Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

A live SXSW panel on how employee complaints illuminate the path to organizational innovation. Wrong question: How can AI revolutionize productivity in my organization? Right question: What do my employees hate most about their jobs? For the Portland Trail Blazers, a winning game plan for AI implementation didn’t begin with a tech-first approach — it began with a talk-first one. “The whole concept was to talk about pain points," explains David Long, VP of Digital Innovation, describing the "Lunch and Launch" sessions where employees could openly share frustrations about their daily work. “People really enjoy talking about what they hate about their jobs,” says Christa Stout [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/christa-stout/], Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer, and as they did, they illuminated opportunities for optimization. “By getting this insight across the whole company, it is already opening our eyes [to how] we can potentially transform the business more broadly,” Stout says. In this special live episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart [https://www.fastersmarter.io/], recorded at SXSW, host Matt Abrahams leads a panel with Long, Stout, and Stanford colleague Jeremy Utley [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/jeremy-utley/], exploring how "catharsis catalyzes change.” For any team wanting to implement new technology or rethink workflows, these experts reveal how creating space for complaints can catalyze meaningful innovation throughout an organization. Episode Reference Links: * Jeremy Utley [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/jeremy-utley/] * David Long [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/david-long/] * Christa Stout [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/christa-stout/] * Ep.77 Quick Thinks: AI Has Entered The Chat – A "Conversation" with ChatGPT [https://www.fastersmarter.io/77-quick-thinks-ai-has-entered-the-chat-a-conversation-with-chatgpt/] * Ep.134 How to Chat with Bots: The Secrets to Getting the Information You Need from AI [https://www.fastersmarter.io/134-how-to-chat-with-bots-the-secrets-to-getting-the-information-you-need-from-ai/]   Connect: * Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium [https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/] * Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io * Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website [https://www.fastersmarter.io/205-say-what-sucks-catalyzing-organizational-change-with-ai/] * Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io [http://fastersmarter.io/] * Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/think-fast-talk-smart/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thinkfasttalksmart/], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6caGRBUYZCmgDGM2RK6mxKB9jG_ccmm3] * Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maabrahams/] Chapters: * (00:00) - Introduction * (04:42) - The Business Behind Basketball * (06:13) - Why AI and Why Now? * (07:21) - Collaborating with the Team * (08:39) - The Lunch & Launch Method * (11:11) - Branding AI Initiatives * (12:29) - David Detractor & Kelly Kindness * (16:00) - Human Connection through AI * (16:45) - Auditing for Brand Consistency * (18:53) - AI in National Parks * (21:36) - Making AI Personal * (22:58) - Using AI to Learn AI * (27:27) - Encouraging AI in the Workplace * (30:21) - Change Management: Iteration Over Perfection * (34:07) - Start with Curiosity and Empower Action * (37:50) - Communication Ingredients * (39:22) - Conclusion   ******** This episode is sponsored by LinkedIn. Dare to discover what’s next. Explore your job potential at LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/]. Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium [https://www.fastersmarter.io/p/premium/].

How to have the conversations that are most difficult — and most important. Before you can have hard conversations with others, you need to have an honest conversation with yourself. That's the counterintuitive advice from Sheila Heen [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/sheila-heen/], who says our own internal narratives often derail our attempts at negotiation and conflict resolution. "The first negotiation is actually a negotiation I have with myself about my own story," explains Heen, a Harvard Law School lecturer and co-author of Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most [https://www.fastersmarter.io/difficult-conversations/]. When entering challenging interactions, she recommends a powerful shift where we consider that our perspective is only one side of the story. "If I can shift my purpose from convincing you of something to just understanding how you see it and why we might see it differently, that actually is more likely to generate a good conversation with less defensiveness for both of us." In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart [https://www.fastersmarter.io/], Heen joins Matt Abrahams to explore effective communication in high-stakes situations. From giving and receiving feedback with her “ACE” framework (Appreciation, Coaching, and Evaluation) to recognizing the "degrees of difficulty" in disagreements, she offers practical strategies for having productive conversations even when emotions run high. Episode Reference Links: * Sheila Heen [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/sheila-heen/]  * Sheila’s Books: Difficult Conversations [https://www.fastersmarter.io/difficult-conversations/] / Thanks for the Feedback [https://www.fastersmarter.io/thanks-for-the-feedback/]   * Ep.144 Communicating Through Conflict: How to Get Along with Anyone [https://www.fastersmarter.io/144-communicating-through-conflict-how-to-get-along-with-anyone/] * Ep.136 The Art of Disagreeing Without Conflict: Navigating the Nuance [https://www.fastersmarter.io/136-the-art-of-disagreeing-without-conflict-navigating-the-nuance/]   Connect: * Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium [https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/] * Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io * Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website [https://www.fastersmarter.io/204-tough-talks-turn-tension-into-trust/] * Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io [http://fastersmarter.io/] * Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/think-fast-talk-smart/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thinkfasttalksmart/], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6caGRBUYZCmgDGM2RK6mxKB9jG_ccmm3] * Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maabrahams/] Chapters: * (00:00) - Introduction * (01:36) - Managing Anxiety in Tough Conversations * (04:20) - Why Emotions Matter * (07:28) - Shifting the Story We Tell Ourselves * (08:46) - Starting with the Real Issue * (10:25) - Getting Unstuck in Conflict * (13:23) - ACE: The Three Types of Feedback * (16:25) - Making Feedback Actionable * (18:45) - Finding Common Ground * (20:22) - The Final Three Questions * (27:37) - Conclusion    ***** 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/].

