Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

In our personal and professional lives, some conversations are harder than others. To navigate the difficulties of discussing what matters most, Professor Irv Grousbeck says we need the right balance of conviction and compassion.At both Stanford Graduate School of Business and Stanford School of Medicine, Grousbeck teaches courses on managing difficult conversations. He equips students with skills to be direct while being respectful, to be strong while being warm, and to resist any urge to beat around the bush. "Directness, with respect, is essential,” he says. "So many of our students feel that if you're direct with someone, somehow that's harsh. The art of good conversation management, I think, does involve directness and respect at the same time."In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Grousbeck and host Matt Abrahams explore practical tips and strategies for navigating difficult conversations, from the importance of listening and pausing, to the value of rehearsing your words in advance.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: H. Irving GrousbeckIrv’s Book: New Business Ventures and the Entrepreneur Center for Entrepreneurial Studies | Stanford Graduate School of BusinessConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionHost Matt Abrahams introduces guest Irv Grousbeck, lecturer at Stanford GSB, and co-founder and co-director of the GSB Center for Entrepreneurial Studies.(00:01:04) Ingredients for Entrepreneurial SuccessThe importance of being an opportunity finder and getting comfortable with the domain you are in.(00:02:38) Myths About EntrepreneurshipDispelling common myths about entrepreneurs.(00:03:30) Can Entrepreneurs Be Made?The potential for anyone to become an entrepreneur through hard work and exposure.(00:04:07) Challenges in CommunicationThe most difficult communication challenges students face and tips to handle these situations.(00:06:19) Imposter SyndromeDealing with imposter syndrome and advice on how to handle and overcome it.(00:07:38) Managing Difficult ConversationsManage challenging communication by starting conversations effectively and using collaborative language.(00:10:15) Role-Playing ScenarioA role-playing exercise to demonstrate how to handle a challenging conversation.(00:17:37) The Value of ListeningThe importance of listening in crucial conversations and advice on how to listen more effectively.(00:18:58)  Career AdviceAdvice on career planning, emphasizing the importance of context and strategic thinking.(00:21:57) The Final Three QuestionsIrv shares what he has learned from his students, a communicator he admires, and the key ingredients for successful communication.(00:26:02)  ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Innovation and disruption aren’t just for organizations. According to Whitney Johnson, we can find new possibilities for personal and professional growth — by disrupting ourselves.As an executive coach, author, and podcaster, Johnson teaches people how to level up their lives and careers through the power of personal disruption. Her book, Disrupt Yourself: Putting the Power of Disruptive Innovation to Work, reveals how shaking things up enables us to break free of the constraints we might not even know we’re imposing on ourselves. “Personal disruption [is] a process of deliberate self-innovation; a decision to step back from who you are to slingshot into who you can be,” she explains.In this Think Fast, Talk Smart episode with host Matt Abrahams, Johnson offers strategies for tailoring messages to different audiences, reveals the key ingredients for successful communication, and explains how disrupting yourself can open new doors and help you reach your full potential.Episode Reference Links:Whitney Johnson: Website Whitney’s Books: Website Whitney’s Podcast: Disrupt Yourself Podcast Lindsay McMahon’s Podcast: All Ears English Podcast Clayton Christensen’s Book: The Innovator's DilemmaEp.118 Maximizing You Personal Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You Want YouTube / Website Ep.138 Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication YouTube / WebsiteConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionHost Matt Abrahams introduces Whitney Johnson, keynote speaker and executive coach.(00:01:25) The Concept of DisruptionThe definition of disruption, and the benefits of personal disruption and self-innovation.(00:02:48) Identifying and Leveraging Distinctive StrengthsHow to identify distinctive strengths through observing frustrations, listening to compliments, and valuing inherent skills.(00:06:11) The S Curve of LearningThe S curve model, its stages, and how it relates to personal and organizational growth.(00:11:56) Tenacity and Tolerance in Personal DisruptionThe importance of tenacity, and the ability to tolerate ambiguity and failure during the disruptive process.(00:13:35) Encouraging Disruptive Ideas in OrganizationsStrategies for leaders to foster a culture that encourages disruptive ideas and constructive dialogue within teams.(00:17:00) The Final Three QuestionsWhitney shares how she tailors her communication for varying audiences, a communicator she admires, and her recipe for successful communication.(00:22:30) Conclusion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stress can get in the way of our communication with others. To manage our stress, psychologist Jenny Taitz says, we first need to adjust the conversations that we have with ourselves.Taitz is an assistant clinical professor in psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the author of several books, including Stress Resets: How to Soothe Your Body and Mind in Minutes. According to her, much of the stress we experience is self-created through negative thought patterns and harsh self-criticism. “We're doing this to ourselves all the time,” she says. But as we become aware of these unhelpful mental loops, Taitz’ “resets” can help us disrupt them and reframe self-talk in more productive waysIn addition to changing our self-talk, Taitz offers tools for refreshing our communication with others. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, she and host Matt Abrahams explore her G.I.V.E. framework — how being gentle, interested, validating, and easy-mannered equips us for more positive conversations with ourselves and othersEpisode Reference Links:Jenny Taitz: Website Jenny’s Book: Website Communicator Jenny admires: Sharon Salzberg Ep.69 Feeling Nervous? How Anxiety Can Fuel Better Communication: YouTube / Website Ep.122 How to Be More Confident and Calm in Your Communication: Managing the "ABC’s" of...: YoutubeConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionHost Matt Abrahams introduces guest Jenny Taitz, a clinical psychologist and an assistant clinical professor in psychiatry at UCLA.