Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Stanford GSB

Join Matt Abrahams, a lecturer of Strategic Communication at Stanford Graduate School of Business, 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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Episodes

133. From Good to Super: How Supercommunicators Unlock the Language of Connection
1w ago
133. From Good to Super: How Supercommunicators Unlock the Language of Connection
The ways supercommunicators operate and how to emulate their techniques.Across more than 130 episodes, Think Fast, Talk Smart has touched a lot on what it takes to be a good communicator. But what about reaching that next level? What about being a “supercommunicator”? Supercommunicator is a term used by Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and author Charles Duhigg in his latest book, Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection. In this podcast episode, Abrahams and Duhigg explore the precise techniques that distinguish a good communicator from a “supercommunicator:” traits such as active listening; looping for understanding to demonstrate genuine engagement; and identifying what someone is truly feeling, underneath what they actually say.Episode Reference Links:Charles Duhigg: WebsiteCharles Duhigg: BooksDuhigg’s New Yorker articleThalia Wheatley’s research study: The Repurposed Social Brain Nicholas Epley’s research paper: Overly Shallow?: Miscalibrated Expectations Create a Barrier to Deeper ConversationAlison Wood Brooks’ research paper: The Conversational Circumplex: Identifying, Prioritizing, and Pursuing Informational and Relational Motives in ConversationMichael Yeomans’ research paper: It Helps to Ask: The Cumulative Benefits of Asking Follow-Up QuestionsSheila Heen’s research project: Harvard Negotiation ProjectEp.92 - No Regrets: How to Take Risks: YouTube / Website Ep.82 - It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First: YouTube / Website Ep.103 - Simple is a Superpower: How to Communicate Any Idea to an Audience: YouTube / WebsiteConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionHost Matt Abrahams introduces guest Charles Duhigg and his new book Super Communicators.(00:01:26) Transition from Habits to CommunicationDuhigg shares how personal experiences and a desire to understand human interactions motivated him to explore communication.(00:02:51) The Neuroscience of Connection The neuroscience behind successful communication and the role of neural entrainment in establishing connection and understanding.(00:04:21) Storytelling as a Powerful Communication ToolThe importance of storytelling in communication and how stories foster empathy and engagement.(00:06:16) Identifying and Aligning Conversation Types Three types of conversations (practical, emotional, social) and the necessity of aligning conversation types for effective communication.(00:08:07) Practices of Super Communicators Insights into the habits of super communicators, including their approach to recognizing conversation types and the importance of deep listening.(00:15:02) Navigating Conflict Through Effective Communication Managing conflictual conversations with a focus on listening, understanding, and managing control dynamics.(00:20:50) Challenges of Online Communication Challenges and strategies for communicating in online and virtual settings.(00:25:04) The Craft and Impact of StorytellingApproaches to storytelling and its significance in making complex ideas memorable and engaging.(00:29:06) Developing New Communication Habits New communication habits developed from Duhigg's research and their impact on personal and professional interactions.(00:31:02) The Final Three QuestionsCharles Duhigg discusses the importance of deep questions, the communicator he most admires, and his recipe for successful communication.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
132. Lean Into Failure: How to Make Mistakes That Work
05-03-2024
132. Lean Into Failure: How to Make Mistakes That Work
Effective and productive teams and relationships are based on the ability to communicate safely and to fail successfully. In this episode, Amy Edmondson, a professor at Harvard Business School and author of The Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well, shares profound insights on the different types of failure—basic, complex, and intelligent—and their implications for learning and innovation. In her conversation with host and Strategic Communications lecturer Matt Abrahams, Edmonson opens up about her struggles with failure, highlighting the importance of moving from rumination to reflection. This episode offers listeners a comprehensive guide to fostering an environment where failure is not feared but embraced as a crucial step toward growth and success.Episode Reference Links:Amy Edmondson: WebsiteAmy’s Books: The Fearless Organization & Right Kind of Wrong Amy’s paper with Ingrid Nembhard: Making it Safe: The Effects of Leader Inclusiveness Amy’s admired communicator Nicolai Tangen’s podcast: In Good CompanyEp.26 - Words Matter: How to Make Your Communication Inclusive: Website / YouTubeEp.112 - From Mistakes to “Missed Takes” : Youtube Connect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionMatt Abrahams introduces guest Amy Edmondson and her new book the Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well.