Stay sharp, sound confident, and speak with impact — even when you're put on the spot. Communicating clearly is challenging enough when there’s time to prepare. But in most situations — whether in meetings, casual conversations, or high-stakes moments — we rarely have the luxury of scripting our words. We must think and speak in real time. Spontaneous communication is a daily challenge, yet few of us receive formal training in how to handle it with poise and confidence. So how can we stay composed and communicate effectively when put on the spot? Drawing on years of experience, our expert coaches — including a sports broadcaster, FBI negotiator, UN interpreter, game show host, NFL referee, and Sotheby’s auctioneer — share their final pieces of advice to help answer that question. In this special episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart [https://www.fastersmarter.io/], the Spontaneous Speaking miniseries concludes with powerful tools, frameworks, and tips for staying calm, organizing your thoughts, and speaking with clarity under pressure. Matt Abrahams shares practical strategies and exercises designed to help you build lasting habits and sharpen your impromptu speaking skills. Whether you tend to freeze when caught off guard or simply want to express your ideas more effectively on the fly, this final installment will equip you to not only think fast — but speak smart. Episode Reference Links: * Chris Voss [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/christopher-voss/] - Former FBI Negotiator, Keynote Speaker * Chris Voss's Book: Empathy and Understanding In Business [http://fastersmarter.io/empathy-and-understanding]   * Annabelle Williams [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/annabelle-williams/] - Paralympic Champion, Sports Broadcaster * Giampaolo Bianchi [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/giampaolo-bianchi/] - United Nations Interpreter * Brad Rogers [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/brad-rogers/] - NFL Referee, Professor * Phyllis Kao [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/phyllis-kao/] - Sotheby's Auctioneer * Peter D Sagal [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/peter-d-sagal/] - Game Show Host, Author Connect: * Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium [https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/] * Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io * Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website [https://www.fastersmarter.io/203-no-script-no-problem-final-secrets-to-speaking-under-pressure-bonus/] * Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io [http://fastersmarter.io/] * Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/think-fast-talk-smart/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thinkfasttalksmart/], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6caGRBUYZCmgDGM2RK6mxKB9jG_ccmm3] * Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maabrahams/] Chapters: * (00:00) - Introduction * (02:01) - The Power of Structure * (05:53) - Expert Tip: Trust Yourself * (06:14) - Expert Tip: Project Confidence & Provide Value * (07:53) - Expert Tip: Ask for What You Need & Visualization * (10:20) - Expert Tip: Review & Reflect * (12:20) - Expert Tip: Use an Encouraging Tone * (12:41) - Expert Tip: Turn Observation into Storytelling * (14:34) - Conclusion    ******** 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/].