(00:00:51) Understanding the Stress CycleExplanation of the stress cycle, highlighting common mistakes in stress management.(00:02:38) Practical Tips for Managing StressAdvice on resetting the mind, body, and behavior to manage stress more effectively.(00:05:50) Addressing Overthinking and RuminationTechniques for reducing overthinking and rumination, and recognizing and redirecting unproductive thought patterns.(00:08:45) Swapping "Why" for "How"Benefits of changing one's internal dialogue from "why" to "how" questions, facilitating a more proactive and less stressful mindset.(00:10:56) Communicating EmpathyIntroduction to the GIVE acronym, a method to help improve empathetic communication.(00:12:58) The Final Three QuestionsJenny shares her personal methods for managing stress, a communicator she admires, and three ingredients for successful communication.(00:17:33) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether we realize it or not, we negotiate everyday. But when we approach these situations as a win-or-lose battle, we’re already showing resistance, and setting ourselves up for difficulty. But what if you reframed the whole idea, to think of a negotiation not as a fight, but as a problem-solving exercise involving emotions?In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams speaks with Stanford GSB Professor Emeritus Margaret Neale about what she has learned in her decades of researching negotiation and the steps that lead to more collaborative problem-solving. Listen as Neale shares tips on how to approach negotiations with intention, and what strategies can help us more easily communicate our wants and needs. She is the coauthor of Getting (More of) What You Want: How the Secrets of Economics and Psychology Can Help You Negotiate Anything, in Business and in Life.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Margaret Ann Neale Maggie’s Book: Getting (More of) What You WantOriginal Episode: Ep.15 The Art of Negotiation: How to Get More of What You Want Website / YouTube Connect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionHost Matt Abrahams introduces guest Maggie Neale, the Adams Distinguished Professor of Management Emerita at Stanford GSB(00:01:22) Definition of NegotiationNegotiation as collaborative problem-solving, emphasizing mutual benefit over adversarial tactics(00:04:28) Planning and PreparationStrategies for preparing for negotiations, including understanding alternatives and setting a reservation price.(00:08:41) Structuring Negotiation MessagesStructuring negotiation messages, including the concept of chunking multiple issues together.(00:10:17) Role of Emotion in Negotiation How different emotions influence thinking and the importance of managing emotions in negotiation.(00:11:31) Best Communication AdviceMaggie shares her best communication advice, a communicator she admires, and ingredients for successful communication.(00:14:34) ConclusionThink Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business and hosted by Matt Abrahams. Each episode provides concrete, easy-to-implement tools and techniques to help you hone and enhance your communication.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Many of us would rank getting along with colleagues as an important aspect of work, but, as Amy Gallo explains, relationships devoid of disagreement can actually be less productive. “While our natural human instinct is to avoid conflict, I believe that conflicts are not only an inevitable part of interacting with other humans, but they're a necessary part.”Gallo is a workplace expert, host of HBR’s Women at Work podcast, and the author of Getting Along: How to Work With Anyone. Across her work, Gallo touts that the key to transforming conflicts into something productive is to understand its root cause and learn how to reframe them. “Even at the base of those unhealthy conflicts or those unproductive conflicts is something that needs to be resolved,” she says. In her conversation with host and strategic communications lecturer Matt Abrahams, Gallo provides useful frameworks and new concepts on how we can approach conflicts at work.  Episode Reference Links:Amy Gallo: Website Amy Gallo’s Books: Website Amy Gallo’s Podcast: Women at WorkEp.132 Lean Into Failure: How to Make Mistakes That Work Website / YouTubeConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionMatt Abrahams introduces guest Amy Gallo, a workplace expert on communication and conflict.(00:01:00) The Role of Conflict in the WorkplaceThe benefits of conflict in professional settings and why not having enough conflict can be detrimental.(00:02:26) Facilitating Effective ConflictStrategies for creating productive conflict and the importance of normalizing conflict.(00:04:45) Frameworks for Navigating Unhealthy ConflictDetailed framework for addressing and transforming unhealthy conflicts into productive discussions.(00:11:56) The Power of Workplace FriendshipsHow workplace friendships can enhance job performance and personal satisfaction.(00:14:01) Balancing Friendships and Professional BoundariesAdvice on maintaining effective relationships without compromising professional integrity or favoritism.(00:16:53) The Final Three QuestionsAmy shares a conflict she handled effectively, a communicator she admires, and her recipe for successful communication.(00:20:01) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In choosing who to date, what job to pursue, or how to invest our money, most people are just looking for a reason to move forward. But according to Professor Ilya Strebulaev, we should be looking for something else: a reason to bail."The smartest venture capitalists ask a very different question from what most of us ask," says Strebulaev. Instead of asking “‘Why should we invest?’, venture capitalists approach every new opportunity with [the] question: Why should we not proceed?” This contrarian mindset is at the heart of Strebulaev's new book The Venture Mindset, which reveals how the strategies of top VCs can help anyone make sharper decisions. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Strebulaev joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss how the venture mindset can help anyone — investor or not — weigh alternatives, make decisions, and move forward without looking back.Episode Reference Links:Ilya Stebilaev: Website Stanford Profile: WebsiteIlya’s Book: The Venture Mindset Venture Capital InitiativeArticle Ilya & Alex Dang wrote: 3 Things VCs Do That Can Help You Land Your Dream Job After Getting Laid Off Ilya’s co-teacher for his Venture Capital class: Brian Jacobs Ep.41 Speak Like a Founder: How Successful Entrepreneurs Communicate to Their Teams YouTube / Website Ep.56 Lean Messaging: How Simple Messages Really Stick YouTube / WebsiteConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionHost Matt Abrahams introduces guest Ilya Strebulaev, founder of the GSB's Venture Capital Initiative and professor at Stanford Graduate School of Business.