Communication Confidence: Effective communication is essential, and with practice, anyone can overcome anxiety and improve their skills. Learning from experienced communicators helps us understand how to handle pressure and express ourselves clearly.
Speaking in front of others can be nerve-wracking, which is a common fear for many people. However, with practice and the right techniques, we can manage this anxiety. Important skills, like being a clear communicator and being confident in high-pressure situations, can be learned and improved. It’s valuable to hear insights from experienced communicators like Maggie Baird and Alan Alda, who emphasize the importance of effective communication and advocating for change. Additionally, personal stories, like the interview experience shared, remind us that unexpected situations can arise in important communications. By staying calm and handling these pressures, we can ensure that our message is still delivered effectively. Finally, resources like Matt’s book offer guidance on overcoming these challenges, helping us to communicate better and feel more confident in any situation.
Managing Anxiety: Managing anxiety can enhance communication skills. A bit of stress can motivate us, while too much can hinder performance. Learning techniques to cope helps express ideas clearly, especially in high-pressure situations like interviews.
Feeling nervous during important situations like interviews is normal. Instead of trying to eliminate anxiety, we should learn how to manage it so it doesn't control us. A little bit of stress can actually help us focus and prepare us for action. By using techniques to calm ourselves, we can improve our communication skills and feel more confident. Remember, everyone experiences anxiety, and it can even be beneficial in motivating us to succeed. It's crucial to find a balance where we acknowledge our nerves but don't let them overwhelm us. Techniques to cope with anxiety can help us express our ideas clearly, even when the pressure is high, allowing us to shine during interviews or other spontaneous speaking opportunities.
Managing Anxiety: To manage speaking anxiety, recognize its emotional, physical, and cognitive symptoms. Use mindfulness to acknowledge your feelings and prepare effectively for spontaneous speaking situations, enhancing your ability to respond confidently.
Speaking anxiety can be managed by understanding and addressing its symptoms. When faced with anxiety during spontaneous speaking, we may feel emotional symptoms like stress and fear, physical symptoms like sweating and a racing heart, or cognitive symptoms like negative self-talk and forgetfulness. To tackle these, mindfulness is a key strategy. By acknowledging and accepting our feelings instead of ignoring them, we can better manage our anxiety. It's important to prepare both mentally and physically for situations like job interviews, allowing us to react more effectively when surprise questions arise. Focusing on these techniques will empower us to face speaking challenges with greater confidence and clarity.
Transforming Anxiety: Recognizing that anxiety is a common feeling can help us not to be overwhelmed by it. Reframing anxiety as excitement and affirming our emotions can empower us to perform better and regain control over our feelings.
When we feel anxious, it's essential to remember that our emotions do not define us. By creating psychological distance, we can observe our anxiety without becoming overwhelmed. Acknowledge that feeling anxious is normal, and focus on reframing it as excitement. Saying, "I'm excited" can change how we perceive situations, allowing us to perform better. Taking a deep breath and reflecting on our thoughts can help regain control. The way our body reacts to anxiety is similar to excitement, so embracing this shift can alleviate negative feelings and transform them into positive energy. Instead of seeking quick fixes like substances or distracting visualizations, we can empower ourselves by affirming the normality of our feelings and shifting our perspective to view challenges as opportunities.
Mindful Breathing: Reframe anxiety as alertness, use deep breathing to calm the nervous system, and slow down speech by controlling breath and movements for effective communication.
When feeling anxious about speaking, it’s beneficial to reframe that anxiety as heightened alertness, which gives us a sense of control. Practicing deep breathing, especially focusing on longer exhalations, helps calm the nervous system and slows down our heart rate and speech. Maintaining a rhythm in breathing can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms. For those who tend to speak quickly, it’s also helpful to consciously slow down physical movements, as these are often synchronized with our speech patterns. Overall, by managing both our breath and our body movements, we can enhance our speaking experience and communicate more effectively.
