Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Why connection is the key to a life well lived. The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part series on communication, happiness, and well-being explores practical ways to enhance our lives through better communication, deeper connections, and more meaningful choices. When it comes to happiness, Arthur Brooks says it’s not about reaching a destination — it's about heading in the right direction. And according to him, that direction is fundamentally about relationships. "Loving more people... more and more love... if you pursue that, you will defy the trends and get happier,” says Brooks, a social scientist, Harvard Business School professor, and author of several books including Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier, cowritten with Oprah Winfrey. According to him, a happy life is made of enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning, which we cultivate through connection with others. "Faith, family, friends, and work, that's your basic happiness 401k plan,” he says. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Brooks and host Matt Abrahams explore the fundamental role of relationships in creating a happy life, and how effective communication helps us build and maintain these essential connections. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/ThinkFast and get ten percent off your first month. Episode Reference Links: Arthur BrooksBuild the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier Connect: Premium SignupThink Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn InstagramYouTubeMatt Abrahams LinkedIn Chapters: ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from BetterHelp

Why creating happiness in the future starts today. The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part series on communication, happiness, and well-being explores practical ways to enhance our lives through better communication, deeper connections, and more meaningful choices. In pursuing happiness and well-being, we often focus on the present moment. But according to Hal Hershfield, one of the best ways to help ourselves today is to have a conversation with ourselves in the future. "When I say future self, I really mean any version of us that exists at some later point in time," explains Hershfield, a UCLA professor and author of Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today. By thinking of our future selves as different people — ones we should care about — we can make better choices in the present. "If we can tap into the feelings of our future selves, then we can do more that benefits them, which may make our lives easier now and later." In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Hershfield and host Matt Abrahams explore how communication between our present and future selves can help us set goals, make decisions, and overcome pitfalls like procrastination, enabling us to take meaningful action now so we can thrive today and tomorrow. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/ThinkFast and get ten percent off your first month. Episode Reference Links: Hal HershfieldYour Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today Connect: Premium SignupThink Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn InstagramYouTubeMatt Abrahams LinkedIn Chapters: ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from BetterHelp

A double definition of happiness — and how to cultivate both parts. The new year gives us an opportunity to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. As we set resolutions and prepare for evolutions, this special four-part series on communication, happiness, and well-being explores practical ways to enhance our lives through better communication, deeper connections, and more meaningful choices. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to happiness, but according to Laurie Santos, everyone needs the two key components of contentment and fulfillment — or as she puts it, being happy in your life and happy with your life. “Being happy in your life [means] your life is filled with joy,” explains Santos, a Yale psychology professor and host of The Happiness Lab podcast. This felt sense of happiness — enjoying where we are, what we do, and who we’re with — is essential, but it’s not the only piece of the puzzle. Being happy with your life, she says, is the belief that “your life is going well. Being happy with your life gets closer to things like fulfillment and purpose.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Santos joins Matt Abrahams to explore how to cultivate both sides of her happiness equation, from building deeper connections with others to transforming the ways we communicate with ourselves. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at BetterHelp.com/ThinkFast and get ten percent off your first month. Episode Reference Links: Laurie SantosThe Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos | Podcast Connect: Premium SignupThink Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn InstagramYouTubeMatt Abrahams LinkedIn Chapters: ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from BetterHelp

Clear communication during times of uncertainty. Whether leading people through a 15-minute meeting or a years-long pandemic, communication requires compassion. For Dr. Anthony Fauci, that means being clear about who we’re speaking to and concise in what we say. As one of the world's leading experts in infectious diseases and public health, Fauci has been America's most trusted voice during the COVID-19 pandemic and other health crises. Whether addressing groups of fellow scientists and specialists or everyday people, his communication approach is the same. "Know your audience," he says. "Decide what your message is and make it crisp [and] clear." In addition to being clear about the known facts, Fauci advocates for equal transparency about the unknowns. "Be totally transparent into what you know and what you don't know," he says. "Transparency, honesty and a little bit of humility — let the audience know that you don't know everything." In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Fauci joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how leaders can communicate more effectively by staying focused on what matters most. From managing uncertainty to handling contentious interactions, they explore how clarity and transparency build trust and drive results. Thank you to our Sponsor Superhuman for offering the TFTS community one month free. Episode Reference Links: Dr. Anthony FauciExpect the Unexpected Connect: Premium SignupThink Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn InstagramYouTubeMatt Abrahams LinkedIn Chapters: ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Superhuman