(00:00:53) The Venture MindsetInsights into the venture mindset as a new mental model for making smarter, quicker decisions.(00:02:22) Embracing FailureHow venture capitalists embrace and learn from failure to achieve success.(00:05:21) Decision-Making in Venture CapitalA unique approach to decision making based on what successful venture capitalists do.(00:07:34) Applying Venture Principles in Personal and Professional LifeVenture mindset principles that can help individuals in job transitions and personal growth.(00:10:05) Lessons from Teaching Venture CapitalIlya outlines key takeaways he hopes his students learn from his class, including thinking differently and networking effectively.(00:13:25) Passionate CommunicationUsing descriptive language to engage others, including mixing familiar terms with unique ones to enhance communication about passions(00:15:29) The Final Three QuestionsIlya shares how he has grown from writing his book, a communicator he admires, and three ingredients for successful communication.(00:18:59) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A special live edition from the Me2We event at Stanford, where strategic communications expert and podcast host Matt Abrahams joins four distinguished faculty members from Stanford Graduate School of Business:Michelle Gelfand explores the dynamics of cross-cultural organizational behavior.Brian Lowery discusses the societal implications of racial perceptions.Deborah Gruenfeld reveals insights into power dynamics and personal presence.Zakary Tormala delves into the nuances of persuasive language.Episode Reference Links:Michelle Gelfand: WebsiteMichelle Gelfand Stanford Profile: Website Michelle Gelfand’s Book: Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World Michelle Gelfand's Tight-Loose QuizBrian Lowery: Website Brian Lowery’s Stanford Profile: Website Brian Lowery’s Book: Selfless: The Social Creation of "You" Brian Lowery’s Podcast: Know What You See Deborah Gruenfeld’s Stanford Profile: Website Deborah Gruenfeld’s Book: Acting With Power: Why We Are More Powerful Than We Believe Zak Tormala’s Stanford Profile: Website Ep.67 What is Normal? How Culture Affects Communication Styles YouTube / Website Ep.84 Quick Thinks: How Others Define Us YouTube / Website Ep.11 The Science of Influence: How to Persuade Others and Hold Their Attention YouTube / Website Ep.12 It’s Not What You Say It’s How You Say It: How to Communicate Power Youtube / WebsiteConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionProducer Jenny Luna and host Matt Abrahams introduce a live episode featuring four Stanford GSB faculty members.(00:01:40) Navigating Conflicts and Negotiations in Diverse SettingsMichelle Gelfand discusses managing conflicts and negotiations in broader societal and cultural contexts.(00:04:51) Understanding and Managing DiversityBrian Lowery introduces the Stanford Institute on Race and outlines strategies for leaders to foster inclusivity and manage diverse workforces.(00:07:57) Dynamics of Power and InfluenceDeborah Gruenfeld shares the implications of power dynamics and how they shift from virtual to in-person interactions.(00:14:04) Persuasion and Effective CommunicationZakary Tormala gives insight into the use of pronouns in persuasive communication and the impact of language in shaping audience engagement.(00:18:44) Acting with Power in InteractionsDeborah Gruenfeld discusses her ongoing research on how power dynamics influence investor decisions in startup teams.(00:20:47) The Pursuit of MeaningfulnessBrian Lowery talks about his current focus on what makes life meaningful.(00:24:14) Cultural Tightness and LoosenessMichelle Gelfand explains her research on how cultures manage norms and rules, and the concept of "tight" and "loose" cultures.(00:28:52) Persuasive CommunicationZakary Tormala shares insights from his latest research on framing effects in communication.(00:32:13) Participant ReflectionsA Stanford LEAD participant shares experiences from Brian Lowery's class, emphasizing the importance of perspective-taking and trust in leadership.(00:33:15) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

So you want to lead your team toward innovation. Does that require that you know where you’re going? Not according to Linda Hill.Hill is a professor of business administration at Harvard Business School whose research focuses on leadership and how organizations achieve innovation. When it comes to generating breakthrough ideas, Hill says it’s less about a creative vision and more about stepping into the unknown. “Innovation [is] not about an individual coming up with a new idea,” she says. “Instead, innovation is the result of the collaboration of people with diverse expertise and diverse perspectives coming together, being able to collaborate, being able to experiment together and learn.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Hill and host Matt Abrahams discuss how leaders can foster cultures and environments where innovation thrives — where teams use communication and collaboration to “co-create the future.”Episode Reference Links:Harvard Business School Profile: Website Linda's books: Collective Genius: The Art and Practice of Leading Innovation Being the Boss, with a New Preface: The 3 Imperatives for Becoming a Great Leader Becoming a Manager: How New Managers Master the Challenges of Leadership Linda’s article on the value of collaboration & conflict: Collective Genius Communicator Linda admires: Vineet Nayar + Employees First, Customers Second Connect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionHost Matt Abrahams introduces guest Linda Hill, an expert in leadership development and innovation from Harvard Business School.(00:01:10) Leading for Innovation vs. Leading for ChangeFundamental differences between leading for innovation and for change, and the unique challenges required for innovation.(00:02:53) Creating a Culture of InnovationThe essential components of a culture that promotes innovation, with focus on communication and collaboration.(00:06:21) The Role of Shared Values and Purpose in InnovationShared values, and the distinction between vision and purpose within innovative organizations.(00:09:43) Communication's Impact on InnovationHow effective communication facilitates innovation, including strategies for engaging diverse teams and the significance of storytelling.