât clearer when you say more â itâs clearer when you say less. As David Epstein puts it, weâre wired to keep adding, even when âthe better solution is often what you take away.â The challenge isnât having ideas; itâs choosing which one actually matters.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. âIf you assume someone will only remember one thing,â he explains, âdecide what that is before you start talking.â That simple constraint forces clarity â 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 âfeaturitisâ 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:
David EpsteinDavidâs Book: Inside the BoxEp.108 All In: How Improv Helps You Show Up and Communicate WellConnect:
Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected] Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
(00:00) - Introduction(00:46) - Featuritis & Overload(02:25) - Constraints & Creativity(06:35) - Chunking Information(07:56) - Familiarity & Innovation(08:58) - Clarifying Through Feedback(11:29) - Defining the Problem(12:51) - Precluding Default Approaches(14:31) - The Final Three Questions(20:25) - Conclusion
Chapters:********
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.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.
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