Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
“The talk that started it all.” In October of 2014, Matt Abrahams, a lecturer of strategic communication at Stanford Graduate School of Business, gave a lecture at Alumni Weekend.
Now, millions of views later, this video marks the very beginning of Think Fast Talk Smart, now an award winning podcast. This video touches on many topics discussed in depth on the show. In each episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams interviews experts across various fields to discuss research-supported tools and techniques to help professionals become better communicators.
Communication is critical to success in business and in life. In this talk, and through the podcast, you will learn techniques that will help you speak with greater confidence and clarity.
This video was recorded on October 25, 2014, in collaboration with the Stanford Alumni Association and the Graduate School of Business.
Find Think Fast Talk Smart wherever you get your podcasts.
If you’re new to the show, find the full playlist of episodes here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxq_lXOUlvQDgCVFj9L79kqJybW0k6OaB&si=-6EY_Aqv4ZA-Pbd1
Who is here 2025
Who’s Instagram
Any Pakistani
Like cho admin vui
فديو جدا ممتع!
I love these kinds of seminars
Instagram Reel 😂❤
Anyone come from fb reels😊
I’m watching this video today 16 Feb 2025
Caveoutes– the clothes you would wear
I’m indian
Loved the content, keep it coming!
Kon kon reel mai se aaya hai 😅
Anxiety has been one of my biggest challenges and yet the best speakers know how to manage it.
This video is really well done! Recently, Infinite Mastery by Mr. Brown also helped me understand these concepts better. Great content really
Is there anyone here in 2025?
Shushi was here
Any Yemeni, here😂
10:04
I love professor like this. Very engaging
what his name can I take a master practical course on public speaking ?
Very well done, appreciate this video!
Who came here from Instagram 😅
Anyone watching 2025😂😂
Effective communication in spontaneous situations is crucial. The speaker emphasizes managing anxiety, reframing speaking as a conversation, and using structured responses. Techniques like greeting anxiety, listening actively, and employing frameworks such as "problem-solution-benefit" enhance public speaking skills. Engaging in interactive activities fosters confidence and spontaneity in communication.
Highlights:
00:10 Effective speaking in spontaneous situations requires practice and the right mindset. Managing anxiety is crucial to improving communication skills and becoming a more confident speaker.
-Spontaneous speaking occurs more often than planned speaking, such as during introductions or surprise toasts. Learning to respond effectively in these moments can enhance overall communication.
-Managing public speaking anxiety is essential, as 85% of people experience nervousness. Techniques to manage this anxiety can significantly improve one’s performance while speaking.
-Participants will engage in interactive activities throughout the workshop to practice spontaneous speaking. These activities aim to build confidence and improve communication skills in real-time situations.
06:11 Managing anxiety is crucial for effective communication, as it directly influences the audience’s comfort level. A comfortable audience is more receptive to the message being delivered.
-Acknowledging anxiety can prevent it from spiraling out of control. By recognizing feelings of nervousness as natural, speakers can better manage their reactions during presentations.
-Re-framing presentations as conversations instead of performances reduces pressure. Engaging the audience through questions fosters a more relaxed atmosphere for both the speaker and listeners.
-Using conversational language helps to create a connection with the audience. This approach makes the speaker seem more approachable and reduces the perceived distance during communication.
12:11 Managing anxiety while speaking can be achieved by focusing on the present moment, which helps reduce nervousness. Techniques like physical activity or tongue twisters promote this present orientation effectively.
-Engaging in physical activities, like push-ups or walking, can ground speakers in the present, reducing their anxiety before public speaking. This method helps divert attention from worries about future outcomes.
-Using mental exercises such as counting backwards or reciting tongue twisters can enhance focus, helping speakers stay in the moment. These techniques also serve to warm up the voice, improving delivery.
-Reframing the speaking situation as a conversation can alleviate pressure, making it easier for speakers to express themselves. This shift in perspective is crucial for effective spontaneous speaking.
18:17 Engaging in spontaneous activities can help train your brain to overcome self-imposed limitations. This process encourages authentic responses rather than reactions based on preconceptions.
-The game played highlights how we often overthink and stockpile responses, which can hinder spontaneity. Embracing a carefree approach can lead to more genuine interactions.
-Participants are encouraged to notice patterns in their responses, indicating how the brain tries to assist but can also create barriers. Understanding this can enhance improvisational skills.
-The idea of ‘daring to be dull’ suggests that striving for perfection may inhibit creativity. Accepting mediocrity can paradoxically lead to greater success and authenticity.
24:27 Changing your perspective on speaking opportunities can significantly enhance your confidence and interaction. Viewing these situations as opportunities rather than threats allows for more freedom in your responses.