(00:14:30) Conflict and Creativity in Collaborative EnvironmentsThe value of conflict in innovation, and how managing disagreements and diverse viewpoints can lead to more creative solutions.(00:16:06) The Final Three QuestionsLinda Hill shares practices to foster collaboration with others, a communicator she admires, and her ingredients for successful communication.(00:19:54) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Preparing to speak in front of a skeptical audience is more than thinking about objections beforehand – there are specific techniques you can use to respond to these challenging situations without sounding defensive, evasive, or dismissive. Here, we offer a few key tips for how to handle skepticism with aplomb.In this podcast, host Matt Abrahams and Stanford GSB lecturer Burt Alper share how to prepare for these challenges from your audience and discuss the importance of tactics like acknowledging audience input, reframing responses, and how to remain cool, collected, and credible.Episode Reference Links:Burt Alper: WebsiteStanford Profile: Website Ep.102 Create a Presence: How to Communicate in a Way Others Can Feel: Website / YouTube Ep.70 Keep ’Em Coming: Why Your First Ideas Aren’t Always the Best: Website / YouTube Original Episode - Ep.5 From Monologue to Dialogue: How to Handle a Skeptical Audience: Website / YouTubeConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionHost Matt Abrahams introduces the episode and guest Burt Alper, a fellow strategic communication lecturer at Stanford GSB(00:00:55) Handling Direct ObjectionsConfronting direct objections during presentations, particularly in professional settings like executive meetings or at the GSB.(00:02:37) Preparation for ObjectionsThe importance of preparation when anticipating objections and strategies for foreseeing potential pushbacks.(00:03:50) Emotional vs. Logical ObjectionsDistinctions between emotional and logical objections and how these types of objections manifest in conversations.(00:06:09) The Power of ReframingThe technique of reframing in objection handling and altering the context of a conversation to address concerns without conceding.(00:08:17) The Role of ParaphrasingParaphrasing as a critical skill for clarifying and addressing objections, with the benefits of accurately restating concerns to ensure mutual understanding.(00:12:11) The Final Three QuestionsBurt Alper shares the best communication advice he’s received, a communicator he admires, and his ingredients for successful communication.(00:14:55) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether you're looking to boost your productivity, find more joy in your work, or simply be more present in the moment, you need flow — and research by Assistant Professor David Melnikoff could help you find it.Melnikoff investigates how we pursue our goals, and how flow — the state of being totally immersed and engaged in what we’re doing — can help us achieve them. According to him, flow isn’t necessarily about enjoying a task or activity for its own sake, but more about the process of discovery that unfolds as we take action in the face of uncertainty. “The source of flow is engaging in an activity that allows you to reduce uncertainty about your future, engaging in actions that reduce possible future outcomes, or ideally, eliminate all possible future outcomes except for one,” he says. With each action that we take, the path before us narrows, leading us more directly to the goal that we’ve set.In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Melnikoff shares why uncertainty presents us with the opportunity to step into the flow state, to experience more focus and engagement, and to supercharge our goal pursuit and performanceEpisode Reference Links:David Melnikoff: WebsiteDr. Laurie Santos (Communicator Melnikoff admires) The Happiness Lab Podcast — Dr. Laurie Santos (Podcast of communicator Melnikoff admires) Ep.59 From Dreaming to Doing: How We Set and Achieve Goals Website / YouTube Ep.104 How to Change: Building Better Habits and Behaviors (And Getting Out of Your Own Way Website / YouTubeConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionHost Matt Abraham welcomes guest David Melnikoff, an assistant professor of organizational behavior at Stanford GSB and an expert on flow and goal achievement.(00:00:40) Understanding Flow and Its BenefitsThe definition of flow and the reversal of the usual dynamic of goal pursuit.(00:02:20) Achieving and Maintaining FlowMisconceptions about achieving flow and the role of reducing uncertainty in engaging activities. (00:06:22) Flow in Business and LeadershipApplying flow principles to business, emphasizing the structuring of tasks and goals to induce flow through uncertainty reduction. (00:08:39) Personal Applications of Flow for Goal PursuitHow to utilize flow principles to set and achieve goals with advice on framing tasks to maximize uncertainty and flow. (00:11:03) Collaborative Flow and CommunicationThe potential for shared flow experiences in collaborative settings and the role of communication in facilitating flow.(00:13:05) Goal Setting and Achievement AdviceAdvice on goal setting, advocating for goals with a degree of uncertainty to enhance engagement and likelihood of entering a flow state.(00:14:43) The Final Three QuestionsDavid Melnikoff shares how he invites flow into his life, a communicator he admires, and his recipe for communication.(00:16:17) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From the way you communicate, to the way build your life and career, Graham Weaver, MBA ’99, says it’s about “giving yourself permission to fully be yourself. You can never go wrong when you’re saying your truth.”Weaver is a lecturer in management, a GSB alum, and the founder and a partner of Alpine Investors. He stresses the importance of direct communication, highlighting how avoiding it can lead to wasted time, energy, and even financial losses. Reflecting on his own experiences in private equity, Weaver admits to struggling with being conflict-averse and not speaking his truth directly, which resulted in getting into bad deals and big losses for his company. “People think that by being indirect, they’re being kind, but all they're doing is creating confusion,” he says. “Clarity is compassionate. Even if it's not what they want to hear, the more direct and clear you can be, the more compassionate that is for the other person.