Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Applying design thinking to communication can help create the world around us.

Show Notes

As a designer, Scott Doorley is interested in how humans create the world around them. It’s a conversation, he says, that starts with the question: What kind of world do we want?
Doorley is the creative director of the Stanford d.school and co-author of the book, Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future. In designing everything from a device to an app to a building, “People get excited about what it can do,” he says, “but what should it do? What do we want? What's the desirable outcome that we want in the world?”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Doorley and host Matt Abrahams discuss how applying design thinking to communication can help us connect more with each other, better understand the world, and create meaningful change.

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Scott Doorley, creative director of Stanford’s d.school.
(00:01:07) What is Design?
The broad scope of design at Stanford's d.school and the role of intention in bringing ideas to life.
(00:02:16) The Design Process
The design process, emphasizing desirability and externalizing ideas to understand them better.
(00:03:32) Communication in Design
The vital role of communication in all aspects of design.
(00:05:09) Mistakes in Spatial Design
The biggest mistake people make when arranging spaces for communication and interaction.
(00:06:47) Runaway Design
The concept of runaway design and its implications in the modern world.
(00:09:29) Intangibles and Actionables
The distinction between actionables and intangibles, and how these concepts can be applied beyond design.
(00:12:47) Using Stories in Design
How storytelling helps envision and communicate future impacts of design.
(00:16:20) Emotion in Innovation
The role of emotions in driving innovation, communication, and design.
(00:19:03) The Final Three Questions
Scott shares what he is currently designing, a communicator he admires, and his ingredients for successful communication.
(00:23:17) Conclusion


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Creators & Guests

Host
Matt Abrahams
Lecturer Stanford University Graduate School of Business | Think Fast Talk Smart podcast host

What is Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques?

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.

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