Ten essential communication strategies designed to elevate your skills. 2024 has been an incredible year for learning and growth, and as we head into 2025, there’s no better time to reflect on the skills and strategies that can shape our communication and careers. In this special episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams takes us through ten standout lessons from the past year. These aren’t just ideas to remember — they’re practices to evolve with. From Priya Parker’s insights on generous authority to Huggy Rao’s call to cut through jargon monoxide, each concept highlights how small shifts in mindset and behavior can lead to big transformations. With actionable advice and real-world examples, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you Think Fast, Talk Smart, and communicate better in the year ahead. Thank you to our Sponsor Superhuman for offering the TFTS community one month free. Episode Reference Links: Ep.174 Fix Meetings: Transform Gatherings Into Meaningful MomentsEp.164 Using "Pre-suasion" to Influence OthersEp.158 Hope for Cynics: Building Trusting Relationships through CommunicationEp.156 Creative Communication: How Our Design Choices Illustrate Our ValuesEp.148 Conviction and Compassion: How to Have Hard ConversationsEp.142 Power and Persuasion: Live Insights from Stanford ExpertsEp.137 When Words Aren’t Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal CommunicationEp.138 Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better CommunicationEp.134 How to Chat with Bots: The Secrets to Getting the Information You Need from AIEp.131 Friction Fixing: How to Use Obstacles to Your AdvantageEp.120 A Few of Matt’s Favorite Things: 10 Communication Takeaways from 2023's TFTS Episodes Connect: Premium SignupThink Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn InstagramYouTubeMatt Abrahams LinkedIn Chapters: ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Superhuman

Age diversity and cross-generational synergy can transform an organization. Most of us know age diversity matters in the workplace. But according to UCLA’s Bob McCann, we're thinking about it all wrong: it's not just about having different generations present — it's about creating meaningful connections between them. As director of UCLA's Leadership Communication Program and founder of the McCann Group, McCann has spent years researching intergenerational workplace dynamics. With four to six generations now working side by side, he says there’s never been a better time to create synergies between the old and the young. "There's a tremendous opportunity for meeting and interacting with people who are different than you, for increasing a variety of potential outcomes in business in a positive way, if we can maximize our intergenerational engagement," he says. His research reveals that while many organizations focus on gender and ethnic diversity, age diversity often gets overlooked in DEI initiatives — despite its crucial role in workplace success. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, McCann joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how organizations can move beyond superficial age diversity to create meaningful cross-generational connections. From reverse mentoring programs to shadow boards, they explore practical ways leaders can harness the power of generational difference to drive innovation and collaboration. Episode Reference Links: Bob McCannEp.67 What Is Normal? How Culture Affects Communication StylesEp.21 Words Matter: How to Make Your Communication Inclusive Connect: Premium SignupThink Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn InstagramYouTubeMatt Abrahams LinkedIn Chapters: ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Superhuman

Enjoy this preview of our first Ask Matt Anything (AMA). We are excited to introduce this special edition of Think Fast, Talk Smart, featuring a preview of our first-ever Ask Matt Anything (AMA) episode. Typically, these sessions are exclusive to our Think Fast, Talk Smart Premium members, where Matt Abrahams answers the most pressing communication questions submitted by our premium community. Think Fast, Talk Smart Premium was created to deepen our connection with you and support your growth as effective communicators. Premium members enjoy exclusive benefits like regular full-length AMA episodes, eQuips, or Essential Quick Insight Playlist, early access to events, and more. Beyond this, your membership helps us continue to build a global community dedicated to improving communication skills and advancing careers. If you find this episode helpful, we invite you to join our Think Fast, Talk Smart Premium community to unlock the full library of AMAs, submit your own questions, and gain access to even more tools and resources. Thank you for being part of our journey! You can learn more at fastersmarter.io/premium. Episode Reference Links: Ep.133 From Good to Super: How Supercommunicators Unlock the Language of ConnectionEp.137 When Words Aren’t Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication Connect: Premium SignupThink Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn InstagramYouTubeMatt Abrahams LinkedIn Chapters: ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Superhuman