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Weaver and host Matt Abrahams explore how being true to oneself not only fosters personal fulfillment but also enables us to show up better for others. Authenticity and self-belief lay the foundation for effective communication, leadership, and ultimately, success.Episode Reference Links:Graham Weaver: WebsiteLast Lecture Series: How to Live an Asymmetric Life (Link to Graham’s Last Lecture)H. Irving Grousbeck (Stanford profile of Graham’s mentor and communicator he most admires)Ep.82 - It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First YouTube / Website Ep.118 - Maximizing Your Personal Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You Want YouTube / WebsiteConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionMatt Abrahams introduces guest Graham Weaver, a Stanford alum and lecturer in management at GSB.(00:0:43) Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills in BusinessHow skills like understanding personal dreams and overcoming limiting beliefs play a critical role in business success.(00:04:58) Living an Asymmetrical LifeLiving an asymmetrical life, including the importance of doing hard things, pursuing your passions, committing long-term, and writing your own story.(00:10:10) Lessons from Taylor SwiftBusiness and personal inspiration from Taylor Swift's response to professional setbacks, highlighting her work ethic and resilience.(00:13:04) Personal Growth and EnlightenmentGraham’s journey towards enlightenment and the practices he adopts to improve his personal and professional life.(00:16:08) The Final Three QuestionsGraham shares what differentiates an exceptional from average leader, a communicator he admires and his ingredients for successful communication.(00:21:05) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If communication is like painting, words are the primary colors. But to convey deeper meaning, we need a broader color palette, which Dana Carney says requires the mastery of nonverbal communication.We often focus on the words that we say when honing our communication, but according to Carney, there are many instances “where nonverbals start to be more meaningful than verbals.” A professor at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and the George Quist Chair in Business Ethics, Carney researches the nonverbal ways in which we communicate our biases, our preferences, our power, and our status.As Carney explores in her forthcoming book, The Five Nonverbal Rules of Power, there are several key areas of nonverbal behavior that we need to grasp in order to fully tap our potential as communicators. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, she and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to read the nonverbal communication of others — and how to gain control of the nonverbals we express to the world.Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business. Each episode provides concrete, easy-to-implement tools and techniques to help you hone and enhance your communication skills.Episode Reference Links:Dana Carney: WebsiteEp.12 - It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It: How to Communicate Power Website / YouTube Ep.16 - How to Craft Your Body Language When Confronting Objections Website / YouTube Connect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionMatt Abrahams introduces guest Dana Carney, an expert in nonverbal communication.(00:01:12) Understanding Nonverbal CommunicationFoundational aspects of nonverbal communication, dividing it into perception and expression, and emphasizing the importance of facial expressions and body language.(00:02:11) The Nonverbal Rules of PowerHow nonverbal communication influences perceptions of power and status and the concept of the "five nonverbal rules of power".(00:04:37) Cultural and Contextual VariationsThe impact of culture and context on nonverbal cues, discussing how cultural differences can alter the interpretation of behaviors such as eye contact and proximity.(00:08:10) The Balance Between Verbal and Nonverbal CommunicationVerbal versus nonverbal communication and its significance especially in contexts where honesty or bias might be in question.(00:09:15) Achieving Communication Goals Through NonverbalsHow understanding nonverbal cues can help individuals achieve specific social interaction goals.(0012:51) Enhancing Nonverbal Communication SkillsPractical advice for becoming more aware of one's nonverbal communication, including self-observation and seeking feedback from others.(00:16:13) The Final Three QuestionsDana shares a nonverbal behavior that demonstrates confidence, a communicator she admires, and her recipe for successful communication.(00:21:09) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Disagreement and conflict may look the same on the surface, but the two concepts are, in fact, very different. According to Julia Minson, knowing how these notions differ is crucial to how you approach them. In this episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Minson and strategic communication lecturer Matt Abrahams delve into the intricacies of conflict and disagreement. Minson, an associate professor of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School and Stanford University alumna, also shares her expertise on decision-making and conflict negotiation. Minson emphasizes the need for genuine curiosity and receptiveness in communication to foster productive dialogue.Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business. Each episode provides concrete, easy-to-implement tools and techniques to help you hone and enhance your communication skills.Episode Reference Links:Julia Minson: WebsiteUnderestimating Counterparts’ Learning Goals Impairs Conflictual Conversations (Julia’s study about people’s goals when talking to those they disagree with)To have better disagreements, change your words (Article by Julia about HEAR)Ep.30 - Dissolve Disagreements: How Communication Impacts Conflict: Website / YouTube Ep.72 - Quick Thinks: Talk it Out - How to Successfully Negotiate and Resolve Conflict: Website / YouTubeConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionMatt introduces guest Julia Minson, who is an expert in decision-making, conflict negotiation, and the psychology of disagreement.(00:00:54) Journey into Conflict and Disagreement ResearchJulia gives insight into her background and what led her to research disagreement and conflict.(00:01:55) Distinguishing Between Disagreement and ConflictThe difference between disagreement and conflict, and why understanding this distinction is crucial for effective communication.(00:04:12) Strategies for Disagreeing BetterPractical advice on how to disagree constructively without escalating to conflict, focusing on expressing and acting with curiosity.(00:07:05) Demonstrating Curiosity and Conversational ReceptivenessTactics for showing curiosity and conversational receptiveness, including using the HEAR acronym to maintain constructive dialogues.(00:14:38) Managing ConflictManaging and navigating conflict, emphasizing emotional readiness and the importance of choosing battles wisely.