What does it really mean to listen to someone? Deep listening is more than simply hearing words. It means being fully present, setting aside your own thoughts, and giving the other person your complete attention. In this conversation, we explore what deep listening looks like in practice and how you…
Holding on to anger and resentment can take up more emotional space than we realise. But what if one way to let go is to write a letter you never intend to send? In this conversation, the speakers explore how cathartic letter writing can help us process difficult emotions, release…
A “letter midwife” helps people navigate feelings for letters they are afraid to write and encourages them to find their words… Matt Abrahams speaks with Frish Brandt, a letter midwife who has spent more than a decade helping people write the letters they keep putting off. Her new book, Unfinished…
Effective communication is about more than just the words you say. In this short, Angela Duckworth explains the three key dimensions of communication: verbal communication, nonverbal communication, and paraverbal communication. Understanding the elements of communication can help you become a more effective communicator. Together, these dimensions influence how your message…
Your audience didn’t stop listening. Your mic stopped hearing you. With a lavalier mic, one head turn can put you out of range. Unless someone is adjusting the soundboard, your voice gets quieter every time you look away. The fix: keep your head in the same position relative to the…
What if sleep wasn’t the end of today but the beginning of tomorrow? That reframe from Dr. Cheri Mah is one of several tools in our Quick Thinks: Sleep episode, along with a calming mantra from Nir Eyal and a word game that helps quiet a busy mind. Listen to…
Do you lose sleep worrying about losing sleep? You’re not alone. Our Quick Thinks: Sleep episode covers a simple bedtime routine for calming that worry: journal what’s on your mind, write down a few things you’re grateful for, and bring your attention to how your body feels on the bed.…
A Stanford professor reveals the word game that switches his brain off at bedtime. In this Quick Thinks episode, Matt Abrahams follows up on advice from guests from previous episodes. He combines advice from Dr. Cheri Mah, Sonja Lyubomirsky, Frances Frei, Nir Eyal, and Andrew Huberman into a simple “ABCDE”…
How does positive feedback help people improve their skills and build confidence? In this short, Angela Duckworth explains why praise can be especially valuable. Understanding how feedback affects performance is essential for personal and professional growth. The importance of positivity lies not just in making someone feel good, but also…
If you're wondering how to find your passion start by exploring the things you truly care about. In this short, Angela Duckworth shares how curiosity and purpose can help you build lasting passion for your goals. This connection between passion and purpose can help you discover what matters to you…
What separates high achievers from everyone else isn't willpower—it's how they respond when things get difficult. In this short, Angela Duckworth explains how to develop a growth mindset by building resilience in the face of setbacks, embracing the belief that abilities can improve, and committing to consistent, high-quality practice. Research…
Trying harder might be the worst advice you've ever followed. Matt Abrahams sits down with Angela Duckworth, MacArthur Fellow, University of Pennsylvania professor, and co-host of the Freakonomics Radio show No Stupid Questions. Her first book, Grit, became a number one New York Times bestseller, and her TED talk on…
How do you respond when you witness injustice at work or experience unfair treatment? Recognizing bias at work and understanding the systems that enable it are important steps toward creating a more equitable workplace. In this clip from the Think Fast Talk Smart podcast, Nir Halevy explores unfair workplace treatment,…
Before your next meeting, ask yourself one question: who do I want to be in this room? Our sense of self develops through how others respond to us, so you can shape it on purpose. Decide the version of yourself you want to show up as, confident, curious, whatever fits,…
Take the fright out of public speaking! In this special Halloween-themed Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams brings together top tips from past guests to help you face your stage fright and keep communication nerves from getting the best of you. With the right strategies,…
How can humor make communication more effective, even in high-pressure situations? The power of humor lies in its ability to build connections, ease tension, and help people navigate difficult moments. In this clip from the Think Fast Talk Smart podcast, Nir Halevy explores humor in communication through the surprising example…
What does it take to build a team where people thrive, contribute, and bring out the best in one another? Virtuocracy offers a different way to think about leadership and hierarchy, focusing on the values and qualities that help teams work better together. In this clip from the latest episode…
A 911 dispatcher tells a parked cop to go gamble at the casino. And the officer isn’t offended! In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Stanford GSB professor Nir Halevy joins host Matt Abrahams to talk about his new book, Level Up: Why Hierarchies Are Broken and How to…
Why might asking for advice be more useful than asking for feedback? In clip from the Think Fast Talk Smart podcast, Adam Grant shares some insights from his US Air Force training career, and explores how changing the way you seek input can lead to more better conversations. Instead of…
Great communication is not a talent you are born with. It is a skill you can build. In his conversation on the Finding Mastery podcast, Matt Abrahams breaks down his three keys to communicating with more clarity and confidence, in any moment that matters. Watch to the end for all…
Most meetings fizzle out instead of finishing. Matt Abrahams has a better close: wrap with gratitude, restate the goal, and spell out the call to action so everyone leaves with clarity. Then keep the conversation alive with shared notes and a quick follow-up. Small habits, big difference in how your…
Meetings are not the only way to communicate. Matt Abrahams suggests asking what is the best way to convey this information. Sometimes it is convening a team to discuss or decide. But updates? There are plenty of creative ways to share those without pulling everyone together. Protect your calendar, and…
Your attendees should not feel that “little spark of joy” when a meeting gets cancelled. In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Matt Abrahams argues that painful gatherings are a design failure, not a tax of working life. Drawing on his own consulting cases and Stanford research,…
Ever wonder why you instantly click with some people but struggle to connect with others? Understanding who you are vibing with starts with paying attention to the small cues that make conversations feel natural and engaging. In this clip from the Think Fast Talk Smart podcast, Adam Grant and Matt…