Crafting impactful toasts for every occasion. "Almost reflexively, most of us focus in the moment on how others are perceiving us, yet these situations aren't about us at all." Matt Abrahams, host of Think Fast, Talk Smart, shares an excerpt from his book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot, on the art of delivering effective toasts and tributes. With a focus on public speaking in celebratory contexts, he offers a structured approach to crafting meaningful remarks. Matt introduces the WHAT structure—a four-part formula designed to guide speakers through the process. This method helps ensure that the focus remains on the honorees, transforming speeches into gifts for the audience. He further shares tips for refining remarks, including the importance of brevity and the need to prepare for emotional moments. Matt advises, "Be brief and to the point. Long toasts, tributes, or introductions are usually bad ones." He also highlights the significance of setting others up for success, ensuring a smooth flow for subsequent speakers. With insights from his book and practical examples, Matt equips listeners with the tools to deliver impactful toasts and tributes, making these moments memorable for all involved. Audio excerpt courtesy of Simon & Schuster Audio from THINK FASTER, TALK SMARTER by Matt Abrahams, read by the author. Copyright 2023 by Matthew Abrahams LLC. Used with permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc. Episode Reference Links: Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot Connect: Premium SignupThink Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn InstagramYouTubeMatt Abrahams LinkedIn Chapters: ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Superhuman

Turn any meeting or get-together into a chance for deep connection and collaboration. Whether you’re holding a team meeting or hosting a family get-together, the success of any gathering, says Priya Parker, isn’t about the perfect agenda or venue, but about the intentionality behind how you bring people together. “90% of the success of any gathering happens before anyone enters the room,” says Parker. As the author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters, and a strategic advisor who has helped organizations worldwide reimagine their gatherings, Parker believes that thoughtful preparation can turn any meeting, whether professional or personal, into a meaningful and memorable experience for all involved. “Intentionality is the first step,” she says, “to pause and ask: why are we doing this? What is the purpose? What is the need in this community or in this classroom or in this team?” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Parker joins Matt Abrahams to explore the art of meaningful gatherings, sharing practical strategies for everything from crafting invitations that prime engagement to designing powerful closings that leave a lasting impact. By being more thoughtful in bringing people together, we can transform ordinary meetings into extraordinary opportunities for connection and collaboration. Episode Reference Links: Priya ParkerThe Art of GatheringEp.124 Making Meetings Meaningful, Pt. 1: How to Structure and Organize More Effective GatheringsEp.125 Making Meetings Meaningful, Pt. 2: Key Ingredients for Effective Meetings Connect: Premium SignupThink Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn InstagramYouTubeMatt Abrahams LinkedIn Chapters: ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Superhuman

Master holiday conversations. The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and, occasionally, communication challenges and as we gather with family, friends, and colleagues, effective communication becomes crucial. To help make this time more enjoyable, this special Think Fast Talk Smart “Rethinks” episode revisits favorite “recipes” from past Stanford guests along with Matt’s advice for tackling three common holiday scenarios: contributing effectively to ongoing conversations, engaging in meaningful small talk, and managing conflict with clarity and empathy. Whether it's making small talk or resolving conflicts, these strategies aim to turn holiday communication hurdles into opportunities for connection and collaboration. Episode Reference Links: Ep.169 Don't Be a ZQ: Make Your Conversations Count Connect: Premium SignupThink Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn InstagramYouTubeMatt Abrahams LinkedIn Chapters: ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Superhuman

Visit fastersmarter.io/premium to become a Premium subscriber. "Start with the action moment or right before it," advises Hilary Price whose one-panel comic strips offer insights far beyond humor—they’re lessons in concise storytelling that resonate with anyone seeking to communicate effectively. “Simplify and amplify,” Price advises, emphasizing the art of clarity and impact. Every stroke of her pen strips away the unnecessary, letting the essentials shine through. Creating her daily comic strip, Rhymes with Orange, Price starts with the game of “what if,” merging unexpected ideas to surprise and engage her readers. “You want to start at the action moment—or just before,” she notes, pointing out how the unsaid often speaks louder. Price extends this philosophy beyond cartoons: whether crafting a presentation, a joke, or a story, it’s essential to leave room for the audience to co-create meaning. “Don’t spoon-feed your readers,” she says. “The joy comes from not getting it, then getting it.” In this bonus episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Price joins host Matt Abrahams to explore the power of surprise, stakes, and shared experience in storytelling—reminding us that the punchline, whether in humor or communication, is where the magic happens. Episode Reference Links: Hilary PriceRhymes With OrangeEp.170 Advice From Nontraditional Storytellers Part 1Ep.171 Advice From Nontraditional Storytellers Part 2 Connect: Premium SignupThink Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn InstagramYouTubeMatt Abrahams LinkedIn Chapters: ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Superhuman

