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 yo...
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Sep 28, 2026 · 25:44
“Our imperfections reveal that we’re human.” As AI makes it easier to polish our words, how do we prove that our communication is actually our own? For Matt Abrahams, the answer…
Sep 24, 2026 · 25:28
“Most teams leave the vast majority of their innovation potential on the table.” If you treat artificial intelligence like an oracle, you’ll likely be disappointed. But treat it…
Sep 21, 2026 · 19:55
“No one cares about us, our company, our products. We have to make them care, and for that, we need the right words.” Great work doesn’t always speak for itself. For…
Sep 17, 2026 · 23:03
“If you're worried that a ChatGPT type tool can replace you, you need to [ask]: Why am I communicating? What am I trying to say? Am I being authentic?” Artificial intelligence…
Sep 14, 2026 · 24:42
“I’m not saying necessarily fight more, I’m saying fight better.” Conflict doesn’t have to mean avoidance or escalation. Priya Parker , expert facilitator, strategic advisor and…
Sep 10, 2026 · 21:09
“What you think is not gospel.” Can arguing with yourself make you happier? Martin Seligman , positive psychology pioneer and author of Agency: The Psychological History of Human…
Sep 7, 2026 · 20:04
“Everybody you interact with needs that signal of respect.” Feeling seen and respected can shape how we communicate and connect with others. For Stanford social psychologist and…
Sep 3, 2026 · 17:26
“The ability to handle yourself in interviews and other high-pressure situations can make the difference in getting the job and achieving your goals.” A successful interview is…
Aug 31, 2026 · 24:30
“Causality is this foundation that really allows us to anchor what we’re trying to do when we’re telling stories.” Storytelling doesn’t require a dramatic narrative. For…
Aug 27, 2026 · 14:03
“We are now competing in conversation with someone’s feed.” Connecting with others requires more than knowing what to say. The signals we send through our body language, the…
Aug 24, 2026 · 24:09
“We’re all salespeople at the end of the day.” Whether you’re pitching a movie, an idea, or yourself, persuasion is about more than the story you’re telling—it’s also about the…
Aug 20, 2026 · 20:48
“The tools of communication have changed, the human brain has not.” In a world of endless content and shrinking attention spans, getting your message heard means giving people a…
Aug 17, 2026 · 22:43
“Over time, what works is truly showing up in a way where you actually care, you're actually trying to give value.” In a culture that rewards boldness and visibility, quieter…
Aug 13, 2026 · 32:29
"The first negotiation is actually a negotiation I have with myself about my own story." Before you can have hard conversations with others, you need to have an honest…
Aug 10, 2026 · 26:57
"The dumbest thing you can be is a know-it-all." Curiosity isn't about having all the answers—it's about asking better questions. Journalist and podcast host Nayeema Raza…
Aug 6, 2026 · 9:47
"You want to make sure you have the energy at the end of your communication as well as at the beginning." Why do some people command a room without raising their voice? Being…
Aug 3, 2026 · 22:32
"Know your stuff, practice, and then just do it and be there." How do you explain complex ideas without losing your audience? The challenge isn't knowing more—it's helping others…
Jul 30, 2026 · 19:46
"Meaning is about being mindful of the effect you have on other people." What makes a life meaningful? We often think purpose and meaning are the same thing, but according to…
Jul 27, 2026 · 26:02
"When there's a gap between our intention and our impact, we diminish others and our communication." The best leaders don't succeed because they have all the answers—they succeed…
Jul 23, 2026 · 17:27
“Managing emotions—yours and your audience's—is hard enough, but it's even harder when you're under pressure to respond." High-pressure communication doesn't have to derail your…
Jul 20, 2026 · 23:15
"It's not an accent, it's an identity." The way we speak shapes more than how we're understood—it shapes how we're perceived. Peter Novak believes the goal of communication isn't…
Jul 16, 2026 · 17:42
"The assumption of swift trust is really useful." Teams don't always need years to build trust—they need the right conditions to build it quickly. As a Stanford professor and…
Jul 13, 2026 · 27:47
"People aren't inside of our heads, so you have to give them that emotional information as well as the factual information." Humor is more than entertainment—it's a powerful way…
Jul 9, 2026 · 22:31
"If all you're trying to do is inform, you're not going to pull it off. You have to entertain your audience." Great presentations don't just share information—they create…