-Practicing through simple games can effectively prepare you for spontaneous speaking situations. These exercises help in shifting your mindset towards seeing speaking as an opportunity.
-Reframing a Q and A session as an opportunity can change your interaction dynamics. This perspective encourages engagement and clarifies audience thoughts, benefiting both parties.
-The gift exchange game demonstrates how to embrace spontaneous speaking. It encourages participants to think quickly and respond positively, reinforcing the idea of viewing situations as opportunities.
31:22 Engaging in spontaneous speaking can be a fun and rewarding experience. By reframing challenges as opportunities, participants can overcome their nervousness and connect better with others.
-Surprises can arise when giving and receiving imaginary gifts, showcasing the unpredictability of communication. This highlights how our expectations can differ from reality during interactions.
-The ‘Yes and’ approach encourages openness in communication, allowing for more opportunities. It shifts the mindset from being defensive to embracing collaborative dialogue.
-Listening attentively is crucial for effective communication, ensuring that the needs of the audience are met. This requires slowing down to fully understand the context of conversations.
37:34 Listening actively is crucial for effective communication. It allows for better responses and enhances interactions, leading to more meaningful conversations with others.
-Focusing and being present in conversations helps you understand the speaker’s intention. This approach fosters deeper connections and more relevant responses during interactions.
-Using structured communication techniques, such as the problem-solution-benefit framework, improves clarity. This helps both the speaker and audience follow the conversation more effectively.
-The ‘what, so what, now what’ structure aids in organizing thoughts during spontaneous speaking. It ensures that the speaker conveys the message clearly and effectively.
42:54 Using structured approaches like problem-solution-benefit or what-so-what-now-what enhances spontaneous speaking skills. These methods help manage anxiety and improve communication effectiveness in various situations.
-Engaging in sales activities, like pitching a slinky, helps participants practice structured communication in a fun and interactive way. This experience builds confidence in speaking spontaneously.
-Managing anxiety is crucial for effective speaking. Techniques like greeting anxiety and reframing conversations can significantly improve one’s ability to communicate clearly.
-Practicing structured responses in everyday situations, such as answering children’s questions, reinforces the learned techniques. Repetition helps solidify these skills for more natural application.
49:06 Handling hostile situations requires awareness and acknowledgment of emotions present in the room. It is essential to reframe challenging questions to maintain a constructive dialogue.
-Recognizing the emotional state of others is crucial in addressing hostility effectively. Acknowledging passion or concern can defuse tension and redirect the conversation positively.
-Engaging remote audiences can be challenging, but using interactive techniques like polling or collaborative tools can enhance participation. These methods help maintain connection and interest despite physical distance.
-In high-pressure situations, such as cross-examinations, paraphrasing questions is a valuable tool. This technique allows you to buy time, reframe the question, and formulate a more thoughtful response.
55:03 Understanding cultural expectations is crucial for effective communication, especially in diverse settings. This helps facilitators engage their audience and tailor their approach for better participation.
-Using humor in presentations can create a strong connection with the audience, but it carries risks. Understanding cultural differences is key to ensuring humor is appropriate and effective.
-Incorporating self-deprecating humor is often the safest option for speakers. It minimizes the risk of alienating the audience if the joke doesn’t land as intended.
-Asking open-ended questions can help journalists elicit authentic responses from trained individuals. This technique encourages deeper engagement and richer information from the interviewee.
listen, you think its crazy but its not!
2025 and im still watching this clip …. it’s help a lot whenever i have a speech thank u sir
Thank you sir ❤️🙏
Icant pray in cold ❄️🥶 weather sorry im so sick
Nice conversation
Love…love…love!!!
that one girl who was in her laptop the entire time and did not take part in any of the activities,she represents me;)
Ended at 23:43 today, gonna watch the rest tomorrow
❤❤🎉🎉
I will even watch it in 2026
Listening to this person feels like listening in 120fps😂 too smooth
Anyone watching 2025😂😂
Hey, I was just scrolling through YouTube while doing my hobby, practicing English listening skills… day after day 🎉 see my language getting better and better by keep learning daily without feeling bored.. if we were in the same situation in English learning, I would say keep it up, mate, you are doing great, and definitely, you will reach the goal sooner. Keep it up. Don’t give up❤😊🎉🎉I’m Mahmoud from 🇪🇷🫡
Anyone watching 2025😂😂
Nice projects
Maybe I could to talk it 😜
Those who come from insta not allowed to watch this video
1)question
2)physical activity
3)
Yes 2025 from Papua New Guinea watching in Port Moresby
Where can I find the handout?
Who is watching in 2026😅
Who came here from Instagram
Sunday, February 2025, anyone whaching after
Who all came here from Instagram.
30:27