Managing Stress: Stressful situations can lead to shakiness and blushing. To manage this, move slightly while speaking and cool down your hands with something cold, like water, to feel more comfortable and confident.
When we face stressful situations, our bodies react with physical symptoms like rapid heart rates, shakiness, sweating, and blushing. To manage these feelings, we can try to move our bodies a little, such as taking a few steps while speaking, which helps reduce shakiness. If sweat or blushing occurs, we can cool ourselves down by focusing on our hands or by holding something cold, like a bottle of water. These strategies can help us feel more comfortable when we are put on the spot, like during a speech or toast. It's perfectly normal to feel anxious at these moments, and using these techniques can make it easier to handle our body's reactions, allowing us to stay calm and confident.
Communicating with Confidence: Manage nerves during communication by sipping water, using positive mantras, and restating previous points if you lose track. These strategies will boost your confidence and control over spontaneous speaking situations.
When you're nervous and need to communicate, it’s common to experience dry mouth because your body goes into 'fight or flight' mode. To combat this, hydrate or chew gum beforehand. If you find yourself lost for words, use positive mantras to regain focus and remember your value. If you draw a blank, try to restate what was just said to help you find your way back to your message. This technique can also help in everyday situations, like when searching for misplaced items. Consistently practicing these strategies can build your confidence and decision-making skills, making spontaneous communication less intimidating.
Effective Communication: Repetition aids understanding, and asking reflective questions during speeches gives you time to regain composure. Prepare questions in advance for spontaneous speaking situations to engage your audience and help you think clearly.
Repetition can be beneficial in communication, enhancing understanding and retention for your audience. It’s okay to repeat ideas to highlight their importance and clarity. When faced with uncertainty or forgetting points while speaking, pausing to ask your audience a thoughtful question can give you time to regroup. Preparing a couple of reflective questions in advance can also help you navigate spontaneous speaking situations. For example, thinking of questions like, “How can you apply this in your work?” allows the audience to engage while you take a moment to collect your thoughts. This strategy turns a potentially awkward moment into an opportunity for interaction, helping you regain composure and maintain focus within the discussion.
Overcoming Anxiety: To overcome speaking anxiety, remember that most people aren't focused on you, structure your thoughts, and rationalize your fears. You'll likely do better than you think!
Feeling anxious about spontaneous speaking can be overwhelming, but there are ways to manage this fear. First, remember that there's a good chance you’ll do fine—most people underestimate their chances of success. If you do blank out, weigh the worst outcomes; they'll likely be less severe than you think. Remember that others are often more focused on their own concerns than judging you. This means your mistakes might not even be noticed. Additionally, having a clear structure for your thoughts acts like a guide, making it easier to express yourself and reducing the likelihood of freezing up. Embracing these strategies can help build your confidence and make spontaneous communication less intimidating. For more insights on overcoming speaking anxiety, check out resources like the book "Think Faster, Talk Smarter."
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Bonus episode: How to Manage Speaking Anxiety the Think Faster, Talk Smarter Way
Recent Episodes from Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
162. Unlock Career Opportunities: How to Make the Right Moves
Being present in the moment and staying open to whatever unfolds.
We all want to lead lives and careers full of joy and fulfillment. Maggie Baird certainly has, and the key, she says, is to stay open to new possibilities and “let your passion lead.”
Baird is an accomplished actress, improv teacher at the Groundlings Theater, mother to music sensations Billie Eilish and Phineas, and founder of Support and Feed, a nonprofit addressing food equity and the climate crisis. Through it all, she has embodied the improv principle of "Yes, and..." — being present in the moment and staying open to whatever unfolds. “I have done many things,” she says, “but I never approached any of them as a career change. They all came out of new interests and new experiences.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Baird joins host Matt Abrahams to explore the critical role of communication in developing a career, and how improv principles can help us engage, as Baird says, “From a place of open-heartedness, appreciation, [and] collaboration.”
