Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

"Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques" podcast presented by Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB).

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142. Power and Persuasion: Live Insights from Stanford Experts

142. Power and Persuasion: Live Insights from Stanford Experts

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:


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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Producer 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 Settings

Michelle Gelfand discusses managing conflicts and negotiations in broader societal and cultural contexts.

(00:04:51) Understanding and Managing Diversity

Brian 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 Influence

Deborah Gruenfeld shares the implications of power dynamics and how they shift from virtual to in-person interactions.

(00:14:04) Persuasion and Effective Communication

Zakary 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 Interactions

Deborah Gruenfeld discusses her ongoing research on how power dynamics influence investor decisions in startup teams.

(00:20:47) The Pursuit of Meaningfulness

Brian Lowery talks about his current focus on what makes life meaningful.

(00:24:14) Cultural Tightness and Looseness

Michelle Gelfand explains her research on how cultures manage norms and rules, and the concept of "tight" and "loose" cultures.

(00:28:52) Persuasive Communication

Zakary Tormala shares insights from his latest research on framing effects in communication.

(00:32:13) Participant Reflections

A Stanford LEAD participant shares experiences from Brian Lowery's class, emphasizing the importance of perspective-taking and trust in leadership.

(00:33:15) Conclusion


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141. An Invitation for Innovation: Why Creativity Is Found, Not Forced

141. An Invitation for Innovation: Why Creativity Is Found, Not Forced

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.”


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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host 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 Change

Fundamental differences between leading for innovation and for change, and the unique challenges required for innovation.

(00:02:53) Creating a Culture of Innovation

The 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 Innovation

Shared values, and the distinction between vision and purpose within innovative organizations.

(00:09:43) Communication's Impact on Innovation

How effective communication facilitates innovation, including strategies for engaging diverse teams and the significance of storytelling.

(00:14:30) Conflict and Creativity in Collaborative Environments

The value of conflict in innovation, and how managing disagreements and diverse viewpoints can lead to more creative solutions.

(00:16:06) The Final Three Questions

Linda Hill shares practices to foster collaboration with others, a communicator she admires, and her ingredients for successful communication.

(00:19:54) Conclusion


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140. Best of: How to Handle a Skeptical Audience

140. Best of: How to Handle a Skeptical Audience

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: Website
  • Stanford Profile: Website 
  • Ep.102 Create a Presence: How to Communicate in a Way Others Can Feel: WebsiteYouTube 
  • 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 / YouTube


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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces the episode and guest Burt Alper, a fellow strategic communication lecturer at Stanford GSB

(00:00:55) Handling Direct Objections

Confronting direct objections during presentations, particularly in professional settings like executive meetings or at the GSB.

(00:02:37) Preparation for Objections

The importance of preparation when anticipating objections and strategies for foreseeing potential pushbacks.

(00:03:50) Emotional vs. Logical Objections

Distinctions between emotional and logical objections and how these types of objections manifest in conversations.

(00:06:09) The Power of Reframing

The technique of reframing in objection handling and altering the context of a conversation to address concerns without conceding.

(00:08:17) The Role of Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing 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 Questions

Burt Alper shares the best communication advice he’s received, a communicator he admires, and his ingredients for successful communication.

(00:14:55) Conclusion


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139. Lose Yourself: The Secret to Finding Flow and Being Fully Present

139. Lose Yourself: The Secret to Finding Flow and Being Fully Present

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 performance

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host 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 Benefits

The definition of flow and the reversal of the usual dynamic of goal pursuit.

(00:02:20) Achieving and Maintaining Flow

Misconceptions about achieving flow and the role of reducing uncertainty in engaging activities. 

(00:06:22) Flow in Business and Leadership

Applying 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 Pursuit

How 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 Communication

The potential for shared flow experiences in collaborative settings and the role of communication in facilitating flow.

(00:13:05) Goal Setting and Achievement Advice

Advice 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 Questions

David Melnikoff shares how he invites flow into his life, a communicator he admires, and his recipe for communication.

(00:16:17) Conclusion


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138. Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication

138. Speak Your Truth: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication

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.

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Matt Abrahams introduces guest Graham Weaver, a Stanford alum and lecturer in management at GSB.

(00:0:43) Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills in Business

How skills like understanding personal dreams and overcoming limiting beliefs play a critical role in business success.

(00:04:58) Living an Asymmetrical Life

Living 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 Swift

Business and personal inspiration from Taylor Swift's response to professional setbacks, highlighting her work ethic and resilience.

(00:13:04) Personal Growth and Enlightenment

Graham’s journey towards enlightenment and the practices he adopts to improve his personal and professional life.

(00:16:08) The Final Three Questions

Graham shares what differentiates an exceptional from average leader, a communicator he admires and his ingredients for successful communication.

