Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

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 [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/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 [https://www.fastersmarter.io/], 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 [https://superhuman.com/tfts] for offering the TFTS community one month free [https://superhuman.com/tfts]. Episode Reference Links: * Dr. Anthony Fauci [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/dr-anthony-fauci/]  * Dr. Fauci’s Book: Expect the Unexpected [https://fastersmarter.io/expecttheunexpected/]  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/178-navigating-chaos-and-uncertainty-the-power-of-transparency-and-empathy/] * 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 * (02:19) - Communication in Crisis * (03:25) - Strategies for Building Trust * (04:45) - Adapting Messages for Different Audiences * (06:50) - Techniques for Effective Communication * (08:17) - Managing High-Stakes Communication * (10:05) - Addressing Misinformation * (11:18) - Impromptu Speaking Skills * (14:30) - Managing Conflict in Communication * (15:36) - The Final Three Questions * (19:27) - Conclusion ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium [https://www.fastersmarter.io/p/premium/]. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Superhuman [https://superhuman.com/tfts]

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 [https://www.fastersmarter.io/], 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 [https://superhuman.com/tfts] for offering the TFTS community one month free [https://superhuman.com/tfts]. Episode Reference Links: * Ep.174 Fix Meetings: Transform Gatherings Into Meaningful Moments [https://www.fastersmarter.io/174-fix-meetings-transform-gatherings-into-meaningful-moments/] * Ep.164 Using "Pre-suasion" to Influence Others [https://www.fastersmarter.io/164-best-of-using-pre-suasion-to-influence-others/] * Ep.158 Hope for Cynics: Building Trusting Relationships through Communication [https://www.fastersmarter.io/158-hope-for-cynics-building-trusting-relationships-through-communication/] * Ep.156 Creative Communication: How Our Design Choices Illustrate Our Values [https://www.fastersmarter.io/156-creative-communication-how-our-design-choices-illustrate-our-values/] * Ep.148 Conviction and Compassion: How to Have Hard Conversations [https://www.fastersmarter.io/148-conviction-and-compassion-how-to-have-hard-conversations/] * Ep.142 Power and Persuasion: Live Insights from Stanford Experts [https://www.fastersmarter.io/142-power-and-persuasion-live-insights-from-stanford-experts/] * 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.138 Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication [https://www.fastersmarter.io/138-speak-your-truth-why-authenticity-leads-to-better-communication/] * 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/] * Ep.131 Friction Fixing: How to Use Obstacles to Your Advantage [https://www.fastersmarter.io/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 [https://www.fastersmarter.io/120-a-few-of-matts-favorite-things-10-communication-takeaways-from-2023s-tfts-episodes/]  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/177-dont-resolve-evolve-top-10-lessons-from-2024/] * 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 * (02:18) - Priya Parker: Gatherings And Generous Authority * (04:24) - Robert Cialdini: Pre-Suasion * (06:10) - Jamil Zaki: Trust Loudly * (07:23) - Scott Dorley: Design Your Environment * (09:49) - Irv Grousbeck: Brevity Conveys Conviction * (11:18) - Michele Gelfand: Mind Your Metaphors * (12:48) - Dana Carney: Take Space With Words * (14:18) - Julia Minson: Use Hear When In Conflict * (16:54) - Jeremy Utley And Kian Gohar: How To Chat With Bots * (18:33) - Huggy Rao: Avoid Jargon Monoxide * (20:39) - Conclusion ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium [https://www.fastersmarter.io/p/premium/]. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Superhuman [https://superhuman.com/tfts]

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, [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/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 [https://www.fastersmarter.io/], 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 McCann [https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/bob-mccann/] * Ep.67 What Is Normal? How Culture Affects Communication Styles [https://www.fastersmarter.io/67-what-is-normal-how-culture-affects-communication-styles/] * Ep.21 Words Matter: How to Make Your Communication Inclusive [https://www.fastersmarter.io/21-words-matter-how-to-make-your-communication-inclusive/] 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/176-from-stereotypes-to-synergy-communicating-across-generations/] * 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 * (01:51) - Why Generational Interactions Matter * (02:44) - What is a Generation? * (03:53) - Combating Workplace Ageism * (05:11) - Breaking Stereotypes * (07:46) - Better Intergenerational Interactions * (10:31) - Technology and Training Across Generations * (12:16) - The Three Final Questions * (18:04) - Conclusion ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium [https://www.fastersmarter.io/p/premium/]. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Superhuman [https://superhuman.com/tfts]

Enjoy this preview of our first Ask Matt Anything (AMA). We are excited to introduce this special edition of Think Fast, Talk Smart [https://www.fastersmarter.io/], 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 [http://fastersmarter.io/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 [http://fastersmarter.io/premium]. Episode Reference Links: * Ep.133 From Good to Super: How Supercommunicators Unlock the Language of Connection [https://www.fastersmarter.io/133-from-good-to-super-how-supercommunicators-unlock-the-language-of-connection/] * 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/]  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/ask-matt-anything-ama-1-trust-paraphrasing-and-nonverbal-cues/] * 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 * (01:24) - 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 [https://www.fastersmarter.io/p/premium/]. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Superhuman [https://superhuman.com/tfts]

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 [https://www.fastersmarter.io/], shares an excerpt from his book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot [https://geni.us/qZXj], 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 [https://geni.us/qZXj] 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/175-mastering-toasts-and-tributes-making-your-words-count/] * 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 * (01:35) - Key Insight: Toasts, Tributes, and Introductions * (03:06) - Why it Matters * (03:56) - Craft Your Content * (05:07) - Step One: Why Are We Here? * (05:51) - Step Two: How Are You Connected? * (06:42) - Step Three: Anecdotes or Learnings * (07:50) - Step Four: Thank * (08:32) - Refine Your Remarks * (08:59) - Tip One: Be Brief and to the Point * (09:49) - Tip Two: Prepare to be Emotional * (11:41) - Tip Three: Shine the Spotlight Away From You * (12:11) - Tip Four: Make Your Anecdotes Accessible and Appropriate * (12:41) - Tip Five: Strive for Unity * (14:04) - Tip Six: Set Others Up for Success * (14:57) - Conclusion ******** Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium [https://www.fastersmarter.io/p/premium/]. Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Superhuman [https://superhuman.com/tfts]