Episode Reference Links:
- Support And Feed
- Ep.118 Maximizing your Personal Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You Want
- Ep.1 Speaking Without a Net: How to Master Impromptu Communication
- Ep.9 Quick Think: How Being Present-Oriented Improves Communication
Connect:
- Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
- Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
- Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
- Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
- Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Maggie Baird, actor and founder of Support and Feed.
(00:00:53) Career Transitions
Advice on embracing new opportunities without rigid planning.
(00:01:45) Teaching and Confidence Through Improv
Discovering improv and how teaching led to a new sense of confidence and creativity.
(00:04:03) Improv as a Communication Tool
The principles of improv and how they can enhance communication and collaboration.
(00:05:45) Structure and Freedom in Improv
How improv provides structure that frees individuals to speak spontaneously.
(00:07:37) Teaching with Empathy
Empathy in teaching, remembering what it's like to be a beginner, and avoiding jargon.
(00:10:34) Advocacy in the Music Industry
Using questions and collaboration to drive change in the music industry and other sectors.
(00:13:18) Collaboration and Positive Change
The importance of collaboration, positivity, and meeting people where they are to create change.
(00:16:07) The Final Three Questions
Maggie shares her next career change, a communicator she admires, and her ingredients for successful communication.
(00:17:46) Conclusion
- (00:00) - Introduction
- (01:36) - Career Transitions
- (02:28) - Teaching and Confidence Through Improv
- (04:46) - Improv as a Communication Tool
- (06:28) - Structure and Freedom in Improv
- (08:20) - Teaching with Empathy
- (11:17) - Advocacy in the Music Industry
- (14:01) - Collaboration and Positive Change
- (16:50) - The Final Three Questions
- (18:29) - Conclusion
Bonus episode: How to Manage Speaking Anxiety the Think Faster, Talk Smarter Way
Gain control over your speaking and excel in your communication.
For the first anniversary of his book Think Faster, Talk Smarter, Matt Abrahams shares strategies from the first chapter, focusing on managing speaking anxiety and improving spontaneous communication. Through personal anecdotes and practical techniques, he explains how to handle unexpected questions, reframe anxiety as excitement, and use mindfulness and breathing exercises to stay calm under pressure. The episode also offers tips for managing physical symptoms of anxiety and staying mentally focused during high-stakes situations
Audio excerpt courtesy of Simon & Schuster Audio from THINK FASTER, TALK SMARTER by Matt Abrahams, read by the author. Copyright 2023 by Matthew Abrahams LLC. Used with permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Reference Links:
- Book: Think Faster, Talk Smarter
- Ep.48 Speaking Up Without Freaking Out: How to Tackle Communication Anxiety
Connect:
- Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
- Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
- Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
- Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
- Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Matt Abrahams introduces guestJen Psaki, a political analyst and former White House official.
(00:01:07) Principles of Communication
The importance of doing your homework and active listening.
(00:02:08) Skills for Effective Listening
Techniques for focusing and improving listening skills in communication.
(00:02:51) Engagement and Lowering Barriers
Strategies for making communication more engaging and accessible.
(00:03:50) Tailoring Communication
Importance of audience understanding and adjusting communication style.
(00:05:14) Preparation and Practice for Confidence
The role of preparation and continuous practice to build confidence.
(00:07:07) The Value of Feedback
Seeking feedback and reflecting on communication performances.
(00:10:10) Handling Difficult Questions
Tips for managing tough questions and controlling the narrative.
(00:12:38) High-Stakes Negotiation
Lessons from diplomatic negotiations and finding common ground.
(00:15:30) The Final Three Questions
Jen shares a question that Matt should have asked, a communicator she admires, and her ingredients for successful communication.
(00:19:48) Conclusion
- (00:00) - Introduction
- (01:20) - The Onion Interview
- (03:02) - Speaking Up Without Freaking Out
- (05:30) - The ABCs of Speaking Anxiety
- (06:44) - Mindfulness Matters
- (09:02) - Reframe Anxiety as Excitement
- (10:26) - Cooling Down and Managing Physical Symptoms
- (14:15) - Taming Negative Thoughts
- (15:26) - The Power of Repetition
- (16:04) - Preparing Questions
- (18:29) - Rationalizing the Odds
- (19:32) - Conclusion
161. Do Your Homework: Know What to Say by Knowing Who You’re Talking To
Know your audience and tailor the message for them.
