Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
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Meetings are a necessary part of work. But for many people, they’re also a major source of frustration. According to Rebecca Hinds https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/rebecca-hinds/, meetings don’t have to feel like a drain—better meetings start when we stop treating them as a default and start designing them with intention. Hinds is the author of https://fastersmarter.io/your-best-meeting-ever and a future-of-work expert who founded the Work Innovation Lab at Asana and the Work AI Institute at Glean. She argues that the problem isn’t meetings themselves, but the sheer number of poorly designed ones, and by being more thoughtful about what actually deserves synchronous time, teams can redesign how they communicate in the workplace “Meetings are the most important product in our entire organization, and yet they’re also the least optimized,” she says. “The first step is recognizing we need to be much more intentional about how we're designing meetings.” In this episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/, Hinds and host Matt Abrahams discuss why meetings so often go wrong—and what it takes to make them work. Whether you’re leading a team, trying to protect focus time, or simply hoping to spend less of your week in calendar invites, Hinds offers practical frameworks for designing meetings with purpose so they become a tool people actually value. https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/ EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (01:42) - Why Meetings Feel Broken (02:57) - The Default-To-Meeting Problem (03:50) - Treat Meetings Like A Product (05:10) - Meeting Doomsday Reset (06:40) - The 4-DCEO Test (08:43) - Designing Better Meetings (10:05) - Creating a Meeting Agenda (12:58) - Context And Meeting Fatigue (14:06) - Memo-First Meetings (16:11) - The Final Three Questions __ ******** 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 sponsored by STRAWBERRY.ME. https://strawberry.me/quiz?isDirect=1&promotionCode=tfts&utm_source=tfts GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST COACHING SESSION TODAY AT STRAWBERRY.ME/TFTS https://strawberry.me/quiz?isDirect=1&promotionCode=tfts&utm_source=tfts JOIN OUR THINK FAST TALK SMART LEARNING COMMUNITY AND BECOME THE COMMUNICATOR YOU WANT TO BE. https://learning.fastersmarter.io/?redirect_from=podpage
Finding meaning and purpose in life isn’t about having all the answers. For Bill Burnett https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/bill-burnett/ and Dave Evans, https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/dave-evans/ it’s about having the courage and curiosity to constantly engage with the questions. As designers, Burnett and Evans have careers spanning everything from academia to companies like Apple, Electronic Arts, and Hasbro. But beyond fashioning better products and user experiences, they’ve also put their expertise toward the transcendent, writing several books about designing and living lives filled with meaning and purpose. “Compasses say North, not Seattle,” says Evans, highlighting how many mistakenly think of purpose as a single destination. “We're all a dynamic, flowing, constantly changing thing. So how could a changing thing have one static right answer?” Instead, he and Burnett maintain that meaning is more about “going the right direction, not [finding] the right destination.” In this episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/, Burnett and Evans join host Matt Abrahams to explore their strategies for leading a purposeful life. Rather than “rehearsing [an] answer,” their method involves “living [a] question” — embracing curiosity and designing a life through dialogue with ourselves and with others. https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/ EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (01:02) - Meaning & Purpose as a Direction (01:42) - Coherence & Living in Alignment (02:23) - Design Thinking for Life Decisions (03:56) - Prototyping Conversations (05:29) - Odyssey Plans: Three Possible Futures (07:33) - The Four Elements of Meaning (09:22) - Wonder Glasses: Shifting Perspective (10:48) - Transactional vs. Flow World (12:36) - How to Build a Formative Community (13:59) - The Practice-to-Production Trap (15:07) - The Final Three Questions __
“We’re just so busy right now” is one of the most common reasons cultures don’t change — and it’s exactly what Megan Reitz https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/megan-reitz/ set out to understand. In her research, she describes two modes of attention at work: doing mode, where focus narrows to tasks, control, and quick progress, and spacious mode, where attention expands, insight emerges, and real connection becomes possible. Reitz is a leadership researcher whose work explores how people speak up, listen well, and create environments where others can be heard — because, as she puts it, “how you show up affects the voices of the people around you.” When teams are anxious or rushed, attention tightens and listening gets shallow; when there’s more safety and space, people can pause, widen their perspective, and make better choices together. In this Quick Thinks episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/, Reitz and host Matt Abrahams discuss why organizations get stuck in doing mode and what it takes to build spacious agility. They share practical ways to name spaciousness, strengthen psychological safety, introduce healthy dissonance (even through assigned roles like devil’s advocate), and respond in ways that keep people speaking up — not shutting down. EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (02:10) - Doing Mode vs. Spacious Mode (02:13) - Building Agility Between Modes (13:10) - Creating Psychological Safety __ ******** 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 https://get.babbel.com/eg_podcast_flags_ame_usa-en?bsc=podcast-thinkfast&btp=default&utm_campaign=podcast-thinkfast&utm_content=podcast..thinkfast..usa..internal&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=thinkfast&utm_term=generic_v1. THINK FAST TALK SMART LISTENERS CAN GET STARTED ON YOUR LANGUAGE LEARNING JOURNEY TODAY- VISIT BABBEL.COM/THINKFAST http://babbel.com/Thinkfast AND GET UP TO 55% OFF YOUR BABBEL https://get.babbel.com/eg_podcast_flags_ame_usa-en?bsc=podcast-thinkfast&btp=default&utm_campaign=podcast-thinkfast&utm_content=podcast..thinkfast..usa..internal&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=thinkfast&utm_term=generic_v1 SUBSCRIPTION. JOIN OUR THINK FAST TALK SMART LEARNING COMMUNITY AND BECOME THE COMMUNICATOR YOU WANT TO BE. https://learning.fastersmarter.io/?redirect_from=podpage