(00:18:25) The Final Three QuestionsJulia shares personal experiences with conflict and disagreement, a communicator she admires, and her recipe for successful communication.(00:22:48) ConclusionswhyuSEcgmbk3s61xnk7vDzvceasb3fg7vcazb1See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why deep connection with others starts by connecting more deeply with ourselves.How are you feeling right now? According to Celine Teoh, we all need to ask ourselves that question more often — and be more precise in how we answer it.Teoh is a facilitator of the course Interpersonal Dynamics, one of Stanford Graduate School of Business’s most iconic classes. In her work with students and as a CEO coach, Teoh encourages people to get better acquainted with their feelings. “Feelings are data,” she says. “In the rest of our logical lives, we would never make decisions on bad or highly abstract data. But we’ll do that with feelings.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast, Teoh and host Matt Abrahams discuss how developing greater emotional awareness can help us achieve more agency and empathy in our personal and professional lives.Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business. Each episode provides concrete, easy-to-implement tools and techniques to help you hone and enhance your communication skills.Episode Reference Links:Celine Teoh: WebsiteInterpersonal Dynamics (Program at GSB Celine facilitates)Connect - Building Exceptional Relationships (Book by Carol Robin that Celine recommends)The Gottman Institute (Website for John Gottman, whose research Celine mentions and is referenced in the Interpersonal Dynamics course)Ep.77 - All the Feels: The Personal and Professional Power of Emotional Awareness:  YouTube / WebsiteConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionHost Matt Abrahams introduces guest Celine Teoh and the episodes' focus on the value of emotions in communication.(00:01:09) Discovering Self Through Interpersonal DynamicsOverview of the Interpersonal Dynamics course at Stanford GSB, also known as "touchy feely"(00:03:48) Integrating “Touchy Feely” in Logical and Action-Oriented EnvironmentsIncorporating empathy and emotional connection in organizations that prioritize logic and action.(00:05:47) Enhancing Connection and EmpathyAdvice on building connections with others, including the importance of being clear and embracing vulnerability.(00:08:36) Managing Conflict with EmpathyApproaching challenges and conflict at work in a way that maintains and strengthens relationships.(00:11:29) Enhancing Empathy, Feedback, and Communication SkillsGuidance for improving empathy, seeking feedback, and honing communication skills.(00:13:52) The Final Three QuestionsCeline Teoh shares the best communication advice she has received, a communicator she admires, and outlines her first three ingredients for successful communication.(00:17:07) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Leveraging AI to unlock new levels of creativity and communication innovationJoin Matt Abrahams with creativity and innovation experts Jeremy Utley and Kian Gohar to explore the transformative potential of AI in the realms of creativity and problem-solving. If you treat artificial intelligence like an oracle, you’ll likely be disappointed. But if you treat it like a teammate, Utley and Gohar say you’ll be surprised just how helpful a collaborator it can be.Utley, an adjunct professor at the Stanford d.school, and Gohar, a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and futurist, have researched how teams can integrate AI into existing workflows to generate more creative ideas and streamline problem-solving. As they’ve found, large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT can be powerful tools for innovation. But without knowing how to implement them, “Most teams leave the vast majority of their innovation potential on the table,” Utley says. In a new white paper, he and Gohar illuminate the path teams can take to use generative AI as a “conversation partner” and transform their brainstorming efforts as a result.In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Utley and Gohar discuss how innovators can stop viewing AI as a magic 8-ball, and start treating it as a companion — one ready to roll up its sleeves and dig deep for new ideas.Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business. Each episode provides concrete, easy-to-implement tools and techniques to help you hone and enhance your communication skills.Episode Reference Links:Jeremy Utley: WebsiteJeremy's book: IdeaflowKian Gohar: Website + GeolabKian's book: Competing In The New World Of WorkFIXITHBR article by Jeremy and Kian: Don’t Let Gen AI Limit Your Team’s CreativityEp.70 - Keep ’Em Coming: Why Your First Ideas Aren’t Always the Best: YouTube / Website Ep.77 - Quick Thinks: AI Has Entered the Chat: YouTube / Website Communicators Kian admires:Peggy Noonan + Declarations at The Wall Street Journal Sam Horn + Tongue Fu!: How to Deflect, Disarm, and Defuse Any Verbal ConflictConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) Introduction to Utley & GoharMatt Abrahams introduces guests Jeremy Utley and Kian Gohar, and their respective books.(00:01:02) Motivation Behind the Study on AI's ImpactAI's impact on creativity and problem-solving, including an experiment involving human ideation with and without AI assistance.(00:03:32) Research Findings on AI and InnovationSpecific practices to effectively use AI in teams for idea generation and the counterintuitive feelings associated with AI-assisted work.(00:04:37) The Counterintuitive Nature of AI AssistanceWhy teams that used AI effectively felt worse about their work, and the importance of adjusting work processes to incorporate AI as a collaborative tool.(00:07:59) The FIXIT Methodology for AI CollaborationThe FIXIT methodology, a five-step process to enhance collaboration with AI.(00:12:29) Enhancing Conversations with AIImproving conversations with AI, including using audio messages for interaction and exploring different large language models for varied inputs.(00:17:45) The Final Three QuestionsJeremy Utley offers a starting point for individuals new to ChatGPT, and Kian Gohar shares two communicators he admires and his three ingredients for successful communication.