Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

• 196. Ditch the Dictionary: Communicate Confidently Through Connection

  Communication isn’t about perfect word choice, it’s about connecting with others.For native speakers and language learners alike, communicating comes with all kinds of challenges. But no matter how much we stumble over our words, Lindsay McMahon says communication isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection.The CEO and founder of All Ears English and host of the All Ears English podcast, McMahon is on a mission to help non-native English speakers around the world hone their ability to communicate and connect. Whether you’re forming your first sentences in a new language or giving a presentation in the language you’ve spoken your whole life, “It's about human connection,” she says. “What really matters is are we connecting to our audience… the human being[s] in front of us?”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, McMahon joins host Matt Abrahams to explore strategies for improving our communication — not by finding the right words, but by finding the right mindset. From active listening and cultural awareness to quieting nerves and building confidence, McMahon's practical approaches help communicators connect more authentically in any language or context.Episode Reference Links:Lindsay McMahon All Ears English Ep.8 Don't Get Lost in Translation: How Non-Native Speakers Can Communicate With Confidence 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 >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:44) - Common Challenges for English Learners (03:09) - Overcoming the Confidence Catch-22 (05:00) - Communication Lessons from CEOs (05:48) - The Art of Listening (07:35) - Idioms and Hidden Meanings (08:53) - Context Shapes Communication (10:40) - Cultural Analogies and Miscommunication (11:46) - Entering a New Role or Culture (14:05) - Immersive Language Learning (17:20) - The Final Three Questions (21:39) - Conclusion *****Stay Informed on Stanford's world changing research by signing up for the Stanford ReportJoin our upcoming 200th episode live event April 14 & 15Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.    

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• 195. Q&A on Conflict, Confidence, and Connection: Me2We 2025 Part 2

  Stanford experts answer live questions on leadership, authenticity, and communication.What happens when four top Stanford thinkers take live questions from a room full of leaders? In Part 2 of this special Think Fast, Talk Smart series from the Stanford LEAD Me2We Conference, Matt Abrahams and his panel of expert GSB faculty—Allison Kluger, Naomi Bagdonas, Christian Wheeler, and Nir Halevy—answer questions from a live audience. They cover real-world challenges around leadership, authenticity, psychological safety, and managing your reputation in complex environments. With honest reflections and actionable advice, their answers offer a candid look at what it takes to lead with intention while staying true to yourself.Episode Reference Links:Allison Kluger Book Allison Contributed to:  Brand Up Naomi Bagdonas Nir Halevy Christian Wheeler Ep.2 Communicating Our Multiple Selves: How to Effectively Manage Your Reputation Ep.13 Make ’Em Laugh: How to Use Humor as a Secret Weapon in Your Communication Ep.30 Dissolve Disagreements: How Communication Impacts Conflict Ep.18 Managing in the Moment: How to Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable 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 >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:16) - Bridging Political Divides (05:29) - Navigating Confidence and Context (07:34) - Rethinking Leadership and Reputation (12:18) - Conclusion *****Stay Informed on Stanford's world changing research by signing up for the Stanford ReportJoin our upcoming 200th episode live event April 14 & 15Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.    

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• 194. Live Lessons in Levity and Leadership: Me2We 2025 Part 1