(00:21:05) Conclusion


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137. When Words Aren’t Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication

137. When Words Aren’t Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication

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: Website
  • Ep.12 - It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It: How to Communicate Power WebsiteYouTube 
  • Ep.16 - How to Craft Your Body Language When Confronting Objections Website / YouTube 

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Matt Abrahams introduces guest Dana Carney, an expert in nonverbal communication.

(00:01:12) Understanding Nonverbal Communication

Foundational 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 Power

How nonverbal communication influences perceptions of power and status and the concept of the "five nonverbal rules of power".

(00:04:37) Cultural and Contextual Variations

The 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 Communication

Verbal versus nonverbal communication and its significance especially in contexts where honesty or bias might be in question.

(00:09:15) Achieving Communication Goals Through Nonverbals

How understanding nonverbal cues can help individuals achieve specific social interaction goals.

(0012:51) Enhancing Nonverbal Communication Skills

Practical advice for becoming more aware of one's nonverbal communication, including self-observation and seeking feedback from others.

(00:16:13) The Final Three Questions

Dana shares a nonverbal behavior that demonstrates confidence, a communicator she admires, and her recipe for successful communication.

(00:21:09) Conclusion


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136. The Art of Disagreeing Without Conflict: Navigating the Nuance

136. The Art of Disagreeing Without Conflict: Navigating the Nuance

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:

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Matt 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 Research

Julia gives insight into her background and what led her to research disagreement and conflict.

(00:01:55) Distinguishing Between Disagreement and Conflict

The difference between disagreement and conflict, and why understanding this distinction is crucial for effective communication.

(00:04:12) Strategies for Disagreeing Better

Practical advice on how to disagree constructively without escalating to conflict, focusing on expressing and acting with curiosity.

(00:07:05) Demonstrating Curiosity and Conversational Receptiveness

Tactics for showing curiosity and conversational receptiveness, including using the HEAR acronym to maintain constructive dialogues.

(00:14:38) Managing Conflict

Managing and navigating conflict, emphasizing emotional readiness and the importance of choosing battles wisely.

(00:18:25) The Final Three Questions

Julia shares personal experiences with conflict and disagreement, a communicator she admires, and her recipe for successful communication.

(00:22:48) Conclusion

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135. Best of: The Personal and Professional Power of Emotional Awareness

135. Best of: The Personal and Professional Power of Emotional Awareness

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:


Connect:


Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Celine Teoh and the episodes' focus on the value of emotions in communication.

(00:01:09) Discovering Self Through Interpersonal Dynamics

Overview of the Interpersonal Dynamics course at Stanford GSB, also known as "touchy feely"

(00:03:48) Integrating “Touchy Feely” in Logical and Action-Oriented Environments

Incorporating empathy and emotional connection in organizations that prioritize logic and action.

(00:05:47) Enhancing Connection and Empathy

Advice on building connections with others, including the importance of being clear and embracing vulnerability.

(00:08:36) Managing Conflict with Empathy

Approaching challenges and conflict at work in a way that maintains and strengthens relationships.

(00:11:29) Enhancing Empathy, Feedback, and Communication Skills

Guidance for improving empathy, seeking feedback, and honing communication skills.

(00:13:52) The Final Three Questions

Celine 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) Conclusion


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134. How to Chat with Bots: The Secrets to Getting the Information You Need from AI

134. How to Chat with Bots: The Secrets to Getting the Information You Need from AI

Leveraging AI to unlock new levels of creativity and communication innovation

Join 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:


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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction to Utley & Gohar

Matt Abrahams introduces guests Jeremy Utley and Kian Gohar, and their respective books.

(00:01:02) Motivation Behind the Study on AI's Impact

AI'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 Innovation

Specific 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 Assistance

Why 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 Collaboration

The FIXIT methodology, a five-step process to enhance collaboration with AI.

(00:12:29) Enhancing Conversations with AI

Improving conversations with AI, including using audio messages for interaction and exploring different large language models for varied inputs.

(00:17:45) The Final Three Questions

Jeremy 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) Conclusion


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Bio of Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

"Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques" is a podcast presented by Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB), Matt Abrahams, a lecturer of Strategic Communication at Stanford Graduate School of Business, sits down with experts in the field to discuss real-world challenges.

The podcast aims to equip listeners with the skills and knowledge needed to communicate effectively in various situations. Whether you find yourself put on the spot, struggling to convey complex information, writing emails, or managing your reputation, the podcast provides valuable insights and practical techniques to enhance your communication abilities.

With a focus on business and personal contexts, "Think Fast, Talk Smart" recognizes that effective communication is crucial for success in all aspects of life. The podcast offers tools, strategies, and best practices to improve your communication skills, from giving toasts at special events to presenting in high-stakes meetings.

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