(00:01:38) Psychological Safety Communication StrategiesThe concept of psychological safety and its role in fostering open communication and risk-taking within teams.(00:05:36) Leader's Role in Creating a Safe EnvironmentA leader's role in acknowledging vulnerability and creating a culture of appreciation for candid feedback.(00:08:27) Empowering Every Team MemberBenefits of empowering every team member to contribute to psychological safety.(00:10:46) Understanding FailureThe importance of psychological safety in admitting mistakes and exploring the concept of failure.(00:14:07) Communicating About FailureHow leaders can effectively communicate about failures to encourage team learning and resilience. (00:18:34) Unequal Opportunity to FailThe unequal opportunity to fail, particularly for underrepresented groups.(00:20:39) The Final Three QuestionsAmy Edmondson shares her challenges with failure, a communicator she most admires, and three ingredients to a successful communication recipe.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
131. Friction Fixing: How to Use Obstacles to Your Advantage
27-02-2024
131. Friction Fixing: How to Use Obstacles to Your Advantage
Why resistance isn’t always a bad thing.Friction — that’s Professor Huggy Rao’s metaphor for the forces that hamper workplace efficiency. But as he says, some friction can be helpful — if you know how to use it.In his book, The Friction Project: How Smart Leaders Make the Right Things Easier and the Wrong Things Harder, Rao and coauthor Robert I. Sutton explore how operational obstacles show up in the workplace and, more importantly, what we can do about them. Through what Rao calls “friction fixing,” leaders can “take out the bad friction to make the right things easy to do [and] put in good friction to make the wrong things harder [to do].”As Rao discusses with host Matt Abrahams on this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, leaders can eliminate bad friction through good communication. “Communication matters a lot,” he says. “The simple rule is, make sure a 10-year-old can understand it on the first try.”Episode Reference Links:Huggy Rao: Website Huggy’s Books: The Friction Project, Scaling Up Excellence, & Market Rebels Huggy’s Successful Communication Recipe - “Ah! Aha! Haha!” by Ramji Raghavan Ep.14: Be Better at Work: How to Communicate Better with Coworkers and Employees: Website / YouTubeConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionHost Matt Abrahams introduces guest, Huggy Rao, and his latest book on the importance of focusing on friction to become our best selves.(00:01:24) Scaling Mindsets and CommunicationInsights on scaling excellence and the critical role of simple communication in fostering the right mindset.(00:04:28) AstraZeneca: Scaling SimplificationA case study on simplification efforts at AstraZeneca & the gift of time that they gave their employees.(00:08:49) Understanding Friction: Terrible and WonderfulThe dual nature of friction, highlighting its role as both a hindrance and a catalyst for decision-making. (00:11:05) Jargon MonoxideComplicated jargon’s impact on organizations, and the need for simplicity in communication.(00:13:03) The Art of StorytellingThe benefits & goals of storytelling, creating moral elevation & emotional connection.(00:15:12) Job Titles and AccountabilityAn experiment on the impact of personalized job titles on team performance and accountability in tech startups and the introduction of “good friction”.(00:17:57) The Final Three QuestionsHuggy shares his strategy for reducing friction in his life, a story about the communicator he most admires, Saul Alinsky, and his three ingredients for a successful communication recipe, Aah! Aha! Ha-Ha!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
130. Best Of: How to Maintain a Powerful Presence in Your Communication
20-02-2024
130. Best Of: How to Maintain a Powerful Presence in Your Communication
“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. Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business. Each episode provides concrete, easy-to-implement tools and techniques to help you hone and enhance your communication skills.Episode Reference Links:Jeffrey Pfeffer's podcast: Pfeffer on PowerJeffrey Pfeffer's books: Dying for a Paycheck & Power: Why Some People Have It and Others Don'tStanford GSB Online Course: Discover the Paths to PowerEp 12, Deb Grunfeld: YouTube / WebsiteEp 44, Melissa Jones Briggs: YouTube / WebsiteConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionMatt Abrahams introduces the episode, highlighting the importance of power and presence in communication.(00:01:31) Defining Power and StatusJeffrey Pfeffer shares his definition of power and status, emphasizing their significance in achieving goals despite opposition.(00:02:45) Nonverbal & Verbal Behaviors to Communicate PowerSpecific behaviors that convey power, and those to avoid.(00:05:46) Emotion and PowerPfeffer explores the role of emotion in conveying power, highlighting the effectiveness of displaying strong emotions like anger and passion.(00:09:11) Virtual CommunicationStrategies 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 LevelsJeffrey 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 FlatteryPfeffer 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 QuestionsPfeffer 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 and AppreciationSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