Speak out, listen up — these are Megan Reitz’s https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/megan-reitz/core pillars of workplace communication. According to her, healthy organizations are only possible when everyone can say what they think, and they know they’ll be heard. Reitz is an academic and author whose work focuses on creating workplaces where all voices are heard and valued. Her latest book, https://www.fastersmarter.io/speak-out-listen-up, explores the power dynamics that shape our communication at work and beyond. “Conversational habits define organizational success and our capacity to flourish,” she says. “Ethical conduct depends on what we're able to say and what we aren't, and whether we're heard or not. Innovation depends on our capacity to speak up, challenge, and disrupt, and whether that is heard or not. And of course, our engagement and our ability to perform depends on a feeling that our opinion is valued and that we're respected.” In this episode of , https://www.fastersmarter.io/ Reitz and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to create workplaces where every voice is heard. From her T.R.U.T.H. framework (trust, risk, understanding, titles, and how-to) to the pitfalls of communicational power dynamics, Reitz’s insights reveal why healthy organizations are only possible when we all speak out and listen up. EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (02:21) - The TRUTH Framework (05:32) - Status, Titles, and Voice (09:21) - Power Traps For Leaders (14:06) - Mindful Leadership = Habit Change (18:35) - The Final Three Questions __ ******** 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. https://strawberry.me/quiz?isDirect=1&promotionCode=smart&utm_source=smart GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST COACHING SESSION TODAY AT STRAWBERRY.ME/SMART https://strawberry.me/quiz?isDirect=1&promotionCode=smart&utm_source=smart JOIN OUR THINK FAST TALK SMART LEARNING COMMUNITY AND BECOME THE COMMUNICATOR YOU WANT TO BE. https://learning.fastersmarter.io/?redirect_from=podpage
The greatest communicators aren’t always great from the start. As Lerone Martin https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/lerone-martin/ knows, even the great Martin Luther King Jr. had to practice before he could persuade. Martin is the Martin Luther King Jr. Centennial Professor at Stanford, and as director of the King Research and Education Institute, he has spent years studying how King developed his brilliant communication that continues to captivate audiences to this day. “This is a skill that Martin developed over years,” Martin says. “There are stories of him practicing in the mirror... And I think it speaks to us about how we can develop this skill over time.” In this episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/, Martin and host Matt Abrahams unpack the techniques behind King's legendary speeches, from the musicality of his voice to his use of repetition and narrative structure. Whether you’re preparing a speech or building conversation skills, Martin highlights King’s example to show that great communication isn’t always born — it’s built. https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/ EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (02:50) - Why MLK Was So Compelling (04:17) - MLK’s Early Speaking Struggles (05:49) - How MLK Practiced and Improved (06:44) - Favorite MLK Speech (07:58) - “I Have A Dream” and Prepared Spontaneity (10:03) - MLK’s Core Techniques (13:01) - Repetition, Rhythm, and Momentum (15:30) - Conviction vs. Performative Messaging (19:00) - The Final Three Questions __ ******** THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY GRAMMARLY. LET GRAMMARLY TAKE THE BUSYWORK OFF YOUR PLATE SO YOU CAN FOCUS ON HIGH-IMPACT WORK. DOWNLOAD GRAMMARLY FOR FREE TODAY https://www.grammarly.com/?utm_campaign=arm&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=podcast&utm_content=directpodcasts JOIN OUR THINK FAST TALK SMART LEARNING COMMUNITY AND BECOME THE COMMUNICATOR YOU WANT TO BE. https://learning.fastersmarter.io/?redirect_from=podpage
Can kindness be a company’s competitive advantage? Bonnie Hayden Cheng https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/bonnie-hayden-cheng/ says yes — and she’s got a business metric to prove it: return on kindness. Cheng is a professor of management at City University of Hong Kong who researches how workplace behaviors affect interpersonal dynamics and well-being. In her book, https://fastersmarter.io/the-return-on-kindness, she explores how organizations that foster a culture of kindness see a measurable ROK — one marked by a more committed, more productive, and less expensive workforce. “Organizations that have this kind of culture around acts of civic virtue, helping, or showing support for people, those end up having employees that want to stay, are less likely to call in sick, are more committed, their performance goes up,” she says. “There's also benefits for the company in terms of higher productivity and efficiency, and even lower costs.” In this episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/, Cheng and host Matt Abrahams explore how to build cultures of kindness — from Cheng’s RISE framework for kind leadership to why candor and compassion go hand-in-hand. Whether you're leading a team or simply trying to show up better for your colleagues, Cheng offers a compelling case for measuring what really matters: the return on kindness. EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (00:50) - What Is Kind Leadership? (02:52) - The RISE Framework (05:27) - Everyone Can Be a Leader (06:46) - Kindness vs. Niceness (09:15) - Kindness and Candor (10:47) - Communicating Kindness (12:46) - The Power of Tone and Pause (15:03) - Building a Culture of Kindness (17:15) - Protecting Kindness in Organizations (18:33) - The Final Three Questions __
What separates communicators who clarify from those who confuse? The ability to “Simplify complexity,” says Adam Bryant https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/adam-bryant/. “I don't think you can be an effective leader if you can't do that.” Bryant is a senior managing director at the ExCo Group and former New York Times journalist who interviewed over 500 CEOs for his renowned Corner Office column. Through those conversations, he identified a pattern: the best communicators turn complexity into clarity. For Bryant, that means checking your own expertise, considering not whether something makes sense to you, but whether it makes sense to someone else. “Empathy [is] a component of communication,” he says, “to be an effective communicator, you have to be able to get in the head of the audience.” In this episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/, Bryant and host Matt Abrahams explore the keys to clear communication, from simplifying (without oversimplifying) to repeating messages until people can recite them back. Whether you’re leading a whole company or just one conversation, Bryant’s insights reveal how to communicate complex ideas in ways anyone can understand. https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/ EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (01:10) - Traits of Successful Leaders (03:25) - Communication Mistakes to Avoid (07:22) - Listening as a Leadership Skill (10:42) - Simplifying Complex Ideas (14:18) - How to Capture Attention (16:58) - Leading Life with Curiosity (18:22) - The Final Three Question __
Talking about money is taboo for many people. But according to Wendy De La Rosa https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/wendy-de-la-rosa/, financial well-being only starts when we break the silence around finance. De La Rosa is a professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and a co-founder of the Common Cents Lab, an initiative aiming to increase financial well-being for low- to moderate-income people. For many, she says, shame keeps us silent about money. “Shame is paralyzing, and more than any other negative emotion, [it] leads us to ignore,” she says. But when it comes to financial well-being, ignoring our finances is the last thing we should do. Instead, De La Rosa advocates for open discussion. “Talk about finances,” she says. “How did you ask for a raise? What are you getting paid right now? These are important conversations that help everybody.” In this episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/, De La Rosa and host Matt Abrahams explore how to have more open, productive conversations about finances. Whether you're a manager thinking about employee financial wellness or trying to broach a difficult topic with a partner or friend, De La Rosa offers practical strategies for breaking through the taboo around money. https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/ EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ 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. This episode is brought to you by BABBEL https://get.babbel.com/eg_podcast_flags_ame_usa-en?bsc=podcast-thinkfast&btp=default&utm_campaign=podcast-thinkfast&utm_content=podcast..thinkfast..usa..internal&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=thinkfast&utm_term=generic_v1. THINK FAST TALK SMART LISTENERS CAN GET STARTED ON YOUR LANGUAGE LEARNING JOURNEY TODAY- VISIT BABBEL.COM/THINKFAST http://babbel.com/Thinkfast AND GET UP TO 55% OFF YOUR BABBEL https://get.babbel.com/eg_podcast_flags_ame_usa-en?bsc=podcast-thinkfast&btp=default&utm_campaign=podcast-thinkfast&utm_content=podcast..thinkfast..usa..internal&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=thinkfast&utm_term=generic_v1 SUBSCRIPTION. JOIN OUR THINK FAST TALK SMART LEARNING COMMUNITY AND BECOME THE COMMUNICATOR YOU WANT TO BE. https://learning.fastersmarter.io/?redirect_from=podpage
The most transformative communication insights are the ones we actually remember to use. That’s why host Matt Abrahams is taking stock of his favorite communication tips from this year, so we can carry them into the next. In this annual https://www.fastersmarter.io/ tradition, Abrahams shares his top 10 communication insights from guests over the past year, from facilitating connection through Gina Bianchini's https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/gina-bianchini/ "proactive serendipity” to Jenn Wynn’s https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/jenn-wynn/ use of dialogue as a gateway to synergy. Whether you're looking to build trust, boost productivity, or speak more spontaneously, this year’s top 10 insights offer a reminder of all we’ve learned this year — and a roadmap for better communication in the year ahead. EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (02:21) - Facilitation and Productive Serendipity (03:56) - Toxic vs. Healthy Productivity (06:19) - Dialogue as the Path to Synergy (08:51) - How Actions Build Trust (10:17) - Communication as an Unselfish Act (12:12) - Be Present and Prepare to Be Spontaneous (14:17) - Why Memorable Words Matter (17:32) - Persuasion and Identity (19:21) - Finding Meaning Through Purpose (21:16) - Listening to Negative Emotions __ ******** 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. https://strawberry.me/quiz?isDirect=1&promotionCode=smart&utm_source=smart GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST COACHING SESSION TODAY AT STRAWBERRY.ME/SMART https://strawberry.me/quiz?isDirect=1&promotionCode=smart&utm_source=smart
As communicators, we often need to take complex information (e.g., financial, technical, or scientific) and make it more understandable for our audience – we’re experts and they likely aren’t. But having so much knowledge on the topics we discuss can often make the job more difficult: we dive in too quickly, forget about our audience's needs, or use jargon that goes over their heads. In this episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/ strategic communications lecturers Matt Abrahams and Lauren Weinstein https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/lauren-weinstein/ explore the “curse of knowledge” and offer specific techniques you can use to be more successful in getting your point across. EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (02:35) - Where Complexity Breaks Down (03:48) - Start With the Audience (04:50) - The Power of Analogy (07:51) - The “Chunking” Technique (09:46) - Make Data Relatable (11:56) - The Final Three Question __ ******** 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 https://get.babbel.com/eg_podcast_flags_ame_usa-en?bsc=podcast-thinkfast&btp=default&utm_campaign=podcast-thinkfast&utm_content=podcast..thinkfast..usa..internal&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=thinkfast&utm_term=generic_v1. THINK FAST TALK SMART LISTENERS CAN GET STARTED ON YOUR LANGUAGE LEARNING JOURNEY TODAY- VISIT BABBEL.COM/THINKFAST http://babbel.com/Thinkfast AND GET UP TO 55% OFF YOUR BABBEL https://get.babbel.com/eg_podcast_flags_ame_usa-en?bsc=podcast-thinkfast&btp=default&utm_campaign=podcast-thinkfast&utm_content=podcast..thinkfast..usa..internal&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=thinkfast&utm_term=generic_v1 SUBSCRIPTION. JOIN OUR THINK FAST TALK SMART LEARNING COMMUNITY AND BECOME THE COMMUNICATOR YOU WANT TO BE. https://learning.fastersmarter.io/?redirect_from=podpage
Effective communication isn't about perfecting your performance. According to Dr. Kate Mason https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/dr-kate-mason/, it's about being powerfully present. Mason is a world champion debater, executive communication coach, and author of the book https://www.fastersmarter.io/powerfully-likeable. In her work coaching senior executives to communicate more effectively, she emphasizes that it’s not about creating a performative persona, it’s about uncovering the authentic communicator you already are. “The coaching is just bringing the real parts of you to the fore,” she says, “uncovering rather than totally building from scratch. A lot of people come to me and say, I need to be more warm or more . And I say, I'm not gonna help you be more warm if that's not what's coming naturally to you. I am gonna help you work out the thing you're already doing, the thing you're already saying, how to make that comfortable for people around you.” In this episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/, Mason and host Matt Abrahams discuss strategies for more present communication. From avoiding "imposing syndrome” to reducing “the delta between your real self and that corporate persona,” Mason's insights explore how we can bring more of our true selves to the table. https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/ EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (02:32) - Why Confidence Is the Wrong Goal (03:55) - Bridging Your Real and Work Selves (05:27) - What Is Imposing Syndrome? (07:01) - Catching Yourself Shrinking (08:58) - Rethinking Imposter Syndrome (10:15) - Assertive vs. Agreeable (12:40) - Naming Your Communication Style (15:38) - What You Say vs. How You Show Up (17:43) - Body Language That Signals Openness (19:04) - Executive Messaging Lessons (22:01) - The Final Three Questions __ ******** Thank you to our sponsors. THESE PARTNERSHIPS SUPPORT THE ONGOING PRODUCTION OF THE PODCAST, ALLOWING US TO BRING IT TO YOU AT NO COST. Go to QUINCE.COM/THINKFAST https://www.quince.com/women/best-sellers?utm_source=veritone&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thinkfast FOR FREE SHIPPING ON YOUR ORDER AND 365-DAY RETURNS. JOIN OUR THINK FAST TALK SMART LEARNING COMMUNITY AND BECOME THE COMMUNICATOR YOU WANT TO BE. https://learning.fastersmarter.io/?redirect_from=podpage
Some of the most meaningful shifts in how we communicate come from the moments that challenge us the most. In this special 250th episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/, Matt Abrahams reflects on the insights that have shown him how conflict can become a catalyst for clarity, connection, and even compassion. From Amy Gallo’s https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/amy-gallo/ reminder that the “right kind of conflict” leads to better outcomes to Jenn Wynn’s https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/jenn-wynn/ framework for calming our nervous system before stepping into a hard conversation and Julia Minson’s https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/julia-minson/ HEAR method for signaling genuine curiosity, each tool helps turn tension into understanding for every stage of conflict. And with Joseph Grenny’s https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/joseph-grenny/ guidance on noticing when our motives shift from problem-solving to winning, this episode highlights how self-awareness can reset even the toughest moments. Whether you’re navigating workplace disagreements or everyday friction at home, this milestone episode offers practical ways to make difficult dialogue feel less daunting — and a real opportunity to communicate better. EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ MUSIC FROM BLUE DOT SESSIONS: Etude 3 Chessanta https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/353731 Etude 1 Cherub https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/353735 Etude 12 Taminy https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/353736 Ojufemi https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/353732 Cloud Cannon https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/353733 The Caspian Sea https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/353734 Doghouse https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/353737 An Opus in Ab https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/353738 First Results https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/353739 Cach PKL https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/353740 Tenaway https://app.sessions.blue/browse/track/353741 CONNECT: __ __ TIMED LINKS: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (03:36) - Why Conflict Is Necessary (04:35) - Transforming Unproductive Conflict (05:23) - Inner Experience of Difficult Conversations (06:19) - Self-Awareness, Pause, Reframe (08:26) - Four Questions For Understanding (11:45) - Acting Curious vs. Feeling Curious (14:01) - The HEAR Framework (18:22) - Humility & Willingness To Be Wrong (19:53) - Practice & Repetition (21:20) - Acknowledging Motives (22:34) - Two Questions to Reset Motives (24:28) - Bringing the Frameworks Together (25:54) - What Really Matters __ ******** Thank you to our sponsors. THESE PARTNERSHIPS SUPPORT THE ONGOING PRODUCTION OF THE PODCAST, ALLOWING US TO BRING IT TO YOU AT NO COST. Go to QUINCE.COM/THINKFAST https://www.quince.com/women/best-sellers?utm_source=veritone&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thinkfast FOR FREE SHIPPING ON YOUR ORDER AND 365-DAY RETURNS. JOIN OUR THINK FAST TALK SMART LEARNING COMMUNITY AND BECOME THE COMMUNICATOR YOU WANT TO BE. https://learning.fastersmarter.io/?redirect_from=podpage
Strong collaboration starts with thoughtful practices and clear communication. As Molly Sands https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/molly-sands/, Head of the Teamwork Lab at Atlassian, emphasizes, the teams that thrive are the ones that regularly pause to align on what matters and how they’re progressing. “You want to know if you’re making progress,” she notes, “and you want ways to redirect early—before you’re scrambling at the end.” Through her research with teams across Atlassian and around the world, Sands has seen how small, consistent habits—monthly goal reviews, transparent updates, shared spaces for spontaneous interaction—build alignment, psychological safety, and momentum. And in hybrid and distributed environments, she highlights how “bursty” collaboration patterns and intentional meeting design help teams move faster without burning out. In this Quick Thinks episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/, Sands and host Matt Abrahams break down the rituals that make teamwork work, from OKR check-ins to collaboration hours to the rotating Chief Vibes Officer. No matter where your team sits, Sands shows how intentional communication unlocks connection, speed, and more satisfying ways of working together. EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (02:43) - Measuring Collaboration the Right Way (05:35) - Training Leaders & Goal Rituals (07:49) - Creating Space for Spontaneous Work (11:20) - Making In-Person Time Count (11:44) - Three High-Impact Team Gatherings (14:00) - Supporting Diverse Communication Styles __ ******** Thank you to our sponsors. THESE PARTNERSHIPS SUPPORT THE ONGOING PRODUCTION OF THE PODCAST, ALLOWING US TO BRING IT TO YOU AT NO COST. Go to QUINCE.COM/THINKFAST https://www.quince.com/women/best-sellers?utm_source=veritone&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thinkfast FOR FREE SHIPPING ON YOUR ORDER AND 365-DAY RETURNS. JOIN OUR THINK FAST TALK SMART LEARNING COMMUNITY AND BECOME THE COMMUNICATOR YOU WANT TO BE. https://learning.fastersmarter.io/?redirect_from=podpage
To collaborate, we have to communicate. As Molly Sands https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/molly-sands/ knows, “The more that we can get on the same page, the more effective we are.” Sands is a behavioral scientist and the head of the Teamwork Lab at Atlassian, where she researches how teams can collaborate more effectively and efficiently, especially in distributed and hybrid work environments. As she’s seen in her research and within her own team, “People can accomplish a lot more together when they work well together.” The key to unlocking that potential lies in communication that aligns people not just in their activity, but in their deeper goals and vision. “The best work happens when you start by asking why,” she says, “getting people to really understand: why is this a problem, why do we wanna solve it, and how are we uniquely positioned to do that? The more that we can map this out together, the more effective our teams tend to be.” In this episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/, Sands and host Matt Abrahams discuss strategies for effective collaboration, from “page-led” meetings and asynchronous video messages to using AI as a collaborator. Whether your team is working face-to-face or across time zones, Sands’ insights show how better communication is the key to better collaboration. EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (02:32) - How the Teamwork Lab Works (04:03) - Top Challenges for Teams (04:37) - Clarifying Goals & Alignment (07:19) - AI as a Collaborative Partner (09:25) - Atlassian’s AI Onboarding Buddy (12:49) - Rethinking Meetings (15:58) - Three Types of Work Time (17:17) - Replacing Meetings with Asynchronous Video (20:02) - The Final Three Questions __ ******** THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY GRAMMARLY. LET GRAMMARLY TAKE THE BUSYWORK OFF YOUR PLATE SO YOU CAN FOCUS ON HIGH-IMPACT WORK. DOWNLOAD GRAMMARLY FOR FREE TODAY https://www.grammarly.com/?utm_campaign=arm&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=podcast&utm_content=directpodcasts JOIN OUR THINK FAST TALK SMART LEARNING COMMUNITY AND BECOME THE COMMUNICATOR YOU WANT TO BE. https://learning.fastersmarter.io/?redirect_from=podpage
