Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

A special live edition from the Me2We event at Stanford, where strategic communications expert and podcast host Matt Abrahams joins four distinguished faculty members from Stanford Graduate School of Business: * Michelle Gelfand [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/michele-j-gelfand] explores the dynamics of cross-cultural organizational behavior. * Brian Lowery [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/brian-lowery] discusses the societal implications of racial perceptions. * Deborah Gruenfeld [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/deborah-h-gruenfeld] reveals insights into power dynamics and personal presence. * Zakary Tormala [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/zakary-tormala] delves into the nuances of persuasive language. Episode Reference Links: * Michelle Gelfand: Website [https://www.michelegelfand.com/] * Michelle Gelfand Stanford Profile: Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/michele-j-gelfand]  * Michelle Gelfand’s Book: Rule Makers, Rule Breakers: How Tight and Loose Cultures Wire Our World [https://www.michelegelfand.com/books]  * Michelle Gelfand's Tight-Loose Quiz [https://www.michelegelfand.com/tl-quiz] * Brian Lowery: Website [https://www.brianloweryphd.com/]  * Brian Lowery’s Stanford Profile: Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/brian-lowery]  * Brian Lowery’s Book: Selfless: The Social Creation of "You" [https://www.brianloweryphd.com/writing]  * Brian Lowery’s Podcast: Know What You See [https://www.knowwhatyousee.com/podcast]  * Deborah Gruenfeld’s Stanford Profile: Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/deborah-h-gruenfeld]  * Deborah Gruenfeld’s Book: Acting With Power: Why We Are More Powerful Than We Believe [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/books/acting-power-why-we-are-more-powerful-we-believe]  * Zak Tormala’s Stanford Profile: Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/zakary-tormala]  * Ep.67 What is Normal? How Culture Affects Communication Styles YouTube [https://youtu.be/Mom8PuwGJlk?feature=shared] / Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/what-normal-how-culture-affects-communication-styles]  * Ep.84 Quick Thinks: How Others Define Us YouTube [https://youtu.be/uNnVjBWJIvg?feature=shared] / Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/quick-thinks-how-others-define-us]  * Ep.11 The Science of Influence: How to Persuade Others and Hold Their Attention YouTube [https://youtu.be/tVJCAm1vKr8?feature=shared] / Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/science-influence-how-persuade-others-hold-their-attention]  * Ep.12 It’s Not What You Say It’s How You Say It: How to Communicate Power Youtube [https://youtu.be/g19GMH6Xubs?feature=shared] / Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/its-not-what-you-say-its-how-you-say-it-how-communicate-power] Connect: * Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.edu * Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/business-podcasts/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast] * Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io [http://fastersmarter.io/] * Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/77761391/],  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thinkfasttalksmart/], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxq_lXOUlvQDgCVFj9L79kqJybW0k6OaB] * Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maabrahams/] * Stanford GSB >>> LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/school/stanford-graduate-school-of-business/] & Twitter [https://twitter.com/stanfordgsb] Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Producer Jenny Luna and host Matt Abrahams introduce a live episode featuring four Stanford GSB faculty members. (00:01:40) Navigating Conflicts and Negotiations in Diverse Settings Michelle Gelfand discusses managing conflicts and negotiations in broader societal and cultural contexts. (00:04:51) Understanding and Managing Diversity Brian Lowery introduces the Stanford Institute on Race and outlines strategies for leaders to foster inclusivity and manage diverse workforces. (00:07:57) Dynamics of Power and Influence Deborah Gruenfeld shares the implications of power dynamics and how they shift from virtual to in-person interactions. (00:14:04) Persuasion and Effective Communication Zakary Tormala gives insight into the use of pronouns in persuasive communication and the impact of language in shaping audience engagement. (00:18:44) Acting with Power in Interactions Deborah Gruenfeld discusses her ongoing research on how power dynamics influence investor decisions in startup teams. (00:20:47) The Pursuit of Meaningfulness Brian Lowery talks about his current focus on what makes life meaningful. (00:24:14) Cultural Tightness and Looseness Michelle Gelfand explains her research on how cultures manage norms and rules, and the concept of "tight" and "loose" cultures. (00:28:52) Persuasive Communication Zakary Tormala shares insights from his latest research on framing effects in communication. (00:32:13) Participant Reflections A Stanford LEAD participant shares experiences from Brian Lowery's class, emphasizing the importance of perspective-taking and trust in leadership. (00:33:15) Conclusion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

So you want to lead your team toward innovation. Does that require that you know where you’re going? Not according to Linda Hