Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

246. Shared Wisdom: How Communication Defines Culture and Builds Community

Why good communication is the key to good communities. 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, Shared Wisdom: Cultural Evolution in the Age of AI, 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 Think Fast, Talk Smart [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: * Sandy Pentland [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/alex-sandy-pentland/] * Sandy’s Book: Shared Wisdom [https://fastersmarter.io/shared-wisdom] * Ep.137 When Words Aren’t Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication [https://www.fastersmarter.io/137-when-words-arent-enough-how-to-excel-at-nonverbal-communication/]  * Ep.65 Ties That Bind: Why Remote and Hybrid Teams Need the Right Connection [https://www.fastersmarter.io/65-ties-that-bind-why-remote-and-hybrid-teams-need-the-right-connection/]  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/246-shared-wisdom-how-communication-defines-culture-and-builds-community/] * 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 * (02:21) - 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 * (22:01) - Conclusion  ******** 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]

245. Mindful Messages: Leveraging the Power of Presence

When you enter a conflict trying to win, Deepak Chopra says you’ve already lost. “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 Think Fast, Talk Smart [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: * Deepak Chopra [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/dr-deepak-chopra/] * Deepak Chopra AI [https://www.deepakchopra.ai/] * Ep.138 Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication [https://www.fastersmarter.io/138-speak-your-truth-why-authenticity-leads-to-better-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/245-mindful-messages-leveraging-the-power-of-presence/] * 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 * (02:31) - 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 * (19:19) - Conclusion   ******** 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]

244. Community Creates Change: Build Relationships That Actually Matter

Why community is the most powerful tool for transformation. 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 Purpose: Design a Community and Change Your Life [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 Think Fast, Talk Smart [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. To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium [https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/]. Episode Reference Links: * Gina Bianchini [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/gina-bianchini/] * Gina’s Book: Purpose [https://www.fastersmarter.io/purpose-design-a-community] * Ep.174 Fix Meetings: Transform Gatherings Into Meaningful Moments [https://www.fastersmarter.io/174-fix-meetings-transform-gatherings-into-meaningful-moments/]  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/244-community-creates-change-build-relationships-that-actually-matter/] * 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 * (02:15) - Defining Community vs. Audience * (04:03) - Community as a Catalyst for Transformation * (06:39) - Finding the Right Community * (10:27) - The Future Story Framework * (13:20) - People Magic & Facilitation * (18:59) - The Final Three Questions * (24:51) - Conclusion   ******** 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]

243. Rethinks: How Lessons from Neuroscience Can Help You Communicate Confidently

Reduce speaking anxiety and achieve your communication goals. “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 Think Fast Talk Smart [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: * Andrew Huberman [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/andrew-huberman/] * Ep.33 Hacking your Speaking Anxiety: How Lessons from Neuroscience Can Help You Communicate Confidently [https://www.fastersmarter.io/33-hacking-your-speaking-anxiety-how-lessons-from-neuroscience-can-help-you-communicate-confidentl/]  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/243-rethinks-how-lessons-from-neuroscience-can-help-you-communicate-confidently/] * 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 * (02:48) - Stress & the Autonomic Continuum * (04:56) - Controlling Alertness & Calmness * (08:45) - Movement & Audience Perception * (11:10) - Eye Movements for Anxiety Reduction * (13:30) - Two Approaches to Managing Stress * (18:14) - Preparing for Stress in Advance * (20:16) - Effective Virtual Communication * (22:18) - The Final Three Questions * (27:20) - Conclusion   ******** 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]

242. Tech Tools: The Power of Showing, Not Telling

Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick. 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 Think Fast, Talk Smart [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: * Joe Thomas [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/joe-thomas/] * Ep.227 Tech Tools: Move Your Audience By Moving Through Your Presentation [https://www.fastersmarter.io/227-tech-tools-move-your-audience-by-moving-through-your-presentation/] * Ep.230 Tech Tools: Use Visuals to Your Advantage [https://www.fastersmarter.io/230-tech-tools-use-visuals-to-your-advantage/] * Ep.233 Tech Tools: Write with Confidence and Impact [https://www.fastersmarter.io/233-tech-tools-write-with-confidence-and-impact/] * Ep.236 Tech Tools: Zeroing in on Your Email Communication [https://www.fastersmarter.io/236-tech-tools-tech-tools-zeroing-in-on-your-email-communication/] * Ep.239 Tech Tools: How Smarter Scheduling Leads to Stronger Communication [https://www.fastersmarter.io/239-tech-tools-how-smarter-scheduling-leads-to-stronger-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/242-tech-tools-the-power-of-showing-not-telling/] * 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 * (01:18) - Loom Elevator Pitch * (02:27) - Creation of Loom * (03:50) - Show, Don’t Tell: Using Video Effectively * (08:42) - Favorite Communicator * (09:46) - Communication Hack or Tool * (12:49) - Conclusion  ******* 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].