Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
Episodes
282. The Language of Luck: Why Fortune Favors Those Who Pay Attention
20 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 “...
281. Be Clear, Be Concise, Be Remembered: Masters of Scale
16 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
280. Stay Relevant: Future Proof Your Career in an AI World
13 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
279. Rethinks: How to Leverage What People Already Want
09 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
278. How Do You Mean? It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It
06 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 e...
277. How Small Choices Shape Better Communication
02 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 breakth...
276. Dead End Goals: Are Your Ambitions Actually Leading You Toward Meaning?
30 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
275. Cracking the Code: Learn The Unspoken Rules of Workplace Success
26 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Why mastering unspoken workplace communication is essential to long-term career success.Succeeding at work doesn’t just depend on how hard you work ...
274. Choose Connection Over Perfection: Why Happiness Starts with Better Communication
23 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How to communicate for deeper connection—and greater happiness.Happiness isn’t just a feeling—it’s something you can actively shape through ho...
273. Quick Thinks: How to Create Messages People Remember
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Memorable communication isn’t about saying more—it’s making the right idea stick. No matter how compelling a presentation feels in the moment, ...
272. Say What Sticks: The Neuroscience of Memorable Communication
16 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
271. Rethinks: The Key to Lasting Behavior Change
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
270. Make Belief: The Mindset Shifts That Make Your Communication Stronger
09 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Why beliefs can either cap our potential or push us toward possibility.What you believe about yourself could be holding you back. Fortunately, Nir Eya...
269. Ask Matt Anything: Bring Clarity to Complicated Conversations
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Practical insights to help you communicate with more intention in everyday moments.What’s the difference between reacting and responding? How do you...
268. Going Viral: How To Balance Authenticity and Spectacle
02 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 hav...
267. Rethinks: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 We...
266. Your Brain Has Too Many Tabs Open: Managing the Voice in Your Head
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
265. Complexity to Connection: Humanizing High-Stakes Communication
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How to turn complexity into connection through clear communication.Communication in high-stakes moments isn’t about saying more — it’s about con...
264. Show Your Receipts: Communicating in a Post-Truth World
16 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
263. Smart Isn’t the Same as Clear: How to Sharpen Your Ideas
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Why clarity and authenticity matter more than ever in modern communication.Clear communication in the age of likes, LLMs, and constant noise isn’t a...
262. Own the Room: How Voice, Breath, and Body Work Together
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 —...
261. Meetings With a Point: How to Design For Better Decisions
05 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ma...
260. From Role To Soul: The Four Ingredients For Mastering Meaning
02 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 havi...
259. Quick Thinks: Task-Focused to People-Focused—A Smarter Way to Communicate
29 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
How “spaciousness” helps teams move beyond busywork — and build the conditions for honest conversation.“We’re just so busy right now” is o...
258. When Power Talks, People Walk: Why Leaders Don’t Hear What Matters Most
26 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 pillar...
257. Move Your Audience: Lessons From MLK You Should Use
19 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 Mart...
256. Be Kind: The Most Overlooked Driver of Success
15 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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...
255. How Leaders Sound Smart Without Saying Too Much
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The keys to communicating clarity, not confusion.What separates communicators who clarify from those who confuse? The ability to “Simplify complexit...
254. Start Fresh: How Framing, Timing, and Talk Can Improve Your Finances
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
253. Top 10: The Best Communication Tips from 2025
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Our 10 favorite communication insights from 2025.The most transformative communication insights are the ones we actually remember to use. That’s why...
252. Rethinks: How to Make Complex Ideas Accessible
25 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Presenting complex information for your audience to understand.As communicators, we often need to take complex information (e.g., financial, technical...
251. How to Stop Performing and Start Communicating with Presence
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why good communication requires presence, not performance.Effective communication isn't about perfecting your performance. According to Dr. Kate Mason...
250. How to Navigate Conflict: Tools For Productive Communication
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Celebrate our 250th episode with expert strategies that make tough conversations easier — and more meaningful.Some of the most meaningful shifts in ...
249. Quick Thinks: Rituals That Make Teamwork Work
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The right rituals—and the right conversations—can transform how your team collaborates.Strong collaboration starts with thoughtful practices and c...
248. Better Together: How to Supercharge Your Team’s Productivity
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 sa...
247. “Matt”er of Fact: Coaching on Feedback and Q&A
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Two new Think Fast Talk Smart AI tools put communication skills to the test in real time.Technology promises many things, but few experiments illustra...
246. Shared Wisdom: How Communication Defines Culture and Builds Community
27 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
245. Mindful Messages: Leveraging the Power of Presence
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When you enter a conflict trying to win, Deepak Chopra says you’ve already lost.“We can resolve any conflict,” says Dr. Deepak Chopra. All it ta...
244. Community Creates Change: Build Relationships That Actually Matter
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
243. Rethinks: How Lessons from Neuroscience Can Help You Communicate Confidently
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Reduce speaking anxiety and achieve your communication goals.“There’s no difference between the physiological response to something that you’re ...
242. Tech Tools: The Power of Showing, Not Telling
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 b...
