Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Matt takes live questions from his worldwide audience.

Show Notes

Matt takes live questions from his worldwide audience. 
Join Matt Abrahams engaging with his international audience and answering questions that touch upon some of today's most pressing communication challenges. Matt offers advice on everything from the nuances of crafting clear, impactful questions and navigating emotional dynamics in group settings to maintaining control during presentations and delivering difficult news.
Additionally, listeners are treated to innovative strategies for creating memorable introductions and managing disruptive behaviors in group discussions. This episode, taken from a Think Fast Talk Smart live event, offers practical tips and strategies; its a value add for anyone looking to enhance their communication skills in personal and professional contexts.

Episode Reference Links:
  • Ep 67, What Is Normal? How Culture Affects Communication Styles - Website / YouTube
  • Ep 105, Radical Candor: The Communication Shift That Can Transform Your Career - Website / YouTube
  • Ep 78, Three Guiding Principles for Successful Communication - Website / YouTube

Connect:

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction and Overview of Part Two
(00:01:11) Formulating Relevant Questions 
Crafting relevant questions in high-pressure situations. Matt outlines a three-step process for developing concise questions that address the key issues, and provide the person answering with a hook. 
(00:03:14) Managing Emotional Discussions 
How to handle a group discussion that gets emotional reactions by acknowledging emotions and using paraphrasing to refocus the conversation.
(00:05:32) Navigating An Audience Hijacking Your Presentation
Set clear boundaries and expectations at the beginning of the presentation, along with effective paraphrasing.
(00:08:25) Communication Structures for Delivering Difficult Messages 
How to employ the "What, So What, Now What" or the “Comparison, Contrast, Conclusion” structures when giving difficult news, or feedback.
(00:10:25) Effective Cross-Cultural Communication 
When communicating effectively in a multinational company, Matt emphasizes empathy, repetition, and deep listening.
(00:12:51) How to Get Creative With Our Introductions 
Matt suggests starting with a provocative statement and then your name, in order to set an expectation for who we are and what's important to us. 
(00:14:51) Handling a Difficult or Challenging Person in Groups 
Matt recommends constructive feedback and the strategic use of paraphrasing to manage disruptions.
(00:17:13) 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.

Tune in every Tuesday for new episodes. Subscribe now to unlock your potential as a thoughtful, impactful communicator. Learn more and sign up for our eNewsletter at fastersmarter.io.