The power of creating the reputation you want to have. Whether you know it or not, you have a brand. What that brand is, says Lorraine Lee, [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/lorraine-k-lee/] doesn’t happen by accident. “You can either form and create it, or you can let people define it for you.” A teacher, content creator, speaker, and author of Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence and Catapult Your Career, [https://www.fastersmarter.io/unforgettable-presence/] Lee helps people improve their communication presence and define their personal and professional brands. “Your brand is essentially your reputation,” she says. And while she acknowledges that “it can feel intimidating” to actively steer how we’re perceived, her EPIC framework helps navigate this challenge by examining our Experiences, Personality, Identity, and Community. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart [https://www.fastersmarter.io/], Lee and host Matt Abrahams explore strategies for showing up memorably in both virtual and in-person settings. From crafting "unique and powerful introductions" to honing your online presence, Lee’s practical advice shows how to communicate your brand in today's digital workplace. Episode Reference Links: * Lorraine K. Lee [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/lorraine-k-lee/] * Lorraine’s Book:  Unforgettable Presence [https://www.fastersmarter.io/unforgettable-presence/]  * Ep.6 Quick Thinks: Communicating and Leading Virtually [https://www.fastersmarter.io/6-quick-think-communicating-and-leading-virtually/] * Ep.7 Quick Thinks: Use This Framework to Speak up in Virtual Meetings [https://www.fastersmarter.io/7-quick-think-use-this-framework-to-speak-up-in-virtual-meetings/]   * Ep.31 Quick Thinks: How to Shine Online and Excel at Virtual Communication [https://www.fastersmarter.io/31-quick-thinks-how-to-shine-online-and-excel-at-virtual-communication/]  Connect: * Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium [https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/] * Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io * Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website [https://www.fastersmarter.io/202-own-your-brand-how-to-communicate-with-presence-and-impact/] * Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io [http://fastersmarter.io/] * Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/think-fast-talk-smart/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thinkfasttalksmart/], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6caGRBUYZCmgDGM2RK6mxKB9jG_ccmm3] * Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maabrahams/] Chapters: * (00:00) - Introduction * (01:53) - Tips for Virtual Presence * (03:56) - Public Speaking Insights * (06:41) - The Importance of Mentors & Sponsors * (07:56) - Personal Branding on Social Media * (10:31) - EPIC Career Brand Framework * (12:56) - Unique & Powerful Introductions * (15:11) - Conversational Threading * (16:20) - Avoiding Resting Business Face * (18:12) - The Final Three Question * (22:13) - Conclusion  ******** This Episode is brought to you by 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] Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium [https://www.fastersmarter.io/p/premium/].

Alex Rodriguez shares why in sports and business, striking out is just a part of the game. From the baseball field to the boardroom, great communication is critical for success. But as Alex Rodriguez [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/alex-rodriguez/] knows, we don’t always hit it out of the park. For this sports superstar turned entrepreneur, striking out is never the end of the story. “I'm fifth all-time in the history of strikeouts,” says Rodriguez. “That means there's only four people in the history of mankind that have failed more than me.” For the 14-time Major League Baseball All-Star and World Series champion, failures aren’t endings, but opportunities to learn and grow. "The key is how you get back up with the same energy and enthusiasm," explains Rodriguez, who is now chairman and CEO of A-Rod Corp, leading a team of experts in building high-growth businesses. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, [https://www.fastersmarter.io/] co-hosted by Matt Abrahams and Stanford GSB colleague Jeffrey Pfeffer [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/jeffrey-pfeffer/], Rodriguez shares lessons on resilience, authenticity, and effective communication. From maintaining a "slow heartbeat" in high-pressure moments to his approach of "intentional listening," he offers insights on leadership, giving feedback, and viewing communication as "an unselfish act." Whether you're stepping up to the plate or stepping up to present, these strategies can help you turn strikeouts into home runs. Episode Reference Links: * Alex Rodriguez [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/alex-rodriguez/] * Jeffrey Pfeffer [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/jeffrey-pfeffer/]   * Ep.166 Why Relying on Talent Alone Will Fail You [https://www.fastersmarter.io/166-why-relying-on-talent-alone-will-fail-you/] * Ep.153 Listen Up, Leaders: A Record-Setting Coach’s Guide to Communication [https://www.fastersmarter.io/153-listen-up-leaders-a-record-setting-coachs-guide-to-communication/]   Connect: * Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium [https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/] * Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io * Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website [https://www.fastersmarter.io/201-ballpark-to-the-boardroom-how-alex-rodriguez-hits-a-communication-home-run/] * Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io [http://fastersmarter.io/] * Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/think-fast-talk-smart/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thinkfasttalksmart/], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6caGRBUYZCmgDGM2RK6mxKB9jG_ccmm3] * Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maabrahams/] Chapters: * (00:00) - Introduction * (02:55) - Teaching at Stanford: Strategic Pivoting * (04:30) - Preparing for Life After Baseball * (06:53) - Performing Under Pressure * (08:18) - Finding Balance Post-Pandemic * (09:16) - Building a Media Presence * (11:07) - Creating Great Teams * (12:17) - The Role of Ego and Intentional Listening * (14:28) - Giving and Receiving Feedback * (17:08) - Setbacks, Resilience, and Redemption * (20:11) - Developing Authenticity * (21:41) - The Final Three Questions * (25:33) - Conclusion    ***** 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/].