In high-stakes communication, every word counts. For Jen Psaki, that means knowing who she’s talking to — so she knows just what to say.
As the former White House Press Secretary and current host of Inside with Jen Psaki on MSNBC, Psaki has discovered that communication isn’t about “saying the most words or saying them the loudest,” but about knowing your audience well enough to tailor the message just for them. “You need to think about how you're going to get your audience to listen to you,” she says. “The goal of communicating is to crack the door open so somebody wants to hear more.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Psaki and host Matt Abrahams explore her approach to strategic communication: identifying your audience and using what you know to engage with them and get them to engage with you.
Episode Reference Links:
- Jen Psaki
- Jen’s Book: Say More
- Ep.22 Under Pressure How to Communicate Clearly and Timely During Crisis Website / YouTube
- Ep.155 Can We Be Candid? How to Communicate Clearly and Directly Website / YouTube
Connect:
- Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
- Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
- Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
- Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
- Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Matt Abrahams introduces guestJen Psaki, a political analyst and former White House official.
(00:01:07) Principles of Communication
The importance of doing your homework and active listening.
(00:02:08) Skills for Effective Listening
Techniques for focusing and improving listening skills in communication.
(00:02:51) Engagement and Lowering Barriers
Strategies for making communication more engaging and accessible.
(00:03:50) Tailoring Communication
Importance of audience understanding and adjusting communication style.
(00:05:14) Preparation and Practice for Confidence
The role of preparation and continuous practice to build confidence.
(00:07:07) The Value of Feedback
Seeking feedback and reflecting on communication performances.
(00:10:10) Handling Difficult Questions
Tips for managing tough questions and controlling the narrative.
(00:12:38) High-Stakes Negotiation
Lessons from diplomatic negotiations and finding common ground.
(00:15:30) The Final Three Questions
Jen shares a question that Matt should have asked, a communicator she admires, and her ingredients for successful communication.
(00:19:48) Conclusion
- (00:00) - Introduction
- (02:02) - Principles of Communication
- (03:03) - Skills for Effective Listening
- (03:46) - Engagement and Lowering Barriers
- (04:45) - Tailoring Communication
- (06:09) - Preparation and Practice for Confidence
- (08:02) - The Value of Feedback
- (11:05) - Handling Difficult Questions
- (13:33) - High-Stakes Negotiation
- (16:25) - The Final Three Questions
- (20:43) - Conclusion
160. Best of: How to Communicate Your Gameplan
Why organizational strategy can be both top-down and bottom-up.
As Professor Jesper Sørensen sees it, a winning strategy is the result of conversations, not commands, and that strategy can be directed from the C-suite, but it doesn’t have to be. “Lots of great strategies are discovered,” he says, “they’re discovered because the leaders were able to listen to their frontline workers or their frontline managers.” A more iterative approach, says Sørensen, helps companies adapt their strategy to an ever-changing landscape.
In the latest episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Sørensen joins host and lecturer Matt Abrahams to discuss how organizations can use better communication to craft better strategies.
Episode Reference Links:
- Stanford GSB Profile: Jesper B. Sørensen
- Sørensen’s Book: Making Great Strategy
- Original Episode: Ep.71 Strategy Success: How to Communicate Your Gameplan Website / YouTube
- Ep.103 Simple is a Superpower: How to Communicate Any Idea to Any Audience Website / YouTube
- Ep.41 Speak Like a Founder: How Successful Entrepreneurs Communicate to Their Teams Website / YouTube
Connect:
- Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
- Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
- Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
- Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
- Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Matt Abrahams introduces Jesper Sørensen, professor of organizational behavior at the GSB
(00:01:38) Defining Strategy
The core of strategy as securing an organization's economic prosperity, distinct from planning.