129. Connect Deeply: How to Communicate So People Feel Seen and Heard
13-02-2024
129. Connect Deeply: How to Communicate So People Feel Seen and Heard
New York Times Opinion columnist David Brooks shares how to communicate so that others feel seen, heard, and understood.All too often, we communicate without really connecting. The key to building deep connections with others, says David Brooks, is to make them feel seen and heard.Brooks is a writer for the New York Times, the Atlantic, and the best-selling author of several books. In his latest, How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen, he explores how vulnerability — both being vulnerable ourselves and creating space for others to be as well — is the key to fostering deeper connections at home, at work, and throughout our lives. “[People] need to be seen, heard, and understood,” he says. “If you hide yourself from the emotional intimacies of life, you're hiding yourself from life itself.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Brooks and host Matt Abrahams discuss the fundamentals of communicating with vulnerability and empathy, outlining the skills that anyone can learn and use to connect more deeply in their relationships.Episode Reference Links:Full list of David Brooks booksBryan StevensonGeorge OrwellC.S. Lewis Oprah Winfrey VideoEp 64, Carissa Carter: YouTube / WebsiteEp 101, Geoffrey Cohen: YouTube / WebsiteConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:01:26) Personal MotivationDavid Brooks shares insights into his journey and the motivation behind his latest book.(00:04:01) Barriers to ConnectionCommon barriers to connection including egotism, anxiety, worldview, and lack of questioning.(00:04:43) The Stages of EmpathyDavid Brooks breaks down empathy into components such as mirroring, mentalizing, and caring, and recognizing your own emotion(00:07:40) Keys to Meaningful ConversationAttention as an on-off switch, loud listening, avoiding topping responses, embracing pauses, and making people authors(00:11:22) Understanding Illuminators and DiminishersIlluminators are those who make you feel seen and valued through curiosity and active listening and suggestions and suggestions on how to be a better illuminator and conversationalist.(00:14:01) How to Be a Better Public SpeakerThe importance of vulnerability, humor, and storytelling. (00:16:25) Paradigmatic vs. Narrative Modes of ThinkingJerome Bruner's concept of paradigmatic for writing and convincing, Narrative mode for understanding a fellow human being. (00:18:02) David Brooks' JourneyBecoming a journalist, inspired by childhood reading and early experiences as a police reporter & admiration for Oprah Winfrey as an admirable listener.(00:19:52) Ingredients for Successful CommunicationDavid Brooks outlines his three essential ingredients for effective communication: depth of passion, vulnerability, and clarity. (00:22:27) ClosingSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
128. Four Powerful Principles, Pt 2: Your Questions Answered
08-02-2024
128. Four Powerful Principles, Pt 2: Your Questions Answered
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.Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business.Episode Links:Cross Cultural Communication with Michele J Gelfand - Ep 67, What Is Normal? How Culture Affects Communication Styles - Website / YouTubeConstructive Feedback with with Kim Scott - Ep 105, Radical Candor: The Communication Shift That Can Transform Your Career - Website / YouTubePrevious Ask Me Anything Live Episode - Ep 78, Three Guiding Principles for Successful Communication - Website / YouTubeConnect:Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.eduEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(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 PresentationSet 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) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
127. Four Principles of Powerful, Focused Communication, Pt. 1
06-02-2024
127. Four Principles of Powerful, Focused Communication, Pt. 1
Matt takes live questions from his worldwide audience and shares a lesson around concision, relevance, accessibly, and precision in messaging. In this "masterclass," he emphasizes the communicator's role as a translator who simplifies complex information for diverse audiences.Key takeaways include the careful use of analogies, considering cultural backgrounds and audience understanding, and providing techniques for chunking information into understandable segments. Additionally, the episode delves into the significance of structuring communication to achieve specific goals, highlighting Matt’s structure 'What? So What? Now What?. This episode is packed with practical advice and strategies for anyone looking to enhance their communication skills, whether in professional or personal contexts.Be sure to tune in to Part 2, the “Ask Me Anything” portion of this recorded event.Think Fast, Talk Smart is a podcast produced by Stanford Graduate School of Business. Connect:Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) Introduction and Global Participation Jenny & Matt introduce the live episode.(00:01:09) Challenges of Communication Matt emphasizes the challenges in maintaining focus and clarity in a world filled with distractions and uses the iPod messaging as an example of focused communication.