Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Why good communication isn’t just about the words we say.

Show Notes

If communication is like painting, words are the primary colors. But to convey deeper meaning, we need a broader color palette, which Dana Carney says requires the mastery of nonverbal communication.
We often focus on the words that we say when honing our communication, but according to Carney, there are many instances “where nonverbals start to be more meaningful than verbals.” A professor at Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and the George Quist Chair in Business Ethics, Carney researches the nonverbal ways in which we communicate our biases, our preferences, our power, and our status.
As Carney explores in her forthcoming book, The Five Nonverbal Rules of Power, there are several key areas of nonverbal behavior that we need to grasp in order to fully tap our potential as communicators. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, she and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to read the nonverbal communication of others — and how to gain control of the nonverbals we express to the world.

Episode Reference Links:
  • Dana Carney: Website
  • Ep.12 - It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It: How to Communicate Power Website / YouTube 
  • Ep.16 - How to Craft Your Body Language When Confronting Objections Website / YouTube 
Connect:

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction
Matt Abrahams introduces guest Dana Carney, an expert in nonverbal communication.
(00:01:12) Understanding Nonverbal Communication
Foundational aspects of nonverbal communication, dividing it into perception and expression, and emphasizing the importance of facial expressions and body language.
(00:02:11) The Nonverbal Rules of Power
How nonverbal communication influences perceptions of power and status and the concept of the "five nonverbal rules of power".
(00:04:37) Cultural and Contextual Variations
The impact of culture and context on nonverbal cues, discussing how cultural differences can alter the interpretation of behaviors such as eye contact and proximity.
(00:08:10) The Balance Between Verbal and Nonverbal Communication
Verbal versus nonverbal communication and its significance especially in contexts where honesty or bias might be in question.
(00:09:15) Achieving Communication Goals Through Nonverbals
How understanding nonverbal cues can help individuals achieve specific social interaction goals.
(0012:51) Enhancing Nonverbal Communication Skills
Practical advice for becoming more aware of one's nonverbal communication, including self-observation and seeking feedback from others.
(00:16:13) The Final Three Questions
Dana shares a nonverbal behavior that demonstrates confidence, a communicator she admires, and her recipe for successful communication.
(00:21:09) 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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