(00:03:21) Common Misconceptions about Strategy
Misunderstandings leaders often have regarding the nature of strategy
(00:05:07) Strategy Argument
The concept of a strategy argument, a structured approach to strategic decision-making.
(00:07:04) Strategy as a Communication Tool
The need for strategic communication to align and adapt within an organization.
(00:10:53) The Dynamic Nature of Strategy
How strategies evolve and the importance of feedback from all organizational levels.
(00:12:29) Storytelling in Strategy Communication
The power of storytelling in creating and communicating a coherent strategic vision.
(00:14:55) Propagating Strategy Through Storytelling
How leaders can use storytelling to align their teams with a strategy.
(00:17:01) The Final Three Questions
Jesper shares communication advice he’s received, a communicator he admires, and his ingredients for successful communication.
(00:23:39) Conclusion
- (00:00) - Introduction
- (02:33) - Defining Strategy
- (04:16) - Common Misconceptions about Strategy
- (06:02) - The Concept of a Strategy Argument
- (07:59) - Strategy as a Communication Tool
- (11:48) - The Dynamic Nature of Strategy
- (13:24) - Storytelling in Strategy Communication
- (15:50) - Propagating Strategy Through Storytelling
- (17:56) - The Final Three Questions
- (24:34) - Conclusion
159. Earn Your Audience: You Can’t Lead If No One’s Listening
What it takes to develop as a leader.
Great leaders and great communicators aren't born, they're made. That's why John Hennessy and Tina Seelig, directors of Stanford University’s Knight-Hennessy Scholars, are working to create the great storytellers of tomorrow, today.
"We decided that there was a leadership void, and that was a driving motivation to do this," says Hennessy, former Stanford president and current Alphabet chairman. The program, which he co-founded in 2016 with Stanford alum and Nike co-founder Phil Knight, equips scholars with essential leadership skills through hands-on experience and collaborative problem-solving.
Seelig, executive director of the program, emphasizes that great leadership centers on effective storytelling. "No matter how compelling your invention, your idea, the thing you want to do in the world, if you can't communicate it in [an] effective way, nobody's going to listen," she says.
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Hennessy, Seelig, and host Matt Abrahams explore what it takes to develop as a leader, discussing the role of communication, the power of empathy, and the centrality of storytelling.
Episode Reference Links:
- Stanford Biography: John L Hennessy
- Tina Seelig: Website
- Stanford Profile: Tina Seelig
- Knight-Hennessy Scholars
- Leading Matters Podcast
- Ep.155 Can We Be Candid? How to Communicate Clearly and Directly Website / YouTube
- Ep.35 Leading From the Hot Seat: Hot to Communicate Under Pressure Website / YouTube
Connect:
- Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
- Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
- Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
- Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
- Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Matt Abrahams introduces guests John Hennessy and Tina Seelig, directors of Stanford’s Knight-Hennessy Scholars.
(00:01:07) The Core of Knight-Hennessy Scholars
The inception and mission of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program.
(00:01:55) Knight-Hennessy Scholars Leadership Model
The three components of their leadership model and how it's applied to train scholars.
(00:03:34) Empathy and Humility in Leadership
How empathy and humility enhance leadership effectiveness.
(00:06:00) Storytelling in Leadership
The role of storytelling within the leadership framework at Knight-Hennessy Scholars.
(00:07:22) Challenges in Storytelling
Common storytelling pitfalls and how to overcome them.
(00:08:56) Diversity in Leadership
The importance of diversity in leadership teams and how it enhances problem-solving.
(00:11:20) Feedback in Leadership Development
The significance of feedback and how it is cultivated within the program.
(00:12:30) Aspiring to Big Ideas in Leadership
The value of focusing on impactful, big-picture goals.
(00:13:16) The Leading Matters Podcast
John and Tina outline their vision for inspiring leadership through their new podcast.