Mindfulness can transform your communication and your career. When we react, our instincts and impulses are in the driver’s seat. But when we take the time to reflect, that’s when Marshall Goldsmith says we take back control of how we respond. “​​​​Before speaking at work, breathe,” Goldsmith says. “Is my comment going to improve this other human being's commitment? At home, breathe. Is my comment going to improve this relationship with someone I love? If the answer is no, why am I saying it?” As a world-renowned executive coach, speaker, and best-selling author, Goldsmith teaches how a mindful approach can change how we relate to others, to ourselves, and even to our career goals and ambitions. Through reflection, we identify our values, which we can use to live what Goldsmith calls an “earned life — when the choices, risks, and effort we make in each moment align with an overarching purpose in our lives.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Goldsmith joins host Matt Abrahams to explore practical strategies for bettering our interactions with others and ourselves, from his “feed forward” method for giving and receiving constructive critique to his "daily questions" practice, which prompts reflective self-inquiry to keep us focused on what truly matters. Episode Reference Links: Marshall GoldsmithWhat Got Here Won't Get You ThereTriggersEp.138 Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication Connect: Premium SignupThink Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn InstagramYouTubeMatt Abrahams LinkedIn Chapters: ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Superhuman

Make your audience a part of the story. Great storytellers don't just relay information — they create experiences. As magicians, TikTok influencers, and stand-up comedians, these masters of engagement know that true connection happens when you make your audience a part of the story. In part two of this special series on storytelling, host Matt Abrahams explores the art of audience connection with an extraordinary lineup. For magician Alex Moffat, it’s about immersive performance. “How can I get the audience to not [just] sit there watching? They've got to be able to feel it too,” he says. As TikTok's head of creator marketing, Kudzi Chikumbu says authenticity is everything. "Be your authentic self. Show yourself in a way that other people don't." And for standup comedian Orlando Leyba, it’s about leveraging presence and responsiveness to transform a performance into a genuine conversation. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, discover how these engagement experts create stories that don't just inform or entertain — they forge genuine connections with every audience member. Episode Reference Links: Alex MoffatKudzi ChikumbuOrlando Leyba Ep.168 How Story Can Change Everything in Your CareerEp.50 Telling Good Stories: How to Use the Elements of Narrative to Keep Listeners Engaged Connect: Premium SignupThink Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn InstagramYouTubeMatt Abrahams LinkedIn Chapters: ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Superhuman

Wisdom from the witness stand to the newsstand. The best storytellers might not call themselves storytellers at all. But from litigating in the courtroom to crafting newspaper cartoons, these experts know how to weave narratives that resonate. In part one of this special two-part series, host Matt Abrahams explores the foundations of effective storytelling with tech litigator Neel Chatterjee and syndicated cartoonist Hilary Price. Chatterjee, drawing parallels to stand-up comedy, emphasizes the critical importance of those first few lines: "We have to figure out the two to three-line statement on 'this is a case about'..." Meanwhile, Price reveals the power of restraint in storytelling. "You want to simplify and amplify," she says. "I only want to put the elements that are important. Never spoon-feed your reader." In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, nontraditional storytelling masters share their approach to structure, framing, and audience engagement, revealing insights that we can all use to transform our communication — whether in convincing a jury, crafting the perfect punchline, or sharing stories in everyday life. Episode Reference Links: Neel ChatterjeeHilary PriceEp.168 How Story Can Change Everything in Your CareerEp.50 Telling Good Stories: How to Use the Elements of Narrative to Keep Listeners Engaged Connect: Premium SignupThink Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn InstagramYouTubeMatt Abrahams LinkedIn Chapters: ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Superhuman

​​ What makes a great conversation? “Many of us dread small talk,” says Harvard Business School professor and author Alison Wood Brooks. Yet she believes these everyday exchanges are the gateway to deeper connection and opportunity. An expert in the science of conversation, Wood Brooks, teaches a popular course titled Talk and has spent years researching what makes a great conversation. "Big things often start with small talk," she notes. "It’s not about avoiding it; it’s about knowing how to use it to uncover something meaningful." In this LinkedIn Live episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Wood Brooks joins host Matt Abrahams to share a practical framework for mastering small talk and making it enjoyable, even for those who loathe it. Drawing from her "topic pyramid" approach, Wood Brooks breaks down how to elevate a conversation from mundane chitchat to something memorable. “Think of it as a treasure hunt,” she suggests. “Small talk is where you start looking for golden nuggets that can lead to deeper engagement.” Episode Reference Links: Alison Wood BrooksTalkEp.73 Listen Up: Why It’s Better to Be Interested than InterestingEp.89 Listen, Listen, Listen: How to Build Deep Connections Connect: Premium SignupThink Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn InstagramYouTubeMatt Abrahams LinkedIn Chapters: ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Superhuman