Technology promises many things, but few experiments illustrate its potential more vividly than a coach in conversation with his own digital counterpart. In this episode, Matt Abrahams introduces two new AI-powered tools from the Think Fast Talk Smart Online Learning Community: Coach Matt and Chat Matt. Trained on years of Matt’s communication teachings and podcast insights, these digital counterparts offer a rare opportunity to watch human expertise meet machine-driven guidance in real time. Coach Matt begins by addressing a familiar tension: the surge of anxiety that surfaces before high-stakes speaking moments. His approach reframes that nervousness as a form of future-focused energy that can be redirected toward curiosity and clarity. He also introduces the “What–So What–Now What” framework, a simple but powerful method for giving feedback that remains constructive, direct, and grounded in shared purpose. Chat Matt then steps into the conversation, tackling the challenge of crafting a compelling proposal in just two minutes. Its responses reveal how AI can quickly synthesize communication principles while also highlighting the evolving space where human nuance and digital precision intersect. By pairing Matt Abrahams with his own digital counterparts, this episode of Think Fast Talk Smarts explores the future of communication learning—one where technology doesn’t replace the coach, but expands the possibilities for insight, clarity, and confident expression. EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (03:13) - Introducing Coach Matt and Chat Matt (04:14) - Coach Matt: Speaking Anxiety (06:14) - Reframing Nervousness (07:14) - Constructive Feedback Framework (08:33) - Testing Communication Advice (10:07) - Chat Matt: High-Stakes Presenting (13:59) - Strengthening a Two-Minute Proposal __ ******** Thank you to our sponsors. THESE PARTNERSHIPS SUPPORT THE ONGOING PRODUCTION OF THE PODCAST, ALLOWING US TO BRING IT TO YOU AT NO COST. Go to QUINCE.COM/THINKFAST https://www.quince.com/women/best-sellers?utm_source=veritone&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=thinkfast FOR FREE SHIPPING ON YOUR ORDER AND 365-DAY RETURNS. JOIN OUR THINK FAST TALK SMART LEARNING COMMUNITY AND BECOME THE COMMUNICATOR YOU WANT TO BE. https://learning.fastersmarter.io/?redirect_from=podpage
Community and communication go hand-in-hand. For Sandy Pentland https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/alex-sandy-pentland/, the culture and cohesion of any group “has to do with the stories [people] tell each other.” Pentland is a professor at MIT, where he helped create and direct the MIT Media Lab. As a pioneer in computational social science, he’s using data to map social networks and decode communication. In his latest book, , he explores the interplay between human culture, technological development, and societal change — arguing that communication is the tool that enables groups to achieve these advancements and to cohere throughout them. “Stories are the stuff of culture,” he says. “Sharing stories educates the community… defining the worldview and culture of that group.” In this episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/, Pentland and host Matt Abrahams explore what our communication patterns reveal about group dynamics and organizational health. From the “honest signals” in our interactions to strategies for strengthening remote work connections, Pentland shares how better communication can fuel more connected communities. EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (02:21) - Honest Signals & Human Behavior (04:14) - The Sociometric Badge Research (05:44) - Human Connection in Remote Work (07:01) - Organizations as Networks (09:33) - How Ideas Spread in Groups (12:44) - Bringing the Right People Together (14:12) - Stories as Cultural DNA (16:55) - The Final Three Questions __ ******** 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. https://strawberry.me/quiz?isDirect=1&promotionCode=smart&utm_source=smart GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST COACHING SESSION TODAY AT STRAWBERRY.ME/SMART https://strawberry.me/quiz?isDirect=1&promotionCode=smart&utm_source=smart
“We can resolve any conflict,” says Dr. Deepak Chopra https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/dr-deepak-chopra/. All it takes is what he calls “conscious communication.” Chopra is a physician, a leading authority on integrative wellbeing, and the author of over 97 books. His “conscious communication” approach puts presence at the center of all meaningful interactions — bringing together attention, affection, appreciation, and acceptance. When applied to conflicts, his approach turns adversaries into collaborators, leading to what he calls "spiritual solutions" where diverse perspectives and problem-solving lead to better outcomes for all. “We can come up with a creative solution for any adversity,” he says. “All we want is the best outcome for everyone.” In this episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/, Chopra and host Matt Abrahams explore how presence transforms our interactions, why intentions enable us to accomplish more with less effort, and helpful questions to guide difficult conversations. Whether navigating conflict in our professional or personal lives, Chopra’s insights show why the best resolutions come when we stop trying to be right and start trying to understand. EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (02:31) - The Power of Presence (04:17) - Reframing Conflict (10:27) - The Role of Intention (12:27) - DeepakChopra.ai Explained (14:29) - The Final Three Question __ ******** 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. https://strawberry.me/quiz?isDirect=1&promotionCode=smart&utm_source=smart GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST COACHING SESSION TODAY AT STRAWBERRY.ME/SMART https://strawberry.me/quiz?isDirect=1&promotionCode=smart&utm_source=smart
Community isn't just a feel-good buzzword. According to Gina Bianchini https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/gina-bianchini/, it's a catalyst for personal and collective transformation. Bianchini is the CEO and founder of community-building platform, Mighty Networks, and author of the book https://www.fastersmarter.io/purpose-design-a-community. "Community is when people come together, and every single member has something to give and something to receive," she explains. In contrast to the one-directional dynamic of a speaker and their audience or a creator and their following, Bianchini argues that the power of community lies in two-way exchanges, where each member benefits the group and benefits from it. "Community is the single most effective way to get results and transformation you just can't get on your own," she says. In this episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/, Bianchini joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss how to unlock the potential of purposeful communities. She shares strategies for finding your tribe during times of transition, the "people magic” created when we facilitate deep connections, and how creating community enables us to create the world and lives we imagine. https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/ EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (02:17) - Defining Community vs. Audience (04:05) - Community as a Catalyst for Transformation (06:41) - Finding the Right Community (10:29) - The Future Story Framework (13:22) - People Magic & Facilitation (19:07) - The Final Three Questions __ ******** 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. https://strawberry.me/quiz?isDirect=1&promotionCode=smart&utm_source=smart GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST COACHING SESSION TODAY AT STRAWBERRY.ME/SMART https://strawberry.me/quiz?isDirect=1&promotionCode=smart&utm_source=smart