Jul 6, 2026 · 22:33
"You want to own the message and your narrative." Strong communication is about more than delivering a message—it’s about building trust over time. As Zoom’s Chief Marketing…
Jul 2, 2026 · 18:38
"If these masters are still continually trying to improve their own craft, I don't have any excuses." The world's best don't reach the top and stop learning—they keep refining…
Jun 29, 2026 · 24:55
“Communication is the number one way to remove friction.” If communication is the key to connection, then removing friction is what makes every interaction work. According to…
Jun 25, 2026 · 30:31
Celebrating 300 episodes with listener questions from around the world. In this special 300th episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , host Matt Abrahams celebrates a major milestone…
Jun 22, 2026 · 22:00
How to communicate with impact when the stakes are high. Communication isn't about getting information out. It's about making sure it gets through. In an era of fragmented…
Jun 18, 2026 · 9:44
The nonverbal habits that make you look confident, composed, and authentic before you even speak. How you carry yourself can shape how others perceive your confidence,…
Jun 15, 2026 · 26:20
Why the most effective communicators help people see not just what's changing, but why it matters to them. For Sinéad Bovell , effective communication isn’t just about explaining…
Jun 11, 2026 · 10:58
Practical communication strategies you can use immediately at work and beyond. How do you speak up when a conversation is moving faster than you can think? What should you do…
Jun 8, 2026 · 19:36
Why the best leaders treat uncertainty as a chance to learn, not a failure to avoid. Most companies are built to grow. Far fewer are built to stay true to their purpose as they…
Jun 4, 2026 · 23:39
Do you really win the negotiation if it means losing the relationship? You might think that successful negotiation means getting what you want here and now. But Stan Christensen…
Jun 1, 2026 · 35:28
What it takes to lead as a communicator and communicate as a leader. Leadership isn’t just about making decisions — it’s about how you communicate them. As Matt Abrahams puts it,…
May 28, 2026 · 26:13
The hidden habits behind calm, confident communicators. What does it really take to become a more confident communicator? In this special collaboration between Think Fast, Talk…
May 25, 2026 · 30:16
What keeps us from being more social? Nick Epley calls it a “mind-reading mistake.” We all think about what others think, particularly what they think about us. The problem, says…
May 21, 2026 · 16:30
How can we approach aging with more joy, empathy, and meaningful connection? We often talk about lifespan, or how long we live, but Kerry Burnight believes the more important…
May 18, 2026 · 22:54
A full life isn’t about the quantity of time, but the quality. Our lifespan might describe how long we live, but it doesn’t say anything about how well we live. For that, Kerry…
May 14, 2026 · 23:45
The Tiger Sisters share the keys to collaborative communication. Good marketing communication doesn’t just go one way. As the Tiger Sisters know, building a brand is about…
May 11, 2026 · 25:50
If you want to do your best, you’d better get your rest. The quality of your sleep fundamentally affects the quality of your communication. Communicating well, Dr. Cheri Mah…
May 7, 2026 · 23:58
Confidence, clarity, and speaking when it matters. Confident communication isn’t about being the loudest in the room. For Susie Wolff , it’s about displaying assurance before you…
May 4, 2026 · 21:25
The secret to better communication isn’t adding more—it’s knowing what to leave out. Communication isn’t clearer when you say more — it’s clearer when you say less. As David…
Apr 30, 2026 · 16:10
What stops you from speaking up when it matters most? This week on Think Fast Talk Smart , we’re featuring a special episode from TED Business. Healthcare leader Sarah…
Apr 27, 2026 · 21:45
Understanding the accent you didn’t know you had. Whether communicating in our mother tongue or practicing a new language, we all speak with an accent. But that’s not all, says…
Apr 23, 2026 · 18:34
Simple strategies to think faster, stay authentic, and communicate with confidence. How do you stay genuine without sounding rehearsed? What helps when your thoughts are moving…
Apr 20, 2026 · 23:33
If you can make conversation, you can make your own luck. Good communication isn’t passive. And good luck, says Tina Seelig , is the same. There’s “what the world gives us,” and…
Apr 16, 2026 · 37:15
Great communication isn’t about saying more—it’s about making what you say matter. If we want to communicate more effectively, we need to treat communication less like a…