Introducing our new Premium membership, designed to enhance communication and career skills with expanded content and tools. Enjoy early access to live events, AMAs (Ask Matt Anything), eQuips—Essential Quick Insight Playlists—Extended Deep Thinks episodes, and the AI Chat Matt tool. The focus is on building a global community where members can connect, share insights, and receive feedback. A portion of membership fees will support charities dedicated to developing communication skills worldwide. Connect: Premium SignupThink Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn InstagramYouTubeMatt Abrahams LinkedIn

Make your message memorable. “Immediately forgettable” — that’s how Matthew Dicks describes most of the business communication that he encounters. If you want to be remembered, he says, it’s time to tell stories. A veteran elementary school teacher, storytelling coach, and best-selling author, Dicks knows how the right narrative can transform mundane messages into stories that stick. In his book, Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling, he explores how to capture and hold an audience’s attention, which is particularly critical for business leaders. "When we tell a story about a product or service, the people we work with, our company, we become memorable and interesting and entertaining in a way that doesn't happen very often in business," he says. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Dicks and host Matt Abrahams discuss practical techniques for crafting compelling narratives, from setting a scene to creating suspense. “Don’t build a building. Don’t buy a machine,” he says. Becoming a better storyteller is one of the most effective ways to level up. “It’s a crazy thing for businesses,” he says. Episode Reference Links: Matthew DicksStoryworthyEp.50 Telling Good Stories: How to Use the Elements of Narrative to Keep Listeners EngagedEp.47 Quick Thinks: How to Use Storytelling to Be a Better Founder Connect: Premium SignupThink Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn InstagramYouTubeMatt Abrahams LinkedIn Chapters: ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Superhuman

Beyond the Big Screen. Every business meeting, product launch, or marketing communication has something in common with your favorite movie: they all succeed or fail based on their ability to make you feel something. Just ask Jeff Small, CEO of Amblin Partners. "Good stories win," says Small, who leads one of the world's most renowned independent film and television companies alongside Steven Spielberg. As both a business leader and storytelling expert, Small knows that successful communication is built on person-to-person connection through the power of story. "Whatever walk of life you're in, you have to be able to tell a story to connect with people, to get across the message that you're trying to get across." In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Small joins host Matt Abrahams to share insights from his experience at the intersection of creativity and commerce, unpacking how effective storytelling can transform your communication, whether leading teams through industry disruption, resolving conflicts at work and at home, or creating films to inspire audiences for generations to come. Episode Reference Links: Jeff SmallEp.153 Listen Up, Leaders: A Record-Setting Coach’s Guide to CommunicationEp.35 Leading From The Hot Seat: How To Communicate Under Pressure Connect: Premium SignupThink Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn InstagramYouTubeMatt Abrahams LinkedIn Chapters: ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Superhuman

Why practice is the key to success. If there’s anyone who knows about performing under pressure, it’s former NFL quarterback Andrew Luck. Whether playing in front of thousands or presenting to ten, his key to success is practice. "There's a romantic notion that you rise to the occasion," says Luck, a Stanford graduate and four-time Pro Bowl selection. "But I think you settle to the level of your training. We practiced those high-pressure situations all the time.” From calling critical game-winning plays to navigating communication off the field, our performance in high-stakes situations, Luck maintains, is determined by our level of preparation. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Luck and host Matt Abrahams explore how deliberate practice can help us hone our performance across all domains of our lives. From managing high-pressure situations to building psychological safety in homes and workplaces, Luck shares insights gained from both sides of the field — as a player and now as a coach. Episode Reference Links: Andrew LuckEp.153 Listen Up, Leaders: A Record-Setting Coach’s Guide to Communication Connect: Premium SignupThink Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn InstagramYouTubeMatt Abrahams LinkedIn Chapters: ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Superhuman

Create more meaningful communication by defining your audience. Before you even think about communicating a message, defining a brand, or developing a strategy, Seth Godin says you have to ask these questions: “Who’s it for? What’s it for? And what’s the change [you] seek to make?” As a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and marketing expert, Godin understands that effective communication rests on purpose and intent. “Branding is not logoing,” he says, but a “promise” that an individual or company makes about who they are and what others can expect of them. By intentionally defining who we are and who our audience is, Godin argues we can create more meaningful connections and drive real change. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Godin and host Matt Abrahams explore how we can be more deliberate in our communication, using storytelling, clarity of messaging, and defining the impact we want to make on our audience and the world. Episode Reference Links: Seth GodinThis Is StrategyThis Is MarketingEp.64 Best of: Techniques for Managing Your ReputationEp.118 Maximizing your Personal Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You Want Connect: Premium SignupThink Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback Episode Transcripts Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart LinkedIn InstagramYouTubeMatt Abrahams LinkedIn Chapters: ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Superhuman