  Effective leadership begins with the way you communicate.Leading with impact isn’t about speaking louder—it’s about communicating in ways that resonate with what people already value. In Part 1 of this special two-part series from the Stanford LEAD Me2We Conference, Matt Abrahams brings together four expert GSB faculty—Allison Kluger, Nir Halevy, Christian Wheeler, and Naomi Bagdonas—to explore how to lead and communicate with intention. They share how authenticity builds trust, why discomfort is essential for growth, how to design space for serendipity, and the role AI can play in expanding—not replacing—human potential. From managing reputation to staying present in high-pressure moments, this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart offers insights to help leaders connect more effectively, show up with purpose, and inspire meaningful action.Episode Reference Links:Allison Kluger Book Allison Contributed to:  Brand Up Naomi Bagdonas Nir Halevy Christian Wheeler  Learn more about the Stanford Lead Program  Ep.2 Communicating Our Multiple Selves: How to Effectively Manage Your Reputation Ep.13 Make ’Em Laugh: How to Use Humor as a Secret Weapon in Your Communication Ep.30 Dissolve Disagreements: How Communication Impacts Conflict Ep.18 Managing in the Moment: How to Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable 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 >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (03:33) - Managing Reputation and Authentic Communication (05:35) - Leadership Pluralism and Team Culture (07:35) - Discomfort, Growth, and Distraction (11:59) - Guiding Principles and the Serendipity Fund (14:34) - Using AI in Teaching and Research (21:55) - Fixing Hierarchies with CPR (23:50) - Authenticity, Humor Styles, and Human Flourishing (26:39) - Executive Presence and Owning the Room (29:28) - Writing Better Titles and Facilitating Interactions (31:21) - Conclusion *****Stay Informed on Stanford's world changing research by signing up for the Stanford ReportJoin our upcoming 200th episode live event April 14 & 15Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.    

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• 193. Conquer questions: ADDing Value To Your Answers

  Turn Q&A from nerve-wracking to confidence-boosting with strategies for clear, controlled answers.A great presentation doesn’t end with the final slide—it continues through the Q&A, where real engagement happens. Yet, for many speakers, this is the most nerve-wracking part. In this episode, Matt Abrahams explores why Q&A can feel intimidating and how shifting your mindset can turn it into an opportunity rather than a challenge. Drawing from his book, Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, he shares expert-backed techniques for structuring responses, managing audience expectations, and maintaining composure under pressure. Whether you're facing a tough crowd or just want to refine your speaking skills, you’ll walk away with the confidence to command the room—no matter the question.Audio excerpt based on Speaking Up without Freaking Out by Matt Abrahams (printed book by Kendall Hunt Publishing 2016), read by the author. Copyright 2024 by Matthew Abrahams LLC.Episode Reference Links:Speaking Up Without Freaking Out | Audio Book Speaking Up Without Freaking Out 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 >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:04) - The Challenge of Q&A (03:02) - Preparing for Q&A in Advance (03:42) - When to Take Questions (04:31) - How to Ask for Questions Effectively (05:34) - Audience Anxiety in Q&A (06:49) - Managing Questions Efficiently (07:50) - Answering Questions with Confidence (09:03) - The ADD Method for Answering Questions (10:16) - Closing Your Q&A with Impact (11:10) - Conclusion Join our upcoming 200th episode live event April 14 & 15Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.   

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• 192. Quick Thinks: How to Supersize Your Stories

  How to craft compelling stories that captivate, inspire, and make an impact.Great storytelling isn't just about telling tales—it’s about crafting experiences that captivate, inspire, and drive change. In this special Quick Thinks bonus episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams welcomes bestselling author Dan Heath for a masterclass on the power of stories.Dan breaks down the elements of an impactful story, sharing a case study from his book Reset, outlining how to find compelling stories that connect with audiences, the structure of engaging narratives that keep people hooked, and the power of analogies and unexpected contrasts in storytelling.Get more done with Grammarly. Download Grammarly for free at grammarly.com/podcast.Episode Reference Links:Dan HeathDan’s Books: Reset: How to Change What's Not Working Ep.190 Motivation Matters: How to Leverage What People Already WantEp.170 Advice from Nontraditional Storytellers Part 1Ep.171 Advice from Nontraditional Storytellers Part 2 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 >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:45) - A Story About Change: The Hospital Case Study (03:53) - Breaking Down the Elements of a Great Story (06:25) - Finding the Right Stories (08:11) - Crafting Stories with Purpose (09:44) - Conclusion   ********This episode is sponsored by Grammarly. Download Grammarly for free today Join our upcoming 200th episode live event April 14 & 15Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.  

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