Apr 13, 2026 · 24:33
Work is changing, not ending—what it takes to stay relevant in an AI-driven world. Careers aren’t ladders anymore — they’re climbing walls. As Aneesh Raman puts it, “work is…
Apr 9, 2026 · 39:08
How to turn latent motivation into fuel for change. If you want to be a changemaker, you’ll have to convince others to join your cause. But according to Dan Heath , persuading…
Apr 6, 2026 · 22:09
Whatever your message, the manner in which you deliver it is just as important. You found the right words. You picked the right time to say them. You even tailored them to your…
Apr 2, 2026 · 20:49
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…
Mar 30, 2026 · 20:36
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 calls…
Mar 26, 2026 · 22:22
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.…
Mar 23, 2026 · 21:09
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…
Mar 19, 2026 · 16:38
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…
Mar 16, 2026 · 19:36
People are forgetful. Here’s how to make your messages more memorable. After any presentation, your audience will forget about 90% of what you said. That’s okay, says Carmen…
Mar 12, 2026 · 19:43
The secret to building habits that stick. Whether you want to read more books or exercise more regularly, BJ Fogg has good news. “Habits are easier to form than most people…
Mar 9, 2026 · 22:19
Why beliefs can either cap our potential or push us toward possibility. What you believe about yourself could be holding you back. Fortunately, Nir Eyal says beliefs aren’t…
Mar 5, 2026 · 19:58
Practical insights to help you communicate with more intention in everyday moments. What’s the difference between reacting and responding? How do you move from memorizing your…
Mar 2, 2026 · 19:23
How to communicate who you are online. You may not think of yourself as a content creator, but in the creator economy, Angèle Christin says we all have to learn how to…
Feb 26, 2026 · 23:02
Why being true to yourself enables you to show up better for others. From the way you communicate, to the way you build your life and career, Graham Weaver , MBA ’99, says it’s…
Feb 23, 2026 · 23:02
How to turn down the chatter of negative self-talk. If you want to have better conversations with others, Ethan Kross says you first have to quiet down the chatter in your own…
Feb 19, 2026 · 19:49
How to turn complexity into connection through clear communication. Communication in high-stakes moments isn’t about saying more — it’s about connecting better. For Jonathan…
Feb 16, 2026 · 21:13
Why curiosity is the best way to start a conversation. No matter how wide political, cultural, and generational divides seem to grow, Fareed Zakaria is convinced: communication…
Feb 12, 2026 · 18:27
Why clarity and authenticity matter more than ever in modern communication. Clear communication in the age of likes, LLMs, and constant noise isn’t about talking more. For Nick…
Feb 9, 2026 · 21:39
How to tap the full power of your voice. Being present in communication isn’t just mental. It’s about the physical energy you bring into a space — particularly, says Patsy…
Feb 5, 2026 · 19:42
How to design meetings with purpose so they actually move work forward. Meetings are a necessary part of work. But for many people, they’re also a major source of frustration.…
Feb 2, 2026 · 19:24
Why your best life isn’t about having the right answers, but about asking the right questions. Finding meaning and purpose in life isn’t about having all the answers. For Bill…
Jan 29, 2026 · 17:27
How “spaciousness” helps teams move beyond busywork — and build the conditions for honest conversation. “We’re just so busy right now” is one of the most common reasons cultures…
Jan 26, 2026 · 23:56
Why it’s critical to say what needs to be said — and listen when others do the same. Speak out, listen up — these are Megan Reitz’s core pillars of workplace communication.…
Jan 19, 2026 · 21:11
Why it’s not about being born a great communicator, but becoming one. The greatest communicators aren’t always great from the start. As Lerone Martin knows, even the great Martin…
Jan 15, 2026 · 22:03
Why being kind is the best investment. Can kindness be a company’s competitive advantage? Bonnie Hayden Cheng says yes — and she’s got a business metric to prove it: return on…
Jan 13, 2026 · 23:36
The keys to communicating clarity, not confusion. What separates communicators who clarify from those who confuse? The ability to “Simplify complexity,” says Adam Bryant . “I…
Jan 6, 2026 · 21:50
How to have more open conversations about money. Talking about money is taboo for many people. But according to Wendy De La Rosa , financial well-being only starts when we break…