“There’s no difference between the physiological response to something that you’re excited about and something that you’re nervous about or dreading,” says Andrew Huberman, https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/andrew-huberman/associate professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford University. In this https://www.fastersmarter.io/Rethinks episode, we revisit one of our most popular interviews. In it, Huberman, from the wildly popular Huberman Lab Podcast https://hubermanlab.com/, shares his research on the autonomic continuum, a spectrum between states of high alertness or fear all the way down to deep sleep, and shares how to use the system to your advantage. “If people can conceptualize that the anxiety or stress response is the same as the excitement response, they feel different,” Huberman says. EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (02:50) - Stress & the Autonomic Continuum (04:58) - Controlling Alertness & Calmness (08:47) - Movement & Audience Perception (11:12) - Eye Movements for Anxiety Reduction (13:32) - Two Approaches to Managing Stress (18:16) - Preparing for Stress in Advance (20:18) - Effective Virtual Communication (22:20) - The Final Three Questions __ ******** 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. https://strawberry.me/quiz?isDirect=1&promotionCode=smart&utm_source=smart GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST COACHING SESSION TODAY AT STRAWBERRY.ME/SMART https://strawberry.me/quiz?isDirect=1&promotionCode=smart&utm_source=smart
Sometimes the best way to explain an idea is to show it. That’s why Loom was built — to make communication more visual, authentic, and efficient. By combining video, screen sharing, and AI-powered editing, Loom helps teams connect and collaborate asynchronously, no matter where they are. In this episode of the https://www.fastersmarter.io/ Tech Tools miniseries, host Matt Abrahams talks with Joe Thomas https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/joe-thomas/, co-founder and CEO of Loom, now part of Atlassian, about how asynchronous video can make communication clearer, faster, and more personal. They discuss why “show, don’t tell” is such an effective communication principle, how authenticity builds trust, and why recording yourself might be one of the best ways to improve how you communicate. In addition to insight-packed discussions, this miniseries explores innovative tools that enhance the way we communicate and connect. Whether you want to make your presentations more memorable, craft stories that stick, or connect with your audience on a deeper level, these episodes will help you communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact. EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (01:18) - Loom Elevator Pitch (02:27) - Creation of Loom (03:50) - Show, Don’t Tell: Using Video Effectively (09:15) - Favorite Communicator (10:19) - Communication Hack or Tool __ ******* Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. TRY PREZI TODAY AND GET 25% OFF EXCLUSIVELY AT PREZI.COM/THINKFAST http://prezi.com/thinkfast.
They say teamwork makes the dream work. But as Colin Fisher https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/colin-fisher/ knows, unlocking the power of groups requires a specific kind of collective communication. Fisher is an associate professor of organizations and innovation at University College London School of Management and author of https://fastersmarter.io/the-collective-edge/. His research reveals the dichotomy of group dynamics: "Groups can be the pinnacle of human accomplishment," he says. "But groups also have these tendencies to restrict us, to take away our individuality, and to sometimes make us the worst versions of ourselves.” The key, he argues, is fostering communication that maximizes the creative synergy of collaboration while minimizing the pressure to conform. In this episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/, Fisher joins host Matt Abrahams to share evidence-based strategies for effective teamwork, from selecting the ideal group size to fostering psychological safety. Whether with our coworkers, our families, or our friends, Fisher’s insights reveal how collective communication can make or break group success. https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/ EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (02:19) - Advantages and Disadvantages of Groups (03:53) - What Makes Teams Successful (05:37) - The Ideal Group Size (06:33) - Building Psychological Safety (08:49) - Launching a Team for Success (13:10) - Making Meetings More Effective (16:25) - The Final Three Questions __ ******** THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY GRAMMARLY. LET GRAMMARLY TAKE THE BUSYWORK OFF YOUR PLATE SO YOU CAN FOCUS ON HIGH-IMPACT WORK. DOWNLOAD GRAMMARLY FOR FREE TODAY https://www.grammarly.com/?utm_campaign=arm&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=podcast&utm_content=directpodcasts
Achieving what you want in life doesn’t just hinge on what you believe about your future. According to Muriel Wilkins https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/muriel-wilkins/, it has just as much to do with what you believe about your past and present. Wilkins is an executive coach, author, and host of the HBR podcast https://hbr.org/2020/12/podcast-coaching-real-leaders. In her new book, https://fastersmarter.io/leadership-unblocked, she explains how our personal and professional blocks often stem from our own limiting beliefs about ourselves. “A belief is a story that you tell yourself,” she says, “It is the operating principle that is driving your behavior and the decisions you make.” Before we can take actions that will lead us to where we want to go, we have to uncover these hidden beliefs. Otherwise, Wilkins says, “We'll come back right to where we started. It's not just about what we do, it's about what we think about what we do that makes all the difference." In this episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/, Wilkins and host Matt Abrahams explore the three-step process of uncover, unpack, and unblock — Wilkins’ method for identifying limiting beliefs, understanding how they might be shaping our behavior, and updating narratives to align with who we actually want to be. https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/ EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (02:17) - The Seven Limiting Beliefs (04:43) - Three Steps to Becoming Unblocked (07:57) - Rethinking Values and Success (09:12) - Healthy vs. Toxic Productivity (11:56) - The Power of Mindset and Reframing (14:32) - Reverse Engineering Your Goals (17:41) - Managing Emotional Investment (21:21) - The Final Three Question __ ******** 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 https://get.babbel.com/eg_podcast_flags_ame_usa-en?bsc=podcast-thinkfast&btp=default&utm_campaign=podcast-thinkfast&utm_content=podcast..thinkfast..usa..internal&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=thinkfast&utm_term=generic_v1. THINK FAST TALK SMART LISTENERS CAN GET STARTED ON YOUR LANGUAGE LEARNING JOURNEY TODAY- VISIT BABBEL.COM/THINKFAST http://babbel.com/Thinkfast AND GET UP TO 55% OFF YOUR BABBEL https://get.babbel.com/eg_podcast_flags_ame_usa-en?bsc=podcast-thinkfast&btp=default&utm_campaign=podcast-thinkfast&utm_content=podcast..thinkfast..usa..internal&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=thinkfast&utm_term=generic_v1 SUBSCRIPTION.
