



40 episodes
by Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart · English
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 your communication skills to elevate your career and build stronger professional relationships. Tune in every Monday and Thursday for new episodes. Subscribe now to unlock your potential as a thoughtful, impactful communicator. Learn more and sign up for our Newsletter at fastersmarter.io.









Difficult conversations cost the most when we avoid them; they’re made difficult mainly by emotional reactivity.
12 Nov 2026 · 34m · 14 chapters
How to write “life’s hardest conversations” using letter writing—especially gratitude, apology/forgiveness, love, missing someone, and goodbye—plus cathartic unsent letters and deep listening…
9 Nov 2026 · 23m · 12 chapters
Quick Thinks episode on improving sleep and communication hygiene using “ABCDE” techniques (Affect, Behavioral, Cognition, Deep breathing, Environment).
5 Nov 2026 · 7m · 4 chapters
How communication improvement comes from situational change plus deliberate practice, not just “try harder.” Angela Duckworth reframes grit as passion (interest + importance) and perseverance…
2 Nov 2026 · 25m · 8 chapters
How to manage communication anxiety when speaking under pressure, using the “ABC’s” framework (affective, behavioral, cognitive) to build a personalized Anxiety Management Plan (AMP) and reframe…
29 Oct 2026 · 16m · 7 chapters
How hierarchies at work (formal and informal) shape power, status, and influence—and how to fix “broken” hierarchies and build “healthy” ones using everyday communication.
26 Oct 2026 · 25m · 9 chapters
How to make meetings effective using a three-stage approach (before, during, after).
22 Oct 2026 · 12m · 8 chapters
Adam Grant (Wharton organizational psychologist) explains how to “find the vibe” and build stronger connections through communication.
19 Oct 2026 · 31m · 10 chapters
Astro Teller (X/Alphabet Moonshot Factory) explains “moonshots” as a testable hypothesis: a huge named problem, a radical proposed solution, and breakthrough tech—then quickly verifying and…
15 Oct 2026 · 35m · 13 chapters
Advanced small talk and conversation strategy—moving from “defense” (answering basic questions) to “offense” (bridging to memorable topics via personal branding), plus topic prep, “in media race”…
12 Oct 2026 · 24m · 8 chapters
How to communicate calmly and clearly during sudden, in-the-moment conflict using a five-step CLEAR framework (Check yourself, Listen openly, Explore their perspective, Acknowledge before advocating,…
8 Oct 2026 · 15m · 7 chapters
Communication as bridge-building; how to adopt a “builder” mindset and use the “4 C’s” (curiosity, compassion, creativity, courage) to counter polarization.
5 Oct 2026 · 24m · 8 chapters
How to end meetings and presentations effectively (“land the plane”) and keep engagement through clear goals; plus an AMA on ending patterns, engagement techniques, small talk confidence, and…
1 Oct 2026 · 19m · 6 chapters
Matt Abrahams (Stanford GSB strategic communication instructor) and Lorraine K.
28 Sep 2026 · 26m · 8 chapters
How to use conversational AI as a “thinking partner” to improve team creativity and problem-solving, based on a blind study comparing human-only ideation vs humans + ChatGPT, plus a practical 5-step…
24 Sep 2026 · 25m · 9 chapters
Message market fit—why startups and established companies fail when they don’t find the right words and story to create traction.
21 Sep 2026 · 20m · 11 chapters
How to “rethink” communication in an AI era—using AI to clarify messages and improve thinking—while emphasizing human judgment, curiosity, and connection.
17 Sep 2026 · 23m · 13 chapters
How to make conflict more constructive by adding “warmth to heat.” Priya Parker contrasts unhealthy peace (conflict avoidance) and unhealthy conflict (domination/escalation) with “healthy heat,” the…
14 Sep 2026 · 25m · 7 chapters
Martin Seligman discusses flourishing and well-being through PERMA (positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, accomplishment), arguing that internal self-talk shapes emotion and action,…
10 Sep 2026 · 21m · 11 chapters
Stereotype threat and “churn” (anxiety/vigilance in diverse, high-stakes settings) and how communication can reduce it through respect, clarity, and trust-building.
7 Sep 2026 · 20m · 7 chapters
Preparing for job interviews and networking by differentiating yourself, building interview “themes” with supporting evidence, practicing structured answers, and telling effective stories.
3 Sep 2026 · 17m · 6 chapters
How to make everyday communication more persuasive and engaging using storytelling science: causality (“the word because”), the Goal-Inside-Action framework, portals (AAA: anticipation/approach), and…
31 Aug 2026 · 25m · 8 chapters
Practical communication tactics from Vanessa Van Edwards on using body language, networking positioning, better small talk openers, and “charisma” as fast signaling of warmth and competence.
27 Aug 2026 · 14m · 5 chapters
How to pitch persuasively by using “two stories” (the screenplay plus the executive’s success story), keep lines concise with punchline-first rhythm, collaborate without ego, and navigate AI’s impact…
24 Aug 2026 · 24m · 7 chapters