Dec 30, 2025 · 22:41
Our 10 favorite communication insights from 2025. The most transformative communication insights are the ones we actually remember to use. That’s why host Matt Abrahams is taking…
Dec 25, 2025 · 13:25
Presenting complex information for your audience to understand. As communicators, we often need to take complex information (e.g., financial, technical, or scientific) and make…
Dec 23, 2025 · 24:39
Why good communication requires presence, not performance. Effective communication isn't about perfecting your performance. According to Dr. Kate Mason , it's about being…
Dec 16, 2025 · 25:21
Celebrate our 250th episode with expert strategies that make tough conversations easier — and more meaningful. Some of the most meaningful shifts in how we communicate come from…
Dec 11, 2025 · 15:13
The right rituals—and the right conversations—can transform how your team collaborates. Strong collaboration starts with thoughtful practices and clear communication. As Molly…
Dec 9, 2025 · 21:57
The secret to effective teamwork and collaboration. To collaborate, we have to communicate. As Molly Sands knows, “The more that we can get on the same page, the more effective…
Dec 2, 2025 · 13:57
Two new Think Fast Talk Smart AI tools put communication skills to the test in real time. Technology promises many things, but few experiments illustrate its potential more…
Nov 27, 2025 · 20:00
Why good communication is the key to good communities. Community and communication go hand-in-hand. For Sandy Pentland , the culture and cohesion of any group “has to do with the…
Nov 20, 2025 · 22:51
Why community is the most powerful tool for transformation. Community isn't just a feel-good buzzword. According to Gina Bianchini , it's a catalyst for personal and collective…
Nov 17, 2025 · 25:14
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…
Nov 13, 2025 · 12:18
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…
Nov 11, 2025 · 20:53
How to unlock the power of groups through collective communication. They say teamwork makes the dream work. But as Colin Fisher knows, unlocking the power of groups requires a…
Nov 4, 2025 · 25:08
How to identify and rewrite the limiting beliefs holding you back. Achieving what you want in life doesn’t just hinge on what you believe about your future. According to Muriel…
Oct 30, 2025 · 11:14
Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick. Meetings are where collaboration happens — but too often, scheduling them feels like the biggest barrier to…
Oct 28, 2025 · 23:08
When we truly listen, every conversation changes — including the one with ourselves. Listening isn’t about waiting for your turn to speak — it’s about being present enough to…
Oct 21, 2025 · 23:39
Why we learn the most when we accept that we might be wrong. Effective communication isn’t about having all the answers. As Astro Teller knows, it’s about finding (and sometimes…
Oct 16, 2025 · 11:16
Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick. Staying on top of communication starts with staying in control of your inbox. That’s why Rahul Vohra ,…
Oct 14, 2025 · 17:16
The road to mastery is paved with small improvements every day. Communicating can feel daunting at times. What does it take to find your voice in the moments that matter most? As…
Oct 7, 2025 · 21:29
When it comes to leading a team, there’s no such thing as too much information. Good leadership is about good communication. And for General Stanley McChrystal , that means…
Oct 2, 2025 · 10:56
Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick. Clarity is the cornerstone of great communication—but turning your thoughts into words isn’t always simple.…
Sep 29, 2025 · 23:16
To connect with others, you have to get out of your own head. Whether presenting to millions on live television or talking to just one person, Dan Harris knows that the quality…
Sep 23, 2025 · 21:35
Why what isn’t said can communicate more than what is spoken. We often speak in hints and half-truths, not because we can’t be direct, but because subtlety protects our…
Sep 18, 2025 · 10:31
Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick. Clear communication isn’t just about sharing information — it’s about making ideas stick. That’s why Yuhki…
Sep 16, 2025 · 21:32
To celebrate its second anniversary, we revisit our favourite tools and tips from Matt’s book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter. Original executive producer Jenny Luna turns the tables…
Sep 9, 2025 · 16:58
Be ready, stay grounded, and communicate clearly — no matter what’s at stake. Communicating under pressure isn’t just a useful skill — it can be the difference between escalation…
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