Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Body language and word choices that can help you “power up” or “power down” your communication.

Show Notes

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“Simple language, forceful language, vivid language, and keeping it simple and direct,” says Professor Jeffrey Pfeffer, are all powerful tools to strengthen your communication.
Host and Stanford Graduate School of Business lecturer Matt Abrahams interviews Pfeffer, the author many books, including Power: Why Some People Have It and Others Don't, about the verbal and nonverbal ways we can harness, or give away, our authority when we’re speaking to others. Pfeffer is also the host of the podcast Pfeffer on Power and teaches the Stanford GSB online course Discover the Paths to Power. 

Episode Reference Links:

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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction
Matt Abrahams introduces the episode, highlighting the importance of power and presence in communication.
(00:01:31) Defining Power and Status
Jeffrey Pfeffer shares his definition of power and status, emphasizing their significance in achieving goals despite opposition.
(00:02:45) Nonverbal & Verbal Behaviors to Communicate Power
Specific behaviors that convey power, and those to avoid.
(00:05:46) Emotion and Power
Pfeffer explores the role of emotion in conveying power, highlighting the effectiveness of displaying strong emotions like anger and passion.
(00:09:11) Virtual Communication
Strategies for projecting competence and higher status in virtual communication are discussed, emphasizing the importance of appearance and framing on video calls.
(00:10:55) Communicating Across Power Levels
Jeffrey Pfeffer advises on crafting concise, powerful messages for communication with higher-status individuals, emphasizing the importance of directness and presentation in person.
(00:12:06) Tailoring Messages with Flattery
Pfeffer suggests beginning communications with flattery, highlighting its effectiveness in making the recipient more receptive to your message.
(00:13:33) The Importance of ‘Warming Up’
Why we should warm up physically and vocally before important communications.
(00:16:33) The Final Three Questions
Pfeffer shares his best communication advice in a concise slide title, the communicators he “admires”, and his three ingredients for a successful communication recipe.
(00:19:20) Conclusion

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?

Join Matt Abrahams, a lecturer of Strategic Communication at Stanford Graduate School of Business, every Tuesday as he sits down with experts in the field to discuss real-world challenges.
How do I send my message clearly when put on the spot? How do I write emails to get my point across? How can I easily convey complex information? How do I manage my reputation? Whether you’re giving a toast or presenting in a meeting, communication is critical to success in business and in life.
Think Fast, Talk Smart provides the tools, techniques, and best practices to help you communicate more effectively.
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