(00:22:57) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The ways supercommunicators operate and how to emulate their techniques.Across more than 130 episodes, Think Fast, Talk Smart has touched a lot on what it takes to be a good communicator. But what about reaching that next level? What about being a “supercommunicator”? Supercommunicator is a term used by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and author Charles Duhigg in his latest book, Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection. In this podcast episode, Abrahams and Duhigg explore the precise techniques that distinguish a good communicator from a “supercommunicator:” traits such as active listening; looping for understanding to demonstrate genuine engagement; and identifying what someone is truly feeling, underneath what they actually say.Episode Reference Links:Charles Duhigg: WebsiteCharles Duhigg: BooksDuhigg’s New Yorker articleThalia Wheatley’s research study: The Repurposed Social Brain Nicholas Epley’s research paper: Overly Shallow?: Miscalibrated Expectations Create a Barrier to Deeper ConversationAlison Wood Brooks’ research paper: The Conversational Circumplex: Identifying, Prioritizing, and Pursuing Informational and Relational Motives in ConversationMichael Yeomans’ research paper: It Helps to Ask: The Cumulative Benefits of Asking Follow-Up QuestionsSheila Heen’s research project: Harvard Negotiation ProjectEp.92 - No Regrets: How to Take Risks: YouTube / Website Ep.82 - It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First: YouTube / Website Ep.103 - Simple is a Superpower: How to Communicate Any Idea to an Audience: YouTube / WebsiteConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionHost Matt Abrahams introduces guest Charles Duhigg and his new book Super Communicators.(00:01:26) Transition from Habits to CommunicationDuhigg shares how personal experiences and a desire to understand human interactions motivated him to explore communication.(00:02:51) The Neuroscience of Connection The neuroscience behind successful communication and the role of neural entrainment in establishing connection and understanding.(00:04:21) Storytelling as a Powerful Communication ToolThe importance of storytelling in communication and how stories foster empathy and engagement.(00:06:16) Identifying and Aligning Conversation Types Three types of conversations (practical, emotional, social) and the necessity of aligning conversation types for effective communication.(00:08:07) Practices of Super Communicators Insights into the habits of super communicators, including their approach to recognizing conversation types and the importance of deep listening.(00:15:02) Navigating Conflict Through Effective Communication Managing conflictual conversations with a focus on listening, understanding, and managing control dynamics.(00:20:50) Challenges of Online Communication Challenges and strategies for communicating in online and virtual settings.(00:25:04) The Craft and Impact of StorytellingApproaches to storytelling and its significance in making complex ideas memorable and engaging.(00:29:06) Developing New Communication Habits New communication habits developed from Duhigg's research and their impact on personal and professional interactions.(00:31:02) The Final Three QuestionsCharles Duhigg discusses the importance of deep questions, the communicator he most admires, and his recipe for successful communication.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Effective and productive teams and relationships are based on the ability to communicate safely and to fail successfully. In this episode, Amy Edmondson, a professor at Harvard Business School and author of The Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well, shares profound insights on the different types of failure—basic, complex, and intelligent—and their implications for learning and innovation. In her conversation with host and Strategic Communications lecturer Matt Abrahams, Edmonson opens up about her struggles with failure, highlighting the importance of moving from rumination to reflection. This episode offers listeners a comprehensive guide to fostering an environment where failure is not feared but embraced as a crucial step toward growth and success.Episode Reference Links:Amy Edmondson: WebsiteAmy’s Books: The Fearless Organization & Right Kind of Wrong Amy’s paper with Ingrid Nembhard: Making it Safe: The Effects of Leader Inclusiveness Amy’s admired communicator Nicolai Tangen’s podcast: In Good CompanyEp.26 - Words Matter: How to Make Your Communication Inclusive: Website / YouTubeEp.112 - From Mistakes to “Missed Takes” : Youtube Connect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionMatt Abrahams introduces guest Amy Edmondson and her new book the Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well.(00:01:38) Psychological Safety Communication StrategiesThe concept of psychological safety and its role in fostering open communication and risk-taking within teams.(00:05:36) Leader's Role in Creating a Safe EnvironmentA leader's role in acknowledging vulnerability and creating a culture of appreciation for candid feedback.(00:08:27) Empowering Every Team MemberBenefits of empowering every team member to contribute to psychological safety.(00:10:46) Understanding FailureThe importance of psychological safety in admitting mistakes and exploring the concept of failure.(00:14:07) Communicating About FailureHow leaders can effectively communicate about failures to encourage team learning and resilience. (00:18:34) Unequal Opportunity to FailThe unequal opportunity to fail, particularly for underrepresented groups.(00:20:39) The Final Three QuestionsAmy Edmondson shares her challenges with failure, a communicator she most admires, and three ingredients to a successful communication recipe.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why resistance isn’t always a bad thing.Friction — that’s Professor Huggy Rao’s metaphor for the forces that hamper workplace efficiency. But as he says, some friction can be helpful — if you know how to use it.In his book, The Friction Project: How Smart Leaders Make the Right Things Easier and the Wrong Things Harder, Rao and coauthor Robert I. Sutton explore how operational obstacles show up in the workplace and, more importantly, what we can do about them. Through what Rao calls “friction fixing,” leaders can “take out the bad friction to make the right things easy to do [and] put in good friction to make the wrong things harder [to do].”As Rao discusses with host Matt Abrahams on this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, leaders can eliminate bad friction through good communication. “Communication matters a lot,” he says. “The simple rule is, make sure a 10-year-old can understand it on the first try.”Episode Reference Links:Huggy Rao: Website Huggy’s Books: The Friction Project, Scaling Up Excellence, & Market Rebels Huggy’s Successful Communication Recipe - “Ah! Aha! Haha!” by Ramji Raghavan Ep.14: Be Better at Work: How to Communicate Better with Coworkers and Employees: Website / YouTubeConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionHost Matt Abrahams introduces guest, Huggy Rao, and his latest book on the importance of focusing on friction to become our best selves.