This three-part miniseries is all about keeping your cool when speaking on the spot.

Communicating effectively can be challenging enough, even with plenty of time to prepare what we want to say. But for most of our communication, there’s no time to plan, practice, or perfect — we have to respond in the moment.

Spontaneous communication is a part of our everyday lives, but few of us have been trained to handle these impromptu situations with confidence. What does it take to flow, not freeze, when put on the spot? This special three-part series turns to experts for guidance, from a sports commentator, FBI hostage negotiator, and UN translator to a game show host, NFL referee and Sotheby’s auctioneer.

Part 1: Preparation and Mindset

Discover how to prepare for the unpredictable, manage anxiety, and find the right headspace for success.

Part 2: Mastering the Moment

Learn to stay present, read the room, and use techniques like mirroring and pacing to connect with your audience.

Part 3: When Things Go Wrong

Find out how to recover from inevitable mishaps and keep moving forward with confidence, turning mistakes into gold.

In addition to insight-packed discussions, this Think Fast, Talk Smart miniseries offers practical exercises and homework assignments to help you implement what you've learned. Whether you draw blanks when put on the spot or simply want to articulate your thoughts more clearly in the moment, these episodes will transform how you think — and speak — on your feet.

Episode Reference Links:

• Chris Voss - Former FBI Negotiator, Keynote Speaker
• Chris Voss's Book: Empathy and Understanding In Business
• Annabelle Williams - Paralympic Champion, Sports Broadcaster
• Giampaolo Bianchi - United Nations Interpreter
• Brad Rogers - NFL Referee, Professor
• Phyllis Kao - Sotheby's Auctioneer
• Peter D Sagal - Game Show Host, Author

Connect:

• Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
• 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) - Introduction
• (04:12) - Pressure and Preparation
• (06:03) - Cognitive Load and Focus
• (08:47) - Speaking with Clarity
• (10:25) - Building Instinct Through Practice
• (12:29) - Overthinking vs. Acting Fast
• (14:09) - Staying Present Under Pressure
• (14:49) - Make It About the Audience
• (15:50) - Handling Public Scrutiny
• (17:54) - Physical Rituals to Manage Nerves
• (19:27) - Grounding Techniques Before Speaking
• (22:01) - Listener Exercises for Better Speaking
• (25:18) - Conclusion

*****
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Communication isn’t about perfect word choice, it’s about connecting with others.

For native speakers and language learners alike, communicating comes with all kinds of challenges. But no matter how much we stumble over our words, Lindsay McMahon says communication isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection.

The CEO and founder of All Ears English and host of the All Ears English podcast, McMahon is on a mission to help non-native English speakers around the world hone their ability to communicate and connect. Whether you’re forming your first sentences in a new language or giving a presentation in the language you’ve spoken your whole life, “It's about human connection,” she says. “What really matters is are we connecting to our audience… the human being[s] in front of us?”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, McMahon joins host Matt Abrahams to explore strategies for improving our communication — not by finding the right words, but by finding the right mindset. From active listening and cultural awareness to quieting nerves and building confidence, McMahon's practical approaches help communicators connect more authentically in any language or context.

Episode Reference Links:

• Lindsay McMahon
• All Ears English
• Ep.8 Don't Get Lost in Translation: How Non-Native Speakers Can Communicate With Confidence

Connect:

• Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
• 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) - Introduction
• (01:44) - Common Challenges for English Learners
• (03:08) - Overcoming the Confidence Catch-22
• (04:59) - Communication Lessons from CEOs
• (05:47) - The Art of Listening
• (07:34) - Idioms and Hidden Meanings
• (08:52) - Context Shapes Communication
• (10:39) - Cultural Analogies and Miscommunication
• (11:45) - Entering a New Role or Culture
• (14:04) - Immersive Language Learning
• (17:19) - The Final Three Questions
• (21:38) - Conclusion

*****
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Join our upcoming 200th episode live event April 14 & 15
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Stanford experts answer live questions on leadership, authenticity, and communication.

What happens when four top Stanford thinkers take live questions from a room full of leaders? In Part 2 of this special Think Fast, Talk Smart series from the Stanford LEAD Me2We Conference, Matt Abrahams and his panel of expert GSB faculty—Allison Kluger, Naomi Bagdonas, Christian Wheeler, and Nir Halevy—answer questions from a live audience. They cover real-world challenges around leadership, authenticity, psychological safety, and managing your reputation in complex environments. With honest reflections and actionable advice, their answers offer a candid look at what it takes to lead with intention while staying true to yourself.

Episode Reference Links:

• Allison Kluger
• Book Allison Contributed to: Brand Up
• Naomi Bagdonas
• Nir Halevy
• Christian Wheeler
• Ep.2 Communicating Our Multiple Selves: How to Effectively Manage Your Reputation
• Ep.13 Make ’Em Laugh: How to Use Humor as a Secret Weapon in Your Communication
• Ep.30 Dissolve Disagreements: How Communication Impacts Conflict
• Ep.18 Managing in the Moment: How to Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

Connect:

• Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
• 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) - Introduction
• (02:16) - Bridging Political Divides
• (05:29) - Navigating Confidence and Context
• (07:34) - Rethinking Leadership and Reputation
• (12:18) - Conclusion

*****
Stay Informed on Stanford's world changing research by signing up for the Stanford Report
Join our upcoming 200th episode live event April 14 & 15
Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.