Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Meetings that don't suck: the secrets to running a successful meeting.

Show Notes

Delve into why people hate meetings, explore what hinders their effectiveness, and how to change that. Karin Reed (Emmy Award winner) and Joe Allen (“The Meeting Doctor”) join Matt Abrahams in the first of a two-part series that aims to reshape your approach to meetings and help you make them effective and meaningful, whether in person, virtual or hybrid. 
They shed light on the constraints hindering effective meetings, and explore strategies for optimizing meetings, emphasizing the importance of right-sizing meetings and focusing on realistic agendas. Karin provides valuable tips for enhancing on-air presence, focusing on aspects like eye contact, lighting, and framing, while Joe tackles the challenges of managing disruptive behaviors in virtual meetings. Don't miss this insightful exploration into the world of how to make meetings better.

Connect:

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction 
Host Matt Abrahams sets the stage for the two-episode series on meaningful meetings and introduces guests Karin Reed and Joe Allen.
(02:02) Why People Hate Meetings 
Reasons behind the dislike for meetings, focusing on habits and societal norms and the issues that create ineffective meetings.
(04:49) Participation Equity
Strategies for validating all forms of participation, especially in virtual and hybrid meetings.
(06:53) Meeting Structures and Strategically Ordering Topics
How to strategically best order tasks for a meeting adapting to the team's readiness.
(09:21) Best Practices for Virtual and Hybrid Meetings 
The importance of being & feeling seen and heard in virtual and hybrid meetings, strategies to work against proximity bias.
(11:57) Virtual Presence Tips 
Tips to have the best virtual presence from Karin, including eye contact, framing, lighting, and audio
(16:35) How to Combat Counterproductive Meeting Behavior
Joe explains different types of behaviours that derail meetings and how procedural communication can be used as a strategy to address them, and the possible outcomes of implementing this. 
(20:45) Final Thoughts on Effective Meetings 
Karin & Joe each give their one big tip for effective meetings, Karin shares the importances of injecting humanity and friendship, and Joe shares his communication mentor.
(23:52) The ABCs of Communication 
Karin Reed shares the first three ingredients for a successful communication recipe: Authenticity, Brevity, and Clarity.
(25:01) 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.