241. Team Spirit: How to Make Group Work Work
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How to unlock the power of groups through collective communication.They say teamwork makes the dream work. But as Colin Fisher knows, unlocking the po...
240. Belief It or Not: How to Rewrite the Narratives That Hold You Back
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
239. Tech Tools: How Smarter Scheduling Leads to Stronger Communication
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick.Meetings are where collaboration happens — but too often, scheduling them feel...
238. AMA: Why Listening Might Be Your Most Powerful Skill
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When we truly listen, every conversation changes — including the one with ourselves.Listening isn’t about waiting for your turn to speak — it’...
237. Mistake It Till You Make It: Learn Faster and Fail Smarter
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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’...
236. Tech Tools: Zeroing in on Your Email Communication
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick.Staying on top of communication starts with staying in control of your inbox. Th...
235. Refine, Reframe, Repeat: Make Your Communication a Slam Dunk
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 m...
234. Need to Know: Lead With Transparency, Character, and Silence
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
233. Tech Tools: Write with Confidence and Impact
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick.Clarity is the cornerstone of great communication—but turning your thoughts in...
232. Pause, Don’t Panic: Finding Calm in High-Stakes Moments
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Harr...
231. Secret Signals: Why We Rarely Say Exactly What We Mean
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
230. Tech Tools: Use Visuals to Your Advantage
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick.Clear communication isn’t just about sharing information — it’s about maki...
229. Rethinks: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
To celebrate its second anniversary, we revisit our favourite tools and tips from Matt’s book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter.Original executive produce...
228. Negotiate Your Way to Success: Empathy, Mirroring, and Labeling
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Be ready, stay grounded, and communicate clearly — no matter what’s at stake.Communicating under pressure isn’t just a useful skill — it can b...
227. Tech Tools: Move Your Audience By Moving Through Your Presentation
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick.Great communication isn’t just about what you say — it’s about what your a...
226. Reinvent Yourself: Turning Uncertainty Into Opportunity
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Reinventing your life or career starts with reflection and conversation. Making the leap — to a new career, to the next stage of a relationship, or...
225. Speaking Fluent Internet: How Algorithms Are Changing the Way We Speak
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the digital age, it’s critical to craft communication that fits the context.Like it or not, algorithms now decide whose messages get heard. “If...
224. Make Your Messages Epic: The Evolution of Words and the Stories They Carry
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why modern communication still relies on ancient words and narratives.All communication and connection depend on one thing: language. That’s why Lau...
223. Laughing Matters: Levity, Leadership, and Lasting Connection
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
By lightening up your communication, you can build serious connections.Humor in communication isn’t all fun and games. According to Alison Wood Broo...
222. Discussing Through Discomfort: Why the Conversations You Avoid Cost You the Most
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some conversations are uncomfortable, but avoiding them comes with a cost.You want a more successful career, a more fulfilling relationship, a more me...
221. Don’t Get Lost in Translation: Staying Cool When Every Word Counts
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you stay clear, calm, and precise when every word counts and there’s no room for error?Staying calm and focused while translating high-stakes...
220. Prep Like a Pro: Communication Confidence, Clarity, and Comedy
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Master the art of thinking on your feet and turning unpredictability into powerful communication.Being quick on your feet isn’t just a performance s...
219. Six Motivations, One Workplace: Who Are You at Work?
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When communicating with their employees, most firms have no idea who they’re talking to.Good communication is about knowing your audience. But if yo...
218. Teaching Truths & Tactics: Live Lessons From Stanford in Cape Town
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Real connection means understanding your audience, staying true to yourself, and creating space for others.How do you communicate who you are, what yo...
217. Rethinks: How to Build Deep Connections
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How to be a skilled conversationalist in work, love, and life.Whether you’re trying to build a romantic or professional connection, Rachel Greenwald...
216. Wired for Words: A Neuroscientist’s Guide to Influence
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Understanding your audience's psychology is the key to crafting communication that resonates.Persuading others isn't about magic spells or mind-readin...
215. The New Media Landscape: Trust, Transparency, and Transformation
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For your communication to be credible, you can’t just say it — you have to do it.Want people to believe what you say? According to Richard Edelman...
214. From Crisis to Clarity: Simplicity, Feedback, and the Art of Being Heard
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How to communicate clearly in any context, from newsrooms to the world stage.All good communication, whether spoken or written, is built on the same f...
213. Rethinks: Building Trusting Relationships Through Communication
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How to turn doubt and suspicion into hopefulness and trust.There’s a lot in the world to make us cynical about other people and their motives and in...
212. Break It to Make It: Disrupt Your Way to the Perfect Job Fit
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Career growth starts with stepping outside your comfort zone.Building a successful career isn’t about following a set path—it’s about knowing wh...
211. Small Screens, Strong Signals: Mastering Modern Communication
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the age of virtual communication, here’s how to ensure your messages convey what you mean.Texts. Emails. Slacks. Zooms. We’re communicating in ...
210. First Impression to Lasting Impact: Use Status Strategically
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Career success takes a status boost, not a power grab.How do you chart the career course you’ve always imagined? According to Alison Fragale, it’s...