Meetings are where collaboration happens — but too often, scheduling them feels like the biggest barrier to meaningful connection. That’s why Calendly was created: to simplify scheduling and make time for what truly matters — the conversation itself. In this episode of the https://www.fastersmarter.io/ Tech Tools miniseries, host Matt Abrahams talks with Calendly’s Vice President of Growth, Darren Chait https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/darren-chait/, about how intentional scheduling leads to better communication, stronger relationships, and more productive meetings. They explore how data-driven insights can improve collaboration, reduce burnout, and help teams make every meeting count. In addition to insight-packed discussions, this miniseries explores innovative tools that enhance the way we communicate and connect. Whether you want to make your presentations more memorable, craft stories that stick, or connect with your audience on a deeper level, these episodes will help you communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact. EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (01:12) - Calendly Elevator Pitch (02:47) - The Origin of Calendly (04:44) - The Art of Intentional Scheduling (06:33) - Making Meetings More Effective (07:30) - Favorite Communicator (09:31) - Communication Hack or Tool __ ******* Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. TRY PREZI TODAY AND GET 25% OFF EXCLUSIVELY AT PREZI.COM/THINKFAST http://prezi.com/thinkfast.
Listening isn’t about waiting for your turn to speak — it’s about being present enough to truly hear. In a world full of noise, slowing down to listen can feel like a radical act. Yet it’s in those moments of stillness and attention that real understanding begins. In this special episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/, we explore what it means to “listen up” — to engage with intention, empathy, and curiosity. Along the way, listener questions spark insights on how to slow down fast conversations, apply communication tools in real life, and navigate the nuances of culture and connection. Because better communication doesn’t start with what we say — it starts with what we hear. https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/ EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (02:42) - The Three Ps That Block Good Listening (03:39) - Ace Your Listening: Pace, Space, and Grace (05:59) - Listening Beyond Words: Nonverbal Cues That Matter (06:37) - Listening Through Paraphrasing (08:13) - Practicing Better Listening (09:30) - Choosing the Right Structure for Your Audience (12:55) - Applying Communication Skills Effectively (16:02) - Slowing Down Conversations (20:32) - Practicing and Getting Feedback (23:02) - What’s Next for Think Fast Talk Smart __ ******** 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. https://strawberry.me/quiz?isDirect=1&promotionCode=smart&utm_source=smart GET $50 OFF COACHING TODAY AT STRAWBERRY.ME/SMART https://strawberry.me/quiz?isDirect=1&promotionCode=smart&utm_source=smart
Effective communication isn’t about having all the answers. As Astro Teller https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/astro-teller/ knows, it’s about finding (and sometimes fumbling) your way through the questions. Teller is a computer scientist, entrepreneur, and inventor who serves as Captain of Moonshots at X, Alphabet's Moonshot Factory. In his work leading teams toward audacious solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems, he embraces what he calls “a learning journey,” where being wrong isn’t the end, but the beginning. “As scary as it is to be wrong,” he says, it’s a necessary part of the discovery process. Whether experimenting in the lab or testing our thoughts and opinions in conversation with others, it’s about having the humility and curiosity to face the limits of our understanding. “When do you learn something? You learn something when you have a model about the world, and then you get some data that tells you you're wrong,” he says. “You learn nothing when you're right.” In this episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/, Teller and host Matt Abrahams discuss how embracing uncertainty drives innovation, why leaders should reward learning habits over outcomes, and how we learn the most when we’re not afraid to find that we might be wrong. https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/ EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (02:18) - Defining a Moonshot (04:21) - Building a Learning Machine (07:00) - Learning vs. Productivity (08:35) - Capturing and Sharing Learning (10:49) - Rewarding Habits, Not Outcomes (13:17) - Moonshot Success Stories (16:16) - The Power of Storytelling in Innovation (17:46) - Launching The Moonshot Podcast (19:37) - The Final Three Questions __ ******** 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 https://get.babbel.com/eg_podcast_flags_ame_usa-en?bsc=podcast-thinkfast&btp=default&utm_campaign=podcast-thinkfast&utm_content=podcast..thinkfast..usa..internal&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=thinkfast&utm_term=generic_v1. THINK FAST TALK SMART LISTENERS CAN GET STARTED ON YOUR LANGUAGE LEARNING JOURNEY TODAY- VISIT BABBEL.COM/THINKFAST http://babbel.com/Thinkfast AND GET UP TO 55% OFF YOUR BABBEL https://get.babbel.com/eg_podcast_flags_ame_usa-en?bsc=podcast-thinkfast&btp=default&utm_campaign=podcast-thinkfast&utm_content=podcast..thinkfast..usa..internal&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=thinkfast&utm_term=generic_v1 SUBSCRIPTION. Support Think Fast Talk Smart by JOINING TFTS PREMIUM https://www.fastersmarter.io/p/premium/.
Staying on top of communication starts with staying in control of your inbox. That’s why Rahul Vohra https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/rahul-vohra/, founder and CEO of Superhuman, believes that how we manage email directly shapes how we manage our time, focus, and relationships. For years, Superhuman has helped professionals reach Inbox Zero faster — reducing email overload and reclaiming time for what truly matters. In this episode of the https://www.fastersmarter.io/ Tech Tools miniseries, host Matt Abrahams talks with Vohra about the philosophy behind Inbox Zero, how better systems lead to clearer communication, and why mindfulness and intentional design can make us more effective communicators. In addition to insight-packed discussions, this miniseries explores innovative tools that enhance the way we communicate and connect. Whether you want to make your presentations more memorable, craft stories that stick, or connect with your audience on a deeper level, these episodes will help you communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact. EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (01:18) - The Philosophy Behind Inbox Zero (04:19) - The Superhuman Elevator Pitch (05:50) - The Origin of Superhuman (09:14) - Favorite Communicator (10:17) - Communication Hack or Tool __ ******* Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. TRY PREZI TODAY AND GET 25% OFF EXCLUSIVELY AT PREZI.COM/THINKFAST http://prezi.com/thinkfast.