(00:15:10) The Final Three Questions
Tina shares a leadership skill she learned, and John shares a communicator he admires and ingredients for successful communication.
(00:18:31) Conclusion
- (00:00) - Introduction
- (01:07) - The Core of Knight-Hennessy Scholars
- (01:55) - Knight-Hennessy Scholars Leadership Model
- (03:34) - Empathy and Humility in Leadership
- (06:00) - Storytelling in Leadership
- (07:22) - Challenges in Storytelling
- (08:56) - Diversity in Leadership
- (11:20) - Feedback in Leadership Development
- (12:30) - Aspiring to Big Ideas in Leadership
- (13:16) - The Leading Matters Podcast
- (15:10) - The Final Three Questions
- (18:31) - Conclusion
158. Hope for Cynics: Building Trusting Relationships through Communication
“Acts of trust are the bedrock on which relationships are formed.”
There’s a lot in the world to make us cynical about other people and their motives and intentions. But by “trusting loudly,” Professor Jamil Zaki believes we can renew our faith in one another.
Zaki is a professor of psychology at Stanford, director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience lab, and author of several books, including his most recent, Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness. While many people feel suspicious of others and are reluctant to trust them, Zaki finds that relying on other people is a necessary part of forming relationships.
“Acts of trust are the bedrock on which relationships are formed,” Zaki says. “The only way that strangers become friends and friends become best friends, the only way that we can build partnerships is through a willingness to count on one another.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Zaki joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss practical strategies for fostering trust and challenging our cynical assumptions, offering a hopeful perspective on human nature, backed by surprising scientific insights.
Episode Reference Links:
- Jamil Zaki: Website
- Stanford Profile: Jamil Zaki
- Jamil’s Lab: Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab
- Jamil’s Book: Hope for Cynics
- Ep.84 Quick Thinks: How Others Define Us Website / YouTube
- Ep. 129 Connect Deeply: How to Communicate So People Feel Seen and Heard Website / YouTube
Connect:
- Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
- Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
- Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
- Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
- Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Jamil Zaki, director of the Stanford Social Neuroscience Lab.
(00:01:03) Defining Trust and Its Importance
A definition of trust and its impact on relationships with others.
(00:01:54) Building Better Trust
Developing trust, with a focus on communication and "trusting loudly."
(00:03:24) Understanding Cynicism
The concept of cynicism, its impact on social interactions, and the idea of the cynicism trap.
(00:05:47) The Cynicism Spectrum
Whether cynicism is binary or a spectrum, and what the opposite of cynicism looks like.
(00:08:07) Fostering Hopeful Skepticism
How to cultivate hopeful skepticism instead of falling into cynicism.
(00:10:20) Challenges of Overcoming Cynicism
Advice on expanding worldviews and managing confirmatory experiences.
(00:15:10) Self-Fulfilling Prophecies
The power of self-fulfilling prophecies and how they shape social interactions.
(00:17:31) The Final Three Questions
Jamil’s approach to communicating concepts eloquently, a communicator he admires and his ingredients for successful communication.
(00:24:36) Conclusion
- (00:00) - Introduction
- (01:03) - Defining Trust and Its Importance
- (01:54) - Building Better Trust
- (03:24) - Understanding Cynicism
- (05:47) - The Cynicism Spectrum
- (08:07) - Fostering Hopeful Skepticism
- (10:20) - Challenges of Overcoming Cynicism
- (15:10) - Self-Fulfilling Prophecies
- (17:31) - The Final Three Questions
- (24:36) - Conclusion
157. Communicating the Future: Defining Where We Want AI to Take Us
Artificial intelligence can now do a lot of things. But if you’re worried about it taking your place as a communicator, Russ Altman says you need to question why you’re communicating in the first place.
Altman is a professor of bioengineering, a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, and host of Stanford Engineering’s podcast, The Future of Everything. According to him, advancing technology isn’t a threat to human creativity and connection, but a tool we can use to raise our own standards for communication.