209. Find Your Fit, Find Your Focus - Catalyze Your Career
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How to turn curiosity, clarity, and AI into your most powerful job search tools.Job search isn’t just about landing your next role—it’s about un...
208. Ambiguity to Action: Tensions and Trade-Offs of Leadership and Communication
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Amidst constant change, clear communication is the key to navigating uncertainty.How do you communicate with others when you’re confused yourself? F...
207. From Conflict to Connection: Having Crucial Conversations that Count
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How victim, villain, and helpless stories sabotage our most important conversations.The hardest conversations aren’t just about what you say to the ...
206. Crafting Narratives That Motivate: What’s Your Strategy Story?
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Great strategy starts with a question—and a story worth believing in.A good strategy isn’t just built—it’s told. For Martin Reeves, chairman o...
205. Say What Sucks: Catalyzing Organizational Change with AI
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A live SXSW panel on how employee complaints illuminate the path to organizational innovation.Wrong question: How can AI revolutionize productivity in...
204. Tough Talks: Turn Tension Into Trust
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How to have the conversations that are most difficult — and most important.Before you can have hard conversations with others, you need to have an h...
203. No Script, No Problem: Final Secrets to Speaking Under Pressure (Bonus)
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stay sharp, sound confident, and speak with impact — even when you're put on the spot.Communicating clearly is challenging enough when there’s tim...
202. Own Your Brand: How to Communicate with Presence and Impact
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The power of creating the reputation you want to have.Whether you know it or not, you have a brand. What that brand is, says Lorraine Lee, doesn’t h...
201. Ballpark to the Boardroom: How Alex Rodriguez Hits a Communication Home Run
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Alex Rodriguez shares why in sports and business, striking out is just a part of the game.From the baseball field to the boardroom, great communicatio...
200. Four Keys for Focused Communication: Live Lessons from Our 200 Episodes
29 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This live Q&A with host Matt Abrahams celebrates 200 episodes of Think Fast, Talk Smart.In an age of endless content and information, how do we en...
199. Blunder Pressure: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (3 of 3)
22 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This three-part miniseries is all about keeping your cool when speaking on the spot.Communicating effectively can be challenging enough, even with ple...
198. Pause and Effect: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (2 of 3)
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This three-part miniseries is all about keeping your cool when speaking on the spot.Communicating effectively can be challenging enough, even with ple...
197. Prep or Perish: Mastering In-the-Moment Communication (1 of 3)
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This three-part miniseries is all about keeping your cool when speaking on the spot.Communicating effectively can be challenging enough, even with ple...
196. Ditch the Dictionary: Communicate Confidently Through Connection
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Communication isn’t about perfect word choice, it’s about connecting with others.For native speakers and language learners alike, communicating co...
195. Q&A on Conflict, Confidence, and Connection: Me2We 2025 Part 2
03 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stanford experts answer live questions on leadership, authenticity, and communication.What happens when four top Stanford thinkers take live questions...
194. Live Lessons in Levity and Leadership: Me2We 2025 Part 1
01 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Effective leadership begins with the way you communicate.Leading with impact isn’t about speaking louder—it’s about communicating in ways that r...
193. Conquer Questions: ADDing Value To Your Answers
25 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Turn Q&A from nerve-wracking to confidence-boosting with strategies for clear, controlled answers.A great presentation doesn’t end with the fina...
192. Quick Thinks: How to Supersize Your Stories
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How to craft compelling stories that captivate, inspire, and make an impact.Great storytelling isn't just about telling tales—it’s about crafting ...
191. Memorable Messages: Choose Words That Capture Attention and Stay Remembered
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How to craft communication that your audience will remember.Why do some messages stick, while others go in one ear and out the other? When it comes to...
190. Motivation Matters: How to Leverage What People Already Want
11 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
189. Numbers Need Narrative: Use Data to Influence and Inspire
04 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why numbers are only as compelling as the narratives we attach to them.Facts and figures can be your friend, but before you load your presentation ful...
188. Mind Reading 101: To Know What Your Audience Thinks, Just Ask
25 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How to really know what your audience is thinking.To be a great communicator, you have to get out of your own head. But that’s not all, says Matt Li...
187. Experimenting, Failing, and Finding Your Job Fit - Catalyze Your Career
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rethink career success by testing, adapting, and staying open to unexpected opportunities.Career planning isn’t as straightforward as we often assum...
186. Own Your Impact: How to Communicate Your Personal Power
18 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why good communication starts with tapping into your power.Impactful communication isn’t just about the words you use. According to Chris Lipp, it’...
185. Say Less, Mean More: Craft Compelling Communication
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How to captivate an audience and make your message stick.Pitches and presentations don’t fall flat because speakers aren’t prepared. For Guy Kawas...
184. Fit or Quit? Find the Job That is Right For You—Catalyze Your Career
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Stay prepared, build your network, and take control of your career.Most of us know that career growth is important—but according to Catherine Fisher...
183. Rethinks: How Anxiety Can Fuel Better Communication
04 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Reframe anxiety as a strength and use stress to enhance your communication.Stress, anxiety, nervousness — when these feelings inevitably arise, lect...