Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

"If all you're trying to do is inform, you're not going to pull it off. You have to entertain your audience."
Great presentations don't just share information—they create connection. As Apple's former Chief Evangelist and Canva's co-founder, Guy Kawasaki has spent decades helping people communicate ideas that inspire action. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Kawasaki joins Matt Abrahams to share practical strategies for crafting compelling presentations, building better slide decks, and using storytelling to keep audiences engaged. From investor pitches to keynote speeches, he explains why the best communicators don't just inform—they captivate.

Key Takeaways:
Pitch to keep the conversation going. The goal of a pitch isn't to close the deal—it's to earn the next conversation.
Keep it simple and audience-focused. Engage people with clear stories, concise visuals, and a message built around what they care about.

Activity:
Choose an idea, project, or product you frequently explain. Challenge yourself to describe it in 30 seconds, focusing only on the problem you solve and why it matters to your audience. Then ask someone if they can clearly explain it back to you. Revise your pitch until they can.

Episode Reference Links:
Guy Kawasaki
Guy’s Book: Think Remarkable
Ep.82 It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First
Ep.47 Quick Thinks: How to Use Storytelling to Be a Better Founder

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

(01:29) - Being a Great Evangelist

(02:51) - Why Stories Move People

(04:15) - Entertain Before You Inform

(06:36) - The Goal of a Pitch

(09:56) - Evolve Every Pitch

(12:42) - The 10-20-30 Rule

(15:57) - Better Slides, Better Presentations

(16:39) - Lessons from Podcasting

(18:09) - The Final Three Questions

(22:20) - Conclusion

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"You want to own the message and your narrative."
Strong communication is about more than delivering a message—it’s about building trust over time. As Zoom’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kim Storin has helped shape communication at one of the world’s most recognizable brands, balancing empathy, transparency, and consistency in an era of rapid technological change. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Storin joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how leaders can communicate with authenticity, navigate crises with clarity, and build cultures rooted in transparency. They explore the art and science of shaping perception, maintaining connection in hybrid workplaces, and creating messages that solve problems—not just capture attention.
Key Takeaways:
Lead with authenticity and transparency. Clear, honest communication builds trust—especially during periods of change or crisis.
Own your narrative. Consistent messaging and a clear story shape how others understand your brand, team, or ideas.

Activity:
Before your next team update or difficult conversation, ask yourself: "What information can I share that will build trust?" Include one additional point of context or reasoning that helps your audience better understand the decision.

Episode Reference Links:
Kim Storin
Ep.82 It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First

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

(01:37) - Leading Through a Global Crisis

(03:36) - Changing Brand Perception

(06:50) - Building Culture at Scale

(09:00) - Virtual Communication Gains & Losses

(11:24) - Creating Meaningful Moments

(12:34) - Communicating Through Difficulty

(16:03) - The Final Three Questions

(21:33) - Conclusion

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Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.
Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com
Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.

"If these masters are still continually trying to improve their own craft, I don't have any excuses."
The world's best don't reach the top and stop learning—they keep refining their craft. David Rogier, founder and CEO of MasterClass, has spent years sitting across from elite performers, athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs—and he’s discovered that excellence is less about talent than a relentless commitment to growth. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, he joins Matt Abrahams to share lessons from building a company around learning, persuasion, and communication. From earning the trust of high-profile talent to leading creative and technical teams, Rogier reveals why curiosity, adaptability, and authentic relationship-building are essential communication skills.

Takeaways:
Lead with curiosity. Build trust by asking thoughtful questions and focusing on the other person's needs, not your own. 
Never stop improving. The world's top performers continuously seek feedback, refine their skills, and embrace lifelong learning.

Activity:
Study an expert. Watch a communicator you admire—a speaker, leader, or interviewer—and identify three techniques they use to engage their audience. Try incorporating one of those techniques into your next presentation or meeting.

Episode Reference Links:
David Rogier
Matt’s MasterClass

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

(00:39) - The Power of Learning

(01:28) - Building Trust

(04:21) - Creating Great Content

(07:23) - Leading Different Teams

(09:45) - Learning from Masters

(10:54) - Communicating with a Stutter

(14:00) - The Final Three Questions

(17:39) - Conclusion

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Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.
Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart

“Communication is the number one way to remove friction.”
If communication is the key to connection, then removing friction is what makes every interaction work. According to Vanessa Van Edwards, the most effective communicators aren’t just skilled with words—they know how to align their gestures, body language, and presence to make others feel at ease. A behavioral researcher and bestselling author of Captivate and Cues, Van Edwards studies the subtle signals that shape how we are perceived. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, she joins Matt Abrahams to explore the hidden factors that influence communication, from purposeful gestures and expressive body language to the words, images, and visual cues that build trust and credibility.
Takeaways:
Great communication goes beyond words. Gestures, facial expressions, visual cues, and even the language we use in emails and meetings can either create friction or build trust, clarity, and connection.
Focus on the other person, not yourself. By applying the Platinum Rule—treating others as they want to be treated—and intentionally putting people at ease, communicators can foster stronger relationships, deeper conversations, and greater influence.

Activity:
Practice the Platinum Rule. Before your next important conversation, meeting, or email, take one minute to answer: “What does this person need from me right now?” Then tailor your communication to their priorities, concerns, and preferred style—not your own. Afterward, reflect on how that shift changed the quality of the interaction.
Printable PDF of Takeaways & Activity

Episode Reference Links:
Vanessa Van Edwards
Vanessa’s Books: Cues / Captivate
Ep.137 When Words Aren't Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication 

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

(01:01) - The Importance of Strategic Communication

(01:45) - The Power of Gestures

(04:10) - A Readiness Check for Speakers

(05:56) - Over-Signaling vs. Under-Signaling

(08:18) - Dangerous Words in Communication

(12:27) - Imagery Cues & First Impressions

(15:03) - Virtual Backgrounds Matter

(17:33) - The Platinum Rule

(19:01) - The Final Three Questions

(23:59) - Conclusion

Celebrating 300 episodes with listener questions from around the world. 
In this special 300th episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, host Matt Abrahams celebrates a major milestone with a live Ask Matt Anything session featuring questions from listeners around the world—and a few from the team behind the show. He introduces a new communication framework, PREP (Point, Reason, Example, Point), before tackling topics ranging from word recall and public speaking nerves to storytelling, AI’s impact on communication, giving difficult feedback, and using gestures more effectively. Along the way, he shares practical strategies, favorite communication techniques, and lessons learned from 300 episodes dedicated to helping people communicate with confidence, clarity, and connection.
To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.
Episode Reference Links:
Ep.250 How to Navigate Conflict: Tools For Productive Communication

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

(01:13) - PREP Framework

(04:13) - Improving Word Recall

(07:10) - Public Speaking Nerves

(11:35) - Concise vs. Detailed Communication

(13:39) - AI & Communication Skills

(16:12) - Storytelling Fundamentals

(18:51) - Lingo vs. Jargon

(20:22) - Difficult Feedback Conversations

(22:36) - The Power of Paraphrasing

(25:07) - Effective Gestures

(29:28) - Conclusion

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Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.
Unleash your Superhuman potential with AI that meets you where you work. Learn more at superhuman.com
Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.