Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

277. How Small Choices Shape Better Communication

Real change isn’t about knowing what to do — it’s about actually doing it, one small choice at a time. Change doesn’t come from one big breakthrough. It comes from the small choices we make over and over — often in moments we barely notice. Eric Zimmer [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/eric-zimmer/], behavior coach, host of The One You Feed [https://www.oneyoufeed.net/] podcast, and author of How A Little Becomes A Lot [https://www.fastersmarter.io/how-a-little-becomes-a-lot], says the real challenge isn’t figuring out what to do — it’s closing the gap between knowing and doing. “We all have areas where we know exactly what would help,” he says. “But somehow, we still don’t follow through.” His approach focuses on something simpler and more effective: small, low-resistance actions done consistently over time. “It’s not about doing everything,” Zimmer explains. “It’s about doing something — again and again — in the same direction.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart [https://www.fastersmarter.io/], Zimmer joins host Matt Abrahams to unpack how lasting change actually happens. From building awareness in the middle of everyday life to designing habits that are easier to stick with, he shares practical strategies for turning intention into action. “You don’t need to wait until you feel ready,” he says. “You can act even when it’s uncomfortable.” Episode Reference Links: * Eric Zimmer [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/eric-zimmer/] * Eric’s Book: How a Little Becomes a Lot [https://www.fastersmarter.io/how-a-little-becomes-a-lot] * Eric’s Podcast: The One You Feed [https://www.oneyoufeed.net/] * Ep.86 Building Habits: The Key to Lasting Behavior Change [https://www.fastersmarter.io/86-building-habits-the-key-to-lasting-behavior-change/]  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/small-choices-better-communication/] * 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 * (02:24) - From Addiction to Transformation * (03:34) - The “Two Wolves” Parable * (05:19) - Awareness in Communication * (06:53) - Building Awareness Through Small Habits * (08:47) - The Knowing–Doing Gap * (10:11) - The SPAR Framework * (13:46) - Motivation vs. Action * (18:31) - The Final Three Questions * (23:58) - 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. 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] Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.  [https://learning.fastersmarter.io/?redirect_from=podpage]

276. Dead End Goals: Are Your Ambitions Actually Leading You Toward Meaning?

The goals we set often lead us away from the meaning we ultimately seek. Meaning in life isn’t a concrete point we can route toward. That’s why we need what Arthur Brooks [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/arthur-c-brooks/] calls “proxy goals” — and much better ones than we typically choose. Brooks, a professor at Harvard Business School and author of The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness [https://www.fastersmarter.io/the-meaning-of-your-life], says that meaning can't be pursued directly, but rather through proxy goals — markers that lead us to what we're really seeking. “The big, complex, meaning-filled things in life, you can't see them directly,” he says. “If you want to find meaning, you have to have proxy goals.” The problem is that many of us have chosen terrible proxies. “Money, power, pleasure, fame, prestige; those are really bad proxy goals for the meaning of life,” Brooks says. “You're never gonna find it.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart [https://www.fastersmarter.io/], Brooks returns to the show, and with host Matt Abrahams, he explores how we can move from searching for meaning to actually finding it. From understanding the three components of meaning to transcending the “me self,” Brooks offers practical guidance for those who strive and strive, yet still feel like something’s missing. To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium [https://www.fastersmarter.io/premium/]. Episode Reference Links: * Arthur Brooks [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/arthur-c-brooks/] * Arthur’s Book: The Meaning of Life [https://www.fastersmarter.io/the-meaning-of-your-life] * Arthur’s Podcast: Office Hours [https://www.arthurbrooks.com/office-hours] * 179. Finding Positive in Negative Emotions: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing [https://www.fastersmarter.io/179-communication-happiness-wellbeing-finding-positive-in-negative-emotions/] * 180. Unlocking Your Future Self: Communication, Happiness & Well… [https://www.fastersmarter.io/180-unlocking-your-future-self-communication-happiness-wellbeing/] * 181. Why Happiness is a Direction, Not a Destination: Communicat… [https://www.fastersmarter.io/181-why-happiness-is-a-direction-not-a-destination-communication-happiness-wellbeing/] * 182. Stop Chasing Time and Start Owning It: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing [https://www.fastersmarter.io/182-stop-chasing-time-and-start-owning-it-communication-happiness-wellbeing/]   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/dead-end-goals-meaning-seeking/] * 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 * (02:26) - The Striver Mindset * (04:00) - Three Parts of Meaning * (07:50) - Me Self vs. I Self * (09:59) - Transcendence Explained * (12:04) - Proxy Goals * (14:44) - Meaning vs. Achievement * (19:01) - Daily Protocols * (20:51) - This or That * (22:25) - 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. 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] Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.  [https://learning.fastersmarter.io/?redirect_from=podpage]

