Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Matt takes live questions from his worldwide audience.

Show Notes

Matt takes live questions from his worldwide audience and shares a lesson around concision, relevance, accessibly, and precision in messaging. In this "masterclass," he emphasizes the communicator's role as a translator who simplifies complex information for diverse audiences.
Key takeaways include the careful use of analogies, considering cultural backgrounds and audience understanding, and providing techniques for chunking information into understandable segments. Additionally, the episode delves into the significance of structuring communication to achieve specific goals, highlighting Matt’s structure 'What? So What? Now What?. This episode is packed with practical advice and strategies for anyone looking to enhance their communication skills, whether in professional or personal contexts.
Be sure to tune in to Part 2, the “Ask Me Anything” portion of this recorded event.

Connect:

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction and Global Participation 
Jenny & Matt introduce the live episode.
(00:01:09) Challenges of Communication 
Matt emphasizes the challenges in maintaining focus and clarity in a world filled with distractions and uses the iPod messaging as an example of focused communication.
(00:02:46) Concision 
Matt shares insights, examples, and practical techniques on using minimal words for maximum impact.
(00:06:47) Relevance
The importance of thinking about who our audience is, their needs, and how to use emotion, engagement, time-travelling phrases, and curiosity.
(00:10:36) Accessibility 
How do we make our content understandable to our audience? Matt explains that communicators are translators, and suggests techniques such as language, analogies, chunking, and providing diagrams
(00:15:50) Precision
Making sure we have a clear goal for our communication and the three components of a clear goal: information, emotion, and action.
(00:17:20) The importance of Structure for Precision
Exploring various structures for targeted communication, including insights from the Dummies book series, Matt’s favorite communication structure: 'What? So What? Now What?', and thinking about how we start and finish. 
(00:21:38) Closing 

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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