“If you're worried that a ChatGPT-type tool can replace you, you need to [ask]: Why am I communicating? What am I trying to say? Do I have a message?” he says. “If those things are true, it shouldn't be a problem. It should actually amplify and improve your message.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Altman and host Matt Abrahams explore how effective communication can help us envision, articulate, and navigate towards our desired future, in our relationships, in our work, and in society.
Episode Reference Links:
- Stanford Profile: Russ B. Altman
- The Future of Everything Podcast | Stanford University School of Engineering
- Ep.109 Simplify! How to Communicate Complex Ideas Simply and Effectively Website / YouTube
- Ep.3 When Knowing Too Much Can Hurt Your Communication: How to Make Complex Ideas Accessible Website / YouTube
Connect:
- Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.edu
- Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
- Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
- Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page, Instagram, YouTube
- Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
- Stanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & Twitter
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Russ Altman, professor of bioengineering at Stanford University and host of The Future of Everything podcast.
(00:01:00) The Future of Communication and AI
How AI can challenge and improve communication by bringing hidden biases to light.
(00:03:06) Practical Uses of AI in Communication
Using AI to improve clarity and focus in professional communications.
(00:04:08) Writing Effective Proposals and Grants
Crafting effective proposals by aligning with audience needs and clearly defining objectives.
(00:06:07) Simplifying Complex Information
Making complex information understandable without oversimplification.
(00:08:31) Preparation in Communication
How preparing for tough questions can improve clarity and engagement in presentations.
(00:10:13) The Art of Asking Questions
Crafting and following up with thoughtful questions to foster deeper conversations.
(00:13:13) Building Effective and Diverse Teams
Building effective teams through diversity, clear roles, and strong relationships.
(00:15:12) Balancing Rigor and Support
The balance between challenging team members and maintaining a supportive environment.
(00:17:13) Lessons from ‘The Future of Everything’
The importance of passion in pursuing meaningful work and communicating complex ideas.
(00:18:09) The Final Three Questions
Russ shares what he’s excited about for the future, a communicator he admires, and the first three ingredients for successful communication.
(00:21:30) Conclusion
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156. Creative Communication: How Our Design Choices Illustrate Our Values
As a designer, Scott Doorley is interested in how humans create the world around them. It’s a conversation, he says, that starts with the question: What kind of world do we want?
Doorley is the creative director of the Stanford d.school and co-author of the book, Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future. In designing everything from a device to an app to a building, “People get excited about what it can do,” he says, “but what should it do? What do we want? What's the desirable outcome that we want in the world?”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Doorley and host Matt Abrahams discuss how applying design thinking to communication can help us connect more with each other, better understand the world, and create meaningful change.
Episode Reference Links:
- Stanford d.school Profile: Scott Doorley
- Stanford d.school
- Scott’s Book: Assembling Tomorrow
- Ep.61 Courage, Belonging, Ambiguity and Data: How to Design Your Communication for Success Website / YouTube
- Ep.70 Keep ’Em Coming: Why Your First Ideas Aren’t Always the Best Website / YouTube
Connect:
- Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.edu
- Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
- Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
- Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page, Instagram, YouTube
- Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
- Stanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & Twitter
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Scott Doorley, creative director of Stanford’s d.school.
(00:01:07) What is Design?
The broad scope of design at Stanford's d.school and the role of intention in bringing ideas to life.
(00:02:16) The Design Process
The design process, emphasizing desirability and externalizing ideas to understand them better.
(00:03:32) Communication in Design
The vital role of communication in all aspects of design.
(00:05:09) Mistakes in Spatial Design
The biggest mistake people make when arranging spaces for communication and interaction.
(00:06:47) Runaway Design
The concept of runaway design and its implications in the modern world.
(00:09:29) Intangibles and Actionables
The distinction between actionables and intangibles, and how these concepts can be applied beyond design.
(00:12:47) Using Stories in Design
How storytelling helps envision and communicate future impacts of design.
