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
• (02:25) - Letting Go of the Script
• (05:37) - Visual Listening
• (06:56) - Nonverbal Communication
• (09:45) - Tools of Connection
• (13:06) - Pacing for Pressure
• (14:06) - The Power of Pausing
• (16:40) - How to Make a Great Introduction
• (18:30) - Being Gracious in Conversation
• (20:54) - Listener Exercises on Active Listening
• (23:48) - Conclusion

*****
Stay Informed on Stanford's world changing research by signing up for the Stanford Report
Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

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

*****
Stay Informed on Stanford's world changing research by signing up for the Stanford Report
Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

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
Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.

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.

Turn Q&A from nerve-wracking to confidence-boosting with strategies for clear, controlled answers.

A great presentation doesn’t end with the final slide—it continues through the Q&A, where real engagement happens. Yet, for many speakers, this is the most nerve-wracking part. In this episode, Matt Abrahams explores why Q&A can feel intimidating and how shifting your mindset can turn it into an opportunity rather than a challenge. Drawing from his book, Speaking Up Without Freaking Out, he shares expert-backed techniques for structuring responses, managing audience expectations, and maintaining composure under pressure. Whether you're facing a tough crowd or just want to refine your speaking skills, you’ll walk away with the confidence to command the room—no matter the question.

Audio excerpt based on Speaking Up without Freaking Out by Matt Abrahams (printed book by Kendall Hunt Publishing 2016), read by the author. Copyright 2024 by Matthew Abrahams LLC.

Episode Reference Links:

• Speaking Up Without Freaking Out | Audio Book
• Speaking Up Without Freaking Out

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
• (01:36) - The Challenge of Q&A
• (03:02) - Preparing for Q&A in Advance
• (03:42) - When to Take Questions
• (04:31) - How to Ask for Questions Effectively
• (05:34) - Audience Anxiety in Q&A
• (06:49) - Managing Questions Efficiently
• (07:50) - Answering Questions with Confidence
• (09:03) - The ADD Method for Answering Questions
• (10:16) - Closing Your Q&A with Impact
• (11:10) - Conclusion

********
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Take advantage of our Sponsor offer from Loom

How to craft compelling stories that captivate, inspire, and make an impact.

Great storytelling isn't just about telling tales—it’s about crafting experiences that captivate, inspire, and drive change. In this special Quick Thinks bonus episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams welcomes bestselling author Dan Heath for a masterclass on the power of stories.
Dan breaks down the elements of an impactful story, sharing a case study from his book Reset, outlining how to find compelling stories that connect with audiences, the structure of engaging narratives that keep people hooked, and the power of analogies and unexpected contrasts in storytelling.

Get more done with Grammarly. Download Grammarly for free at grammarly.com/podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

• Dan Heath
• Dan’s Books: Reset: How to Change What's Not Working
• Ep.190 Motivation Matters: How to Leverage What People Already Want
• Ep.170 Advice from Nontraditional Storytellers Part 1
• Ep.171 Advice from Nontraditional Storytellers Part 2

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
• (02:45) - A Story About Change: The Hospital Case Study
• (03:53) - Breaking Down the Elements of a Great Story
• (06:25) - Finding the Right Stories
• (08:11) - Crafting Stories with Purpose
• (09:44) - Conclusion

********
This episode is sponsored by Grammarly. Download Grammarly for free today
Join our upcoming 200th episode live event April 14 & 15
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How to craft communication that your audience will remember.

Why do some messages stick, while others go in one ear and out the other? When it comes to crafting memorable communication, Ada Aka says not all verbiage is created equal.

“Certain words are intrinsically more memorable than others,” says Aka, an assistant professor of marketing at Stanford Graduate School of Business. In her research of consumer behavior and decision-making, she’s uncovered how language shapes not just our perception of the world, “but how the world stays with us over time." From concrete terms to emotionally charged ones, certain words have more staying power than others, and to communicators who want to capture audiences (and keep them), she says, “Carefully chosen words, they're going to be taking the attention.”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Aka joins Matt Abrahams to explore the science of memorable communication. From creating brand slogans that stick to choosing words that align with your message, she reveals how to create communication that won't be forgotten.

Episode Reference Links:

• Ada Aka
• Ep.80 Magic Words: Change What You Say to Inspire and Influence Others

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
• (02:05) - The Power of Words in Memory
• (03:45) - What Makes Words Memorable?
• (06:04) - Informal and Conversational Language
• (07:38) - AI & Memory
• (09:34) - Memorable Slogans
• (11:26) - Predicting Memorability: Why We Get It Wrong
• (13:15) - Framing in Communication
• (15:24) - Creating Meaningful Interactions
• (17:34) - The Final Three Questions
• (22:21) - Conclusion

********
This episode is brought to you by LinkedIn. Explore your job potential at Linkedin.com/jobs.
Join our upcoming 200th episode live event April 14 & 15
Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.