275. Cracking the Code: Learn The Unspoken Rules of Workplace Success

Why mastering unspoken workplace communication is essential to long-term career success. Succeeding at work doesn’t just depend on how hard you work or how smart you are. According to Erin McGoff [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/erin-mcgoff/], it often comes down to whether you understand the “secret language” everyone else seems to be speaking. McGoff is a career creator, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and author of The Secret Language of Work: Hyper Helpful Scripts for Every Situation. [https://fastersmarter.io/the-secret-language-of-work] Known for her wildly popular AdviceWithErin platform, she helps millions of professionals phrase things more effectively — without sounding stiff or robotic. “It’s this hidden curriculum to the workforce,” she explains, describing the unwritten rules of interviews, negotiations, and professional etiquette. “It’s not written down anywhere. It’s not equally distributed.” Her mission is to make those invisible rules visible — and usable. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart [https://www.fastersmarter.io/], McGoff and host Matt Abrahams explore how to communicate with confidence, advocate for yourself strategically, and build a professional brand with intention. Confidence, she says, isn’t fixed: “Confidence isn’t binary. Confidence is a spectrum.” It starts internally, with how we speak to ourselves, and strengthens when we “get really good at what you do.” Episode Reference Links: * Erin McGoff [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/erin-mcgoff/] * Erin’s Book: The Secret Language of Work [https://fastersmarter.io/the-secret-language-of-work] * 202. Own Your Brand: How to Communicate with Presence and Impact [https://www.fastersmarter.io/202-own-your-brand-how-to-communicate-with-presence-and-impact/] 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/erin-mcgoff-workplace-communication/] * 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 * (04:36) - The Secret Language of Work * (06:12) - Building Confidence * (08:19) - Creating Your Professional Brand * (09:40) - Setting Expectations at Work * (12:11) - Advocate Strategically * (14:14) - Mastering First Impressions * (15:30) - Professional vs. Personal * (17:59) - Interview Before, During, After * (23:01) - Nonverbal Presence * (23:25) - The Final Three Questions * (27:24) - 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. 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] Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.  [https://learning.fastersmarter.io/?redirect_from=podpage]

274. Choose Connection Over Perfection: Why Happiness Starts with Better Communication

How to communicate for deeper connection—and greater happiness. Happiness isn’t just a feeling—it’s something you can actively shape through how you think, connect, and communicate. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a distinguished professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside and co-author of How to Feel Loved: The Five Mindsets That Get You More of What Matters Most [https://www.fastersmarter.io/how-to-feel-loved], defines happiness as two key components: “being happy in your life and being happy with your life.” And while many people separate happiness from meaning or purpose, she explains that “they almost always go together.” Her research shows how the small habits we practice—like gratitude—can have a powerful effect, helping to “neutralize negative emotions” and shift how we see our lives.  In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart [https://www.fastersmarter.io/], Lyubomirsky and host Matt Abrahams explore the science of wellbeing and the habits that help us feel more fulfilled. From gratitude practices to breaking free from the comparison trap, they share practical strategies for boosting happiness and explain why connection isn’t just about being loved, but truly “feeling loved.” Episode Reference Links: * Sonja Lyubomirsky [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/sonja-lyubomirsky/] * Sonja’s Book: How To Feel Loved [https://www.fastersmarter.io/how-to-feel-loved] * 179. Finding Positive in Negative Emotions: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing [https://www.fastersmarter.io/179-communication-happiness-wellbeing-finding-positive-in-negative-emotions/] * 180. Unlocking Your Future Self: Communication, Happiness & Well… [https://www.fastersmarter.io/180-unlocking-your-future-self-communication-happiness-wellbeing/] * 181. Why Happiness is a Direction, Not a Destination: Communicat… [https://www.fastersmarter.io/181-why-happiness-is-a-direction-not-a-destination-communication-happiness-wellbeing/] * 182. Stop Chasing Time and Start Owning It: Communication, Happiness & Wellbeing [https://www.fastersmarter.io/182-stop-chasing-time-and-start-owning-it-communication-happiness-wellbeing/]   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/choose-connection-over-perfection/] * 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 * (04:12) - Defining Happiness * (06:24) - Gratitude in Practice * (07:07) - Acting Extroverted * (09:04) - The Comparison Trap * (11:02) - Reflection vs. Rumination * (11:49) - Best Self Exercise * (13:13) - Building Positive Psychology * (14:38) - Happiness Drives Success * (16:06) - Relationships as a Seesaw * (18:26) - Being Known vs. Impressive * (21:10) - The Final Three Questions * (25:43) - 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. 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] Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.  [https://learning.fastersmarter.io/?redirect_from=podpage]

273. Quick Thinks: How to Create Messages People Remember

Memorable communication isn’t about saying more—it’s making the right idea stick.  No matter how compelling a presentation feels in the moment, most of what you say won’t last in your audience’s memory. The key isn’t trying to make people remember everything — it’s ensuring they remember what matters most. Carmen Simon [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/carmen-simon/] is a cognitive neuroscientist, author, and expert on how the brain pays attention and forms memories. Her research explores how communication can move beyond passive listening and become an experience the brain actually holds onto. “The way we come to know the world is through the interaction of brain, body, and environment,” she explains. “The more you invite your audiences to interact with anything, especially physically, the more you impact cognition.” In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast Talk Smart [https://www.fastersmarter.io/], Simon and host Matt Abrahams explore practical, research-backed ways to make communication more memorable. They discuss why handwriting notes can deepen understanding, how curiosity and tension capture attention, and why communicators should avoid overwhelming audiences with too much information. Instead, Simon encourages speakers to structure ideas so audiences can recognize patterns and return to a clear core message. Episode Reference Links: * Carmen Simon [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/carmen-simon/] * Carmen’s Book: Impossible to Ignore [https://fastersmarter.io/impossible-to-ignore] * Ep.39 Brains Love Stories: How Leveraging Neuroscience Can Capture People's Emotions [https://www.fastersmarter.io/39-brains-love-stories-how-leveraging-neuroscience-can-capture-peoples-emotions/]  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/memorable-communication-tips/] * 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 * (02:02) - Embodied Cognition Explained * (04:15) - The Impact of Environment on Attention * (05:39) - Sparking Curiosity in Your Audience * (09:55) - Avoiding Cognitive Overload * (14:22) - Using Visuals to Improve Recall * (18:17) - 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. 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] Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.  [https://learning.fastersmarter.io/?redirect_from=podpage]