(00:16:20) Emotion in Innovation
The role of emotions in driving innovation, communication, and design.
(00:19:03) The Final Three Questions
Scott shares what he is currently designing, a communicator he admires, and his ingredients for successful communication.
(00:23:17) Conclusion
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155. Can We Be Candid? How to Communicate Clearly and Directly
Navigators know the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. In charting a course through communication, Susan Rice says the best route is often the most direct.
Throughout her career at the forefront of American diplomacy and foreign policy, Rice has been no stranger to high-stakes situations that hinge on clear and candid communication. As she says, “I'm very direct. I don't believe in playing games, going around people, and being passive-aggressive. I shoot straight.”
Rice graduated from Stanford University in 1986 and served as the US Ambassador to the United Nations from 2009 to 2013 and the National Security Advisor from 2013 to 2017. She is currently the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Visiting Fellow. Rice is the author of Tough Love: My Story of the Things Worth Fighting For.
But beyond being direct herself, Rice knows the value of allowing others to be direct with her. “If you give it, you got to be able to take it,” she says. “I've benefited at various stages of my career from colleagues who've been kind enough to give me the hard truths or the tough love to enable me to be better and help me to recognize where I'm falling short.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Rice and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to foster personal and professional relationships where candidness can thrive — even when communicating with those we don’t agree with.
Episode Reference Links:
- Stanford Freeman Spogli Institute Profile: Susan E. Rice
- Susan’s Book: Tough Love
- Ep.35 Leading from the Hot Seat: How to Communicate Under Pressure Website / YouTube
Connect:
- Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.edu
- Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
- Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
- Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page, Instagram, YouTube
- Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
- Stanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & Twitter
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Dr. Susan Rice, former White House official and representative to the United Nations.
(00:00:56) Leadership Principles
Susan discusses vision, direction, and the importance of people in leadership.
(00:03:10) Giving and Receiving Feedback
Importance of direct communication and the value of constructive feedback.
(00:05:01) Negotiation Insights
Strategies for understanding and leveraging positions in negotiations
(00:06:50) Enjoyment of Negotiation
The skills and satisfaction involved in successful negotiations.
(00:07:59) Standing Out
Advice for those who find themselves different from others in their professional environments.
(00:10:33) The Final Three Questions
Susan shares how she balances family political differences, communicators she admires, and ingredients for successful communication.
(00:16:17) Conclusion
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154. Best of: Communicating Better as a Leader
"In a leadership role, so much more of communication is about connecting with people, establishing shared humanity, motivating them, inspiring them, sometimes challenging them."
On August 1, 2024, Jonathan D. Levin, the tenth dean of Stanford Graduate School of Business, was appointed the President of Stanford University. In this Think Fast, Talk Smart episode from 2022, Levin reflects on the importance of communication as a leader. There is a balance, he says, in being direct with your dialogue, while also "leaving space for people to form their own opinions, to discuss ideas, to debate."
Episode Reference Links:
- Stanford Profile: Jonathan Levin
- Original Episode: Ep.68 Directive vs. Dialogue: Communicating Better as a Leader Website / YouTube
Connect:
- Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.edu
- Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
- Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
- Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page, Instagram, YouTube
- Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn
- Stanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & Twitter
Chapters:
(00:00:00) Introduction
Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Jon Levin, Dean of Stanford Graduate School of Business.
(00:01:33) Evolution of Communication in Leadership
How Jon’s communication has evolved over his career.
(00:03:30) Best Practices in Leadership Communication
Communicating with clarity during times of ambiguity and challenge.
(00:06:16) The Future of Communication in Business
The role of communication in business leadership and education.
(00:07:00) Teaching Capitalism Amid Societal Issues
How Stanford GSB educates students on capitalism while addressing modern challenges.
(00:10:35) Expanding Business Education
The Stanford GSB’s initiatives to reach and educate a broader audience.
(00:13:02) The Final Three Questions
John shares his best communication advice, a communicator he admires and ingredients for successful communication.
(00:15:17) Conclusion
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.