(00:02:46) Concision Matt shares insights, examples, and practical techniques on using minimal words for maximum impact.(00:06:47) RelevanceThe importance of thinking about who our audience is, their needs, and how to use emotion, engagement, time-travelling phrases, and curiosity.(00:10:36) Accessibility How do we make our content understandable to our audience? Matt explains that communicators are translators, and suggests techniques such as language, analogies, chunking, and providing diagrams(00:15:50) PrecisionMaking sure we have a clear goal for our communication and the three components of a clear goal: information, emotion, and action.(00:17:20) The importance of Structure for PrecisionExploring various structures for targeted communication, including insights from the Dummies book series, Matt’s favorite communication structure: 'What? So What? Now What?', and thinking about how we start and finish. (00:21:38) Closing See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
126. Making Meetings Meaningful, BONUS: When Face-to-Face Meetings Matter
30-01-2024
126. Making Meetings Meaningful, BONUS: When Face-to-Face Meetings Matter
If we want to generate better ideas, then we need to get people back to the office.In this bonus meetings mini-series episode, we feature an episode from the newest podcast from Stanford Graduate School of Business – If/Then: Business, Leadership, Society. In this conversation with senior editor Kevin Cool, Professor of Marketing and former TFTS guest Jonathan Levav details his study of remote work and creativity. “Pairs that worked face-to-face generated 15 to 20% more ideas than pairs that worked on Zoom,” Levav notes. What’s more, in-person brainstorming helped people consider a wider and more diverse range of possibilities. “Working on Zoom was a double penalty. Fewer ideas — and a narrower set of ideas.”Remote work may be the new normal in our post-pandemic world, but Levav cautions us from accepting the status quo — especially if we want to keep our creative edge. As this episode of If/Then explores, our best ideas could still lie ahead of us — if we can all get in the same room.If/Then is a podcast from the Stanford Graduate School of Business that examines research findings that can help us navigate the complex issues we face in business, leadership, and society. Each episode features an interview with a Stanford GSB faculty member.   Key Takeaways: For hybrid work environments, managers should select “in-office” days based on tasks we perform better in person, such as collaboration and brainstorming.More flexible schedules for remote and office work allow employees to bring their best selves and perform better at their jobs.  More Resources: Listen to Jonathan Levav’s Webby-Award winning TFTS episode: "88. Best of: Leading From Home – How to Create the Right Environment for Communication."Be sure to also listen to Part 1 and 2 of our Making Meeting Matter mini-series.Connect:Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page & InstagramMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00:00) Introduction Matt introduces the If/Then podcast, and the episode featuring Jonathan Levav, previous Think Fast Talk Smart guest.(00:01:15) The Importance of In-Person CollaborationIf/Then host Kevin Cool and Will Tracy, former executive producer of Succession, on his experiences with writers rooms and why virtual meetings don’t work in that context.(00:04:34) Introduction to Research on Virtual CollaborationKevin introduces guest Jonathan Levav, his research on the effects of communicating on video on creative idea generation. Jonathan shares the conversation that was the genesis of the research.(00:05:32) Research findingsThe study methods used and results: face-to-face collaboration leads to 15-20% more creative ideas than collaboration over Zoom.(00:08:26) Understanding the Difference People’s responses to the study and the impact of a physical experience(00:11:54) Evaluating Task Types for Meeting TypeDetermining different modalities for tasks in order to determine the best environment for that work, and why some work best in certain contexts.(00:16:42) Return to the OfficeAs companies are encouraging employees to return to the office for a third day, the tension between employers and employees desires and how to add appeal as well as the lack of systemic study for data-base decision making.(00:20:30) Advice for Managers of Remote WorkersThe need for conscious change to adapt to the remote work experience, and Jonathan’s personal experience doing this teaching. (00:24:31) Choice ArchitectureThe importance of incentivizing workers to return to the office by making workplace culture recognize and meet employee needs.(00:29:43) Jonathan Levav's Career and Next Research StepsHow Jonathan came to be in his field and his interest in studying networking and the way that virtual interactions shape relationship dynamics.(00:32:59) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
125. Making Meetings Meaningful, Pt. 2: Key Ingredients for Effective Meetings
23-01-2024
125. Making Meetings Meaningful, Pt. 2: Key Ingredients for Effective Meetings
