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Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

By: Matt Abrahams Think Fast Talk Smart
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 One of the most essential ingredients to success in business and life is effective communication. Join Matt Abrahams, best-selling author and Strategic Communication lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, as he interviews experts to provide actionable insights that help you communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. From handling impromptu questions to crafting compelling messages, Matt explores practical strategies for real-world communication challenges. Whether you’re navigating a high-stakes presentation, perfecting your email tone, or speaking off the cuff, Think Fast, Talk Smart equips you with the tools, techniques, and best practices to express yourself effectively in any situation. Enhance your communication skills to elevate your career and build stronger professional relationships. Tune in every Tuesday for new episodes. Subscribe now to unlock your potential as a thoughtful, impactful communicator. Learn more and sign up for our eNewsletter at fastersmarter.io.© Think Fast Talk Smart LLC Career Success Economics Language Learning
Episodes
  • 212. Break It to Make It: Disrupt Your Way to the Perfect Job Fit

    212. Break It to Make It: Disrupt Your Way to the Perfect Job Fit
    Jun 26 2025

    Career growth starts with stepping outside your comfort zone.

    Building a successful career isn’t about following a set path—it’s about knowing when to evolve and embracing change. Whitney Johnson believes that success comes from disrupting yourself—challenging routines, stepping into discomfort, and continuously evolving. “People think staying in their comfort zone is the safe choice,” she explains, “but real growth happens when we take intentional risks.”
    As a bestselling author and leadership expert, Johnson has spent years helping individuals and organizations navigate change. She breaks down the S-curve of learning, a framework that helps professionals recognize when it’s time to move on, pivot, or double down on their current path. From identifying signs of stagnation to developing strategies for career reinvention, she shares practical tools for making bold moves with confidence.
    In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Johnson joins host Matt Abrahams to explore why mastery can be a sign that it’s time for a change, how to manage the discomfort that comes with growth, and why personal disruption isn’t just a challenge—it’s the key to long-term success.

    To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium

    Episode Reference Links:

    • Whitney Johnson
    • Whitney’s Books: Disrupt Yourself / Smart Growth
    • Ep.147 Disrupt Yourself: How to Innovate Who You Are and Become Who You Can Be

    Connect:

    • Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
    • Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
    • Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
    • Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
    • Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
    • Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn


    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (01:36) - What Is Personal Disruption?
    • (04:41) - Signs It’s Time to Disrupt Yourself
    • (07:03) - Getting Comfortable with Discomfort
    • (12:00) - Finding Your Next Career Move
    • (15:49) - Ensuring Fulfillment After Disruption
    • (21:04) - Best Career Advice Received
    • (22:37) - Career Regrets & Lessons
    • (24:08) - Conclusion

    *****
    This Episode is sponsored by Stanford. Stay Informed on Stanford's world changing research by signing up for the Stanford Report
    Support Think Fast Talk Smart by joining TFTS Premium.

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    26 mins
  • 211. Small Screens, Strong Signals: Mastering Modern Communication

    211. Small Screens, Strong Signals: Mastering Modern Communication
    Jun 24 2025

    In the age of virtual communication, here’s how to ensure your messages convey what you mean.


    Texts. Emails. Slacks. Zooms. We’re communicating in more ways than ever, but Andrew Brodsky has a word of warning: Your virtual communication might be sending messages you’re not aware of.

    Brodsky is the author of PING: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication. And as a professor of management at the University of Texas McCombs School of Business, he researches the impact of technology on workplace communication. “In virtual communication, there's often missing information,” he says. “As recipients of it, we're searching to fill in the gaps. The problem [is] that the recipient who's making these guesses is often guessing incorrectly.” As his research reveals, variables like typos, the time you schedule a meeting, and even your choice of email signature affect how your messages are received — and how you’re perceived.

    In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams and Brodsky explore his PING framework (perspective-taking, initiative, nonverbal awareness, and goals) for mastering digital communication. From understanding when to choose email over a phone call to navigating cameras-on versus cameras-off meetings, he offers practical strategies for ensuring your virtual messages communicate exactly what you intend.

    To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium

    Episode Reference Links:

    • Andrew Brodsky
    • Andrew’s Book: Ping
    • Ep.31 Quick Thinks: How to Shine Online and Excel at Virtual Communication
    • Ep.53 Step Up and Stand Out: How to Create the Right Environment for Communication

    Connect:

    • Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
    • Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
    • Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
    • Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
    • Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
    • Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn


    Chapters:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (02:34) - What Is Virtual Communication?
    • (03:20) - Choosing the Right Channel for Your Goal
    • (06:05) - The Ping Framework: Secrets to Virtual Communication
    • (10:01) - Understanding Communication Richness
    • (13:03) - Nonverbals in Virtual Communication
    • (16:47) - The Final Three Question
    • (24:37) - Conclusion

    ********
    This Episode is brought to you by Strawberry.me. Get $50 off coaching today at Strawberry.me/smart
    Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

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    26 mins
  • 210. First Impression to Lasting Impact: Use Status Strategically

    210. First Impression to Lasting Impact: Use Status Strategically
    Jun 17 2025
    Career success takes a status boost, not a power grab.How do you chart the career course you’ve always imagined? According to Alison Fragale, it’s about gaining influence through status, power, and ultimately, being “a likeable badass.”As a research psychologist, professor, speaker, and author, Fragale is on a mission to help women take control of their careers. In her book Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve, she argues that most people have it backwards when pursuing career advancement. "We have talked for a long time [about] getting more power," she explains. However, by focusing first on achieving status (how respected we are), power will often come as a natural byproduct. "If you pursue status before, or at least alongside power, everything is going to fall into place," she says. “Status makes power a lot easier to achieve, and it makes power a lot easier to use.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, hosted by executive producer Jenny Luna, Fragale explores the communication strategies of a likeable badass, from building warmth and assertiveness to authentically connecting with colleagues. Whether you're building relationships in a new company or have been leading one for years, Fragale’s insights will help you command respect while communicating with kindness.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premiumEpisode Reference Links:Alison FragaleAlison’s Book: Likeable BadassJenny LunaEp.12 It's Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It: How To Communicate PowerEp.15 The Art of Negotiation: How to Get More of What You Want Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:21) - Defining Power and Status (05:26) - Why Status Comes Before Power (06:19) - Communication Techniques to Build Status (09:27) - Evaluating Your Habits: Nonverbal and Verbal Cues (11:21) - Mentorship in Developing Communication (13:13) - Adapting to a New Work Culture (18:41) - Representing Difference Without Distance (19:49) - Overcoming Bad First Impressions (21:47) - The Final Three Question (25:32) - Conclusion *****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.Support Think Fast Talk Smart by joining TFTS Premium.
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    27 mins
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