(00:01:24) Scaling Mindsets and CommunicationInsights on scaling excellence and the critical role of simple communication in fostering the right mindset.(00:04:28) AstraZeneca: Scaling SimplificationA case study on simplification efforts at AstraZeneca & the gift of time that they gave their employees.(00:08:49) Understanding Friction: Terrible and WonderfulThe dual nature of friction, highlighting its role as both a hindrance and a catalyst for decision-making. (00:11:05) Jargon MonoxideComplicated jargon’s impact on organizations, and the need for simplicity in communication.(00:13:03) The Art of StorytellingThe benefits & goals of storytelling, creating moral elevation & emotional connection.(00:15:12) Job Titles and AccountabilityAn experiment on the impact of personalized job titles on team performance and accountability in tech startups and the introduction of “good friction”.(00:17:57) The Final Three QuestionsHuggy shares his strategy for reducing friction in his life, a story about the communicator he most admires, Saul Alinsky, and his three ingredients for a successful communication recipe, Aah! Aha! Ha-Ha!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Simple language, forceful language, vivid language, and keeping it simple and direct,” says Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer, are all powerful tools to strengthen your communication.Host and Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer Matt Abrahams interviews Pfeffer, the author many books, including Power: Why Some People Have It and Others Don't, about the verbal and nonverbal ways we can harness, or give away, our authority when we’re speaking to others. Pfeffer is also the host of the podcast Pfeffer on Power and teaches the Stanford GSB online course Discover the Paths to Power. Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business. Each episode provides concrete, easy-to-implement tools and techniques to help you hone and enhance your communication skills.Episode Reference Links:Jeffrey Pfeffer's podcast: Pfeffer on PowerJeffrey Pfeffer's books: Dying for a Paycheck & Power: Why Some People Have It and Others Don'tStanford GSB Online Course: Discover the Paths to PowerEp 12, Deb Grunfeld: YouTube / WebsiteEp 44, Melissa Jones Briggs: YouTube / WebsiteConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionMatt Abrahams introduces the episode, highlighting the importance of power and presence in communication.(00:01:31) Defining Power and StatusJeffrey Pfeffer shares his definition of power and status, emphasizing their significance in achieving goals despite opposition.(00:02:45) Nonverbal & Verbal Behaviors to Communicate PowerSpecific behaviors that convey power, and those to avoid.(00:05:46) Emotion and PowerPfeffer explores the role of emotion in conveying power, highlighting the effectiveness of displaying strong emotions like anger and passion.(00:09:11) Virtual CommunicationStrategies for projecting competence and higher status in virtual communication are discussed, emphasizing the importance of appearance and framing on video calls.(00:10:55) Communicating Across Power LevelsJeffrey Pfeffer advises on crafting concise, powerful messages for communication with higher-status individuals, emphasizing the importance of directness and presentation in person.(00:12:06) Tailoring Messages with FlatteryPfeffer suggests beginning communications with flattery, highlighting its effectiveness in making the recipient more receptive to your message.(00:13:33) The Importance of ‘Warming Up’Why we should warm up physically and vocally before important communications.(00:16:33) The Final Three QuestionsPfeffer shares his best communication advice in a concise slide title, the communicators he “admires”, and his three ingredients for a successful communication recipe.(00:19:20) Conclusion and AppreciationSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New York Times Opinion columnist David Brooks shares how to communicate so that others feel seen, heard, and understood.All too often, we communicate without really connecting. The key to building deep connections with others, says David Brooks, is to make them feel seen and heard.Brooks is a writer for the New York Times, the Atlantic, and the best-selling author of several books. In his latest, How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen, he explores how vulnerability — both being vulnerable ourselves and creating space for others to be as well — is the key to fostering deeper connections at home, at work, and throughout our lives. “[People] need to be seen, heard, and understood,” he says. “If you hide yourself from the emotional intimacies of life, you're hiding yourself from life itself.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Brooks and host Matt Abrahams discuss the fundamentals of communicating with vulnerability and empathy, outlining the skills that anyone can learn and use to connect more deeply in their relationships.Episode Reference Links:Full list of David Brooks booksBryan StevensonGeorge OrwellC.S. Lewis Oprah Winfrey VideoEp 64, Carissa Carter: YouTube / WebsiteEp 101, Geoffrey Cohen: YouTube / WebsiteConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:01:26) Personal MotivationDavid Brooks shares insights into his journey and the motivation behind his latest book.(00:04:01) Barriers to ConnectionCommon barriers to connection including egotism, anxiety, worldview, and lack of questioning.(00:04:43) The Stages of EmpathyDavid Brooks breaks down empathy into components such as mirroring, mentalizing, and caring, and recognizing your own emotion(00:07:40) Keys to Meaningful ConversationAttention as an on-off switch, loud listening, avoiding topping responses, embracing pauses, and making people authors(00:11:22) Understanding Illuminators and DiminishersIlluminators are those who make you feel seen and valued through curiosity and active listening and suggestions and suggestions on how to be a better illuminator and conversationalist.(00:14:01) How to Be a Better Public SpeakerThe importance of vulnerability, humor, and storytelling. (00:16:25) Paradigmatic vs. Narrative Modes of ThinkingJerome Bruner's concept of paradigmatic for writing and convincing, Narrative mode for understanding a fellow human being. (00:18:02) David Brooks' JourneyBecoming a journalist, inspired by childhood reading and early experiences as a police reporter & admiration for Oprah Winfrey as an admirable listener.(00:19:52) Ingredients for Successful CommunicationDavid Brooks outlines his three essential ingredients for effective communication: depth of passion, vulnerability, and clarity. (00:22:27) ClosingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.