How can we make meetings more effective? How can we keep people engaged and interested? Whether it’s in person or on Zoom, here are a few techniques you can use to make your gatherings more meaningful, productive, and memorable.Get practical tools and actionable insights to actually make meetings matter, as well as knowing when NOT to have a meeting. Join Matt Abrahams in a dynamic conversation with Elise Keith, an expert on effective meetings and communication. Elise explains the three main categories of meetings, and shares practical strategies for engaging participants, handling common meeting issues and maximizing productivity through techniques like parallel processing as well as other tools.Be sure to also listen to Part 1 of our meeting mini-series, as well as the following bonus Meeting's episode from the Stanford GSB's If/Then podcast.Connect:Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page & InstagramMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(00:00) IntroductionPart two of the making meetings meaningful series, with guest Elise Keith(02:01) Why & How to Have MeetingsThe power of meetings for focusing attention and how to know when to conduct them virtually or in person. (03:56) Meeting CategoriesElise breaks down the three major categories of meetings: Cadence, Catalyst, and Learn & Influence.(05:49) Purpose and OutcomeThe two things to know before scheduling a meeting: the purpose and outcomes - and how to communicate those practically(10:00) Knowing When Not to MeetWhen a meeting may not be the most effective way to achieve goals; ensuring respect for participants' time.(11:45) The Art of FacilitationPractical tips for engaging participants, and setting expectations for active participation. (15:59) Tools for Creating Equity and & CooperationThink-Pair-Share, or 1-2-All, and harnessing silence to encourage equal participation and leveling of the meeting.(17:19) Maximizing Meeting Productivity Parallel processing for dividing work efficiently while keeping the team united. Plus, emphasizing achieving results in business meetings.(19:01) Meeting Best PracticesA lightning-round of best practices for addressing common meeting challenges.(21:20) Final QuestionsA communicator most admired by Elise, as well as her three ingredients for successful communication(23:04) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
124. Making Meetings Meaningful, Pt. 1: How to Structure and Organize More Effective Gatherings
16-01-2024
124. Making Meetings Meaningful, Pt. 1: How to Structure and Organize More Effective Gatherings
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:Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page & InstagramMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterChapters:(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 EquityStrategies for validating all forms of participation, especially in virtual and hybrid meetings.(06:53) Meeting Structures and Strategically Ordering TopicsHow 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 BehaviorJoe 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) ConclusionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
123. Best Of: Why Curiosity Is Communication’s Secret Weapon
09-01-2024
123. Best Of: Why Curiosity Is Communication’s Secret Weapon
The information you receive is only as strong as the questions you ask.This week we revisit Matt's discussion with Debra Schifrin about how to craft inquiries that can lead to better communication outcomes. Questions are also instrumental in building relationships, Schifrin points out. “If you’re asking questions, you’re signaling to the other person that you value them. You’re taking time to listen to their answers.”For a full transcript of this conversation, visit our website.Chapters:(00:00) Introduction to the Episode and Guest(01:47) The Role and Importance of Questions Debra Schifrin discusses the various goals and purposes of asking questions, such as getting information and building relationships.(02:36) Questions in Building Relationships and Coaching Focus on how questions help in building relationships and their use in coaching and mentoring.(04:41) Negative Aspects of Question Asking Discussion about the darker goals of asking questions, like intimidation or avoiding responsibility.(06:57) The Impact of Tone in Question Asking Examination of how tone can significantly alter the perception and effectiveness of questions.(08:19) Creating Effective Questions Strategies for formulating good questions, emphasizing the use of value-related words.(10:10) Advice for Business Leaders on Question Asking Guidance for leaders on the importance of bravery in asking questions and being open to unexpected answers.(11:53) Context and Best Practices in Question Asking The relevance of context in questioning and best practices rooted in a mindset of curiosity.(15:25) Debra Schifrin's Secret Weapon in QuestioningSchifrin's "killer last question" technique and its effectiveness in eliciting insightful responses.(17:19) Experiment with Different Questioning Styles An experiment demonstrating the impact of different ways of asking questions on the responses received.(19:00) Wrap-up and Final Questions Concluding part where Matt asks Debra Schifrin his three standard questions for all podcast guests, focusing on communication advice, admired communicators, and successful communication ingredients.Connect:Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page & InstagramMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInStanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & TwitterSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.