Communicating can feel daunting at times. What does it take to find your voice in the moments that matter most? As Chiney Ogwumike https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/chiney-ogwumike/ says, “There is freedom on the other side of your fear.” As a professional basketball player, NBA and WNBA analyst for ESPN, and advocate for gender equality in sports, Ogwumike faces many situations where communication is critical. For her, achieving confidence in communication is the same as honing any other skill—embracing failure and refinement through repetition. “The best things in life are things you work out over long periods of time,” she says. “Great people, great communicators, anyone that's working at something, show up each and every day and just chip away, chip away, chip away, until they turn that weakness into a strength.” In this episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/, Ogwumike and host Matt Abrahams discuss how practice and preparation can equip us for better communication, transforming fear into confidence, perfectionism into authenticity, and weakness into strength. https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/ EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (02:20) - Communication on the Court (04:02) - Performing Under Pressure (06:11) - Lessons from Great Coaches (08:21) - Embracing Imperfection and Authenticity (11:43) - Strategies for Effective On-Air Communication (16:16) - The Final Three Questions __ ******** 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. https://strawberry.me/quiz?isDirect=1&promotionCode=smart&utm_source=smart GET $50 OFF COACHING TODAY AT STRAWBERRY.ME/SMART https://strawberry.me/quiz?isDirect=1&promotionCode=smart&utm_source=smart
Good leadership is about good communication. And for General Stanley McChrystal https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/general-stanley-mcch/, that means creating a culture of free-flowing information: “The goal is to have everyone know everything all the time,” he says. McChrystal is a retired four-star general, former commander of US and international forces in Afghanistan, and a renowned leadership expert. In his experience building cohesive teams in complex environments, he’s discovered that successful teams are built on a “shared consciousness [where] all have a common contextual understanding of what the situation is.” The key to creating that kind of culture, he says, is radical transparency — from leaders and subordinates alike. Whatever your position, “You are responsible for informing other people of things that they need to know,” he says. In this episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/, McChrystal and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to build shared consciousness within teams, how to communicate across cultural divides, and how to lead with clarity, context, and character. https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/ EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (01:47) - Building Shared Consciousness (05:57) - Leading Across Differences (07:37) - Delivering Difficult News (10:02) - Communicating in a Virtual World (16:01) - Character as an Iterative Practice (18:11) - The Final Three Questions __ ******** THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY GRAMMARLY. LET GRAMMARLY TAKE THE BUSYWORK OFF YOUR PLATE SO YOU CAN FOCUS ON HIGH-IMPACT WORK. DOWNLOAD GRAMMARLY FOR FREE TODAY https://www.grammarly.com/?utm_campaign=arm&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=podcast&utm_content=directpodcasts Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by JOINING TFTS PREMIUM https://www.fastersmarter.io/p/premium/.
Clarity is the cornerstone of great communication—but turning your thoughts into words isn’t always simple. That’s why Grammarly exists: to help you express yourself with confidence and precision, no matter the context. For over a decade, Grammarly has helped millions of people improve their writing, from everyday emails to high-stakes professional communications. In this episode of the https://www.fastersmarter.io/ Tech Tools miniseries, host Matt Abrahams talks with Grammarly co-founder Max Lytvyn https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/max-lytvyn/ about the origins of the tool, how AI is shaping the future of writing, and why starting with your goal is the key to effective communication. In addition to insight-packed discussions, this miniseries explores innovative tools that enhance the way we communicate and connect. Whether you want to make your presentations more memorable, craft stories that stick, or connect with your audience on a deeper level, these episodes will help you communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact. EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (01:14) - The Origins of Grammarly (02:50) - Grammarly Elevator Structure (04:54) - Lessons on Improving Writing (07:11) - Favorite Communicator (08:08) - Communication Hack or Tool __ ******* Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. TRY PREZI TODAY AND GET 25% OFF EXCLUSIVELY AT PREZI.COM/THINKFAST http://prezi.com/thinkfast.
Whether presenting to millions on live television or talking to just one person, Dan Harris https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/dan-harris/ knows that the quality of every interaction depends on the presence you bring to it. Harris is a former national news anchor for ABC News and is now the host of the 10% Happier podcast and author of http://fastersmarter.io/10-percent-happier and https://fastersmarter.io/meditation-for-fidgety-skeptics. As he knows from experience, there’s power in “Waking up to something fundamental, that the mind is out of control, and you don't want to be owned by it.” How do we break the pattern of being controlled by our thoughts? Mindfulness and self-awareness, he says, put “distance” between us and our “thoughts and urges and emotions,” enabling us to connect with ourselves and others with greater consciousness and clarity. In this episode of https://www.fastersmarter.io/, Harris and host Matt Abrahams discuss how mindfulness can transform our communication, sharing strategies for deeper listening, responding versus reacting, and reflecting what others say back to them. “Relationships are the most important aspect of your happiness,” Harris says. The quality of those connections goes up when “you’re “less stuck in your own head.” EPISODE REFERENCE LINKS: __ __ CONNECT: __ __ CHAPTERS: __ (00:00) - Introduction (01:51) - On-Air Panic Attack (02:59) - Managing Communication Anxiety (04:01) - Nervousness Before Live Audiences (05:48) - Meditation Misconceptions (09:36) - Responding vs. Reacting (12:07) - Mindfulness & Productivity (15:11) - Lessons from Interviewing (17:19) - The Final Three Question __ ******** 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. https://strawberry.me/quiz?isDirect=1&promotionCode=smart&utm_source=smart GET $50 OFF COACHING TODAY AT STRAWBERRY.ME/SMART https://strawberry.me/quiz?isDirect=1&promotionCode=smart&utm_source=smart
