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Matt Abrahams

Think Fast Talk Smart

One of the most essential ingredients to success in business and life is effective communication. 
Join Matt Abrahams, best-selling author and Strategic Communication lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, as he interviews experts to provide actionable insights that help you communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. From handling impromptu questions to crafting compelling messages, Matt explores practical strategies for real-world communication challenges.

Whether you’re navigating a high-stakes presentation, perfecting your email tone, or speaking off the cuff, Think Fast, Talk Smart equips you with the tools, techniques, and best practices to express yourself effectively in any situation. Enhance your communication skills to elevate your career and build stronger professional relationships.

Tune in every Tuesday for new episodes. Subscribe now to unlock your potential as a thoughtful, impactful communicator. Learn more and sign up for our eNewsletter at fastersmarter.io.

Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

All too often, we communicate without really connecting. The key to building deep connections with others, says David Brooks, is to make them feel seen and heard.

Brooks is a writer for the New York Times, the Atlantic, and the best-selling author of several books. In his latest, How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen, he explores how vulnerability — both being vulnerable ourselves and creating space for others to be as well — is the key to fostering deeper connections at home, at work, and throughout our lives. “[People] need to be seen, heard, and understood,” he says. “If you hide yourself from the emotional intimacies of life, you're hiding yourself from life itself.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Brooks and host Matt Abrahams discuss the fundamentals of communicating with vulnerability and empathy, outlining the skills that anyone can learn and use to connect more deeply in their relationships.

Connect:

Email Questions & Feedback • >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts • >>>
 Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning • >>>
 FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart • >>>
 LinkedIn • , 
 Instagram • , 
YouTubeMatt Abrahams • >>>
 LinkedIn

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129. Connect Deeply: How to Communicate So People Feel Seen and Heard

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 Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction
(02:28) - Challenge 1: Inserting Your Voice into Conversations
(03:43) - Expert Insights on Inserting Ideas
(05:29) - Challenge 2: Mastering Small Talk
(07:05) - Expert Strategies for Small Talk
(09:07) - Challenge 3: Managing Holiday Conflicts
(10:54) - Expert Tips for Conflict Resolution
(12:31) - Conclusion

*********************************
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173. Rethinks: Surviving the Holidays

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 Parker • 
 • Priya’s Book: 
The Art of Gathering • 
Ep.124 Making Meetings Meaningful, Pt. 1: How to Structure and Organize More Effective Gatherings • 
Ep.125 Making Meetings Meaningful, Pt. 2: Key Ingredients for Effective Meetings • 

Connect:

Premium Signup • >>>> 
Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback • >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts • >>>
 Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning • >>>
 FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart • >>>
 LinkedIn • ,
 Instagram • , 
YouTubeMatt Abrahams • >>>
 LinkedIn

Chapters:

 • (00:00) - Introduction 

 • (01:18) - Intentionality in Everyday Conversations 

 • (03:04) - Questioning the Purpose of Gatherings 

 • (05:12) - The Power of Great Questions 

 • (08:15) - Managing Heat in Conversations 

 • (10:24) - Encouraging Participation Beforehand 

 • (13:04) - Creating Impactful Endings 

 • (15:30) - The Final Three Questions 

 • (18:24) - Conclusion

*********************************
 Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

174. Fix Meetings: Transform Gatherings Into Meaningful Moments

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 Signup • >>>> 
Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback • >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts • >>>
 Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning • >>>
 FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart • >>>
 LinkedIn • ,
 Instagram • , 
YouTubeMatt Abrahams • >>>
 LinkedIn

Chapters:

 • (00:00) - Introduction 

 • (01:14) - Key Insight: Toasts, Tributes, and Introductions 

 • (02:45) - Why it Matters 

 • (03:35) - Craft Your Content 

 • (04:46) - Step One: Why Are We Here? 

 • (05:30) - Step Two: How Are You Connected? 

 • (06:21) - Step Three: Anecdotes or Learnings 

 • (07:29) - Step Four: Thank 

 • (08:11) - Refine Your Remarks 

 • (08:38) - Tip One: Be Brief and to the Point 

 • (09:28) - Tip Two: Prepare to be Emotional 

 • (11:20) - Tip Three: Shine the Spotlight Away From You 

 • (11:50) - Tip Four: Make Your Anecdotes Accessible and Appropriate 

 • (12:20) - Tip Five: Strive for Unity 

 • (13:43) - Tip Six: Set Others Up for Success 

 • (14:36) - Conclusion

*********************************
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175. Mastering Toasts and Tributes: Making Your Words Count

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 Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction
(01:24) - Building Trust with Senior Leadership
(03:46) - Engaging Large Virtual Audiences
(07:34) - Managing Nonverbal Communication 
(09:44) - Balancing Emotions in Conversations
(11:34) - Navigating Status Differences in Meetings 
(14:39) - Conclusion

*********************************
 Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

Ask Matt Anything (AMA) 1: Trust, Paraphrasing, and Nonverbal Cues

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 Signup • >>>> 
Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback • >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts • >>>
 Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning • >>>
 FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart • >>>
 LinkedIn • ,
 Instagram • , 
YouTubeMatt Abrahams • >>>
 LinkedIn

Chapters:

 • (00:00) - Introduction 

 • (01:30) - Why Generational Interactions Matter 

 • (02:23) - What is a Generation? 

 • (03:32) - Combating Workplace Ageism 

 • (04:50) - Breaking Stereotypes 

 • (07:25) - Better Intergenerational Interactions 

 • (10:10) - Technology and Training Across Generations 

 • (11:55) - The Three Final Questions 

 • (17:43) - Conclusion

*********************************
 Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

176. From Stereotypes to Synergy: Communicating Across Generations

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 Advantage • 
Ep.120 A Few of Matt’s Favorite Things: 10 Communication Takeaways from 2023's TFTS Episodes • 

Connect:

Premium Signup • >>>> 
Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback • >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts • >>>
 Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning • >>>
 FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart • >>>
 LinkedIn • ,
 Instagram • , 
YouTubeMatt Abrahams • >>>
 LinkedIn

Chapters:

 • (00:00) - Introduction 

 • (01:31) - Priya Parker: Gatherings And Generous Authority 

 • (03:37) - Robert Cialdini: Pre-Suasion 

 • (05:23) - Jamil Zaki: Trust Loudly 

 • (06:36) - Scott Dorley: Design Your Environment 

 • (09:02) - Irv Grousbeck: Brevity Conveys Conviction 

 • (10:31) - Michele Gelfand: Mind Your Metaphors 

 • (12:01) - Dana Carney: Take Space With Words 

 • (13:31) - Julia Minson: Use Hear When In Conflict 

 • (16:07) - Jeremy Utley And Kian Gohar: How To Chat With Bots 

 • (17:46) - Huggy Rao: Avoid Jargon Monoxide 

 • (19:52) - Conclusion

*********************************
 Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

177. Don’t Resolve, Evolve: Top 10 Lessons For 2025

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 Fauci • 
 • Dr. Fauci’s Book: 
Expect the Unexpected • 

Connect:

Premium Signup • >>>> 
Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback • >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts • >>>
 Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning • >>>
 FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart • >>>
 LinkedIn • ,
 Instagram • , 
YouTubeMatt Abrahams • >>>
 LinkedIn

Chapters:

 • (00:00) - Introduction 

 • (01:31) - Communication in Crisis 

 • (02:37) - Strategies for Building Trust 

 • (03:57) - Adapting Messages for Different Audiences 

 • (06:02) - Techniques for Effective Communication 

 • (07:29) - Managing High-Stakes Communication 

 • (09:17) - Addressing Misinformation 

 • (10:30) - Impromptu Speaking Skills 

 • (13:42) - Managing Conflict in Communication 

 • (14:48) - The Final Three Questions 

 • (18:39) - Conclusion

*********************************
 Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

178. Navigating Chaos and Uncertainty: The Power of Transparency and Empathy

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 Signup • >>>> 
Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback • >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts • >>>
 Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning • >>>
 FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart • >>>
 LinkedIn • ,
 Instagram • , 
YouTubeMatt Abrahams • >>>
 LinkedIn

Chapters:

 • (00:00) - Introduction 

 • (02:08) - Defining Happiness 

 • (03:21) - The Role of Negative Emotions 

 • (04:54) - Balancing Negative and Positive Emotions 

 • (05:45) - Positive Communication 

 • (07:18) - Improving Self-Talk 

 • (09:50) - Deepening Conversations 

 • (11:04) - Navigating Difficult Conversations 

 • (12:39) - The Power of Gratitude 

 • (15:15) - Technology and Wellbeing 

 • (18:33) - The Final Three Questions 

 • (22:35) - Conclusion

********
Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from BetterHelp

179. Finding Positive in Negative Emotions: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing

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 Hershfield • 
 • Hal’s Book: 
Your Future Self: How to Make Tomorrow Better Today

Connect:

Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction
(02:12) - What Is a Future Self?
(03:37) - Mistakes in Time Travel Thinking
(04:45) - Overcoming Procrastination
(07:16) - Connecting to Our Future Selves
(10:35) - Disappointment and Adjusting Goals
(12:14) - Goal Setting and Motivation
(15:02) - Public Accountability for Motivation
(16:04) - The Final Three Questions
(20:35) - Conclusion

********
Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from BetterHelp

180. Unlocking Your Future Self: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing

Having to communicate in a language other than our native tongue can be quite a challenge, especially without a script or prepared speech.

In this "Rethinks" episode, we revisit Matt's conversation with Kenneth Romeo about specific tactics that non-native speakers can use to handle in-the-moment challenges. Romeo also discusses why letting go of perfection is a key step toward speaking with confidence. 

Romeo has served as the associate director of the Stanford Language Center and a teacher of English to non-native speakers through Stanford Continuing Studies. Romeo is a professor at Waseda University in Japan. 

Connect:

Premium Signup • >>>> 
Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback • >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
Episode Transcripts • >>>
 Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning • >>>
 FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart • >>>
 LinkedIn • , 
 Instagram • , 
YouTubeMatt Abrahams • >>>
 LinkedIn

*********************************
 Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

85. Rethinks: Don't Get Lost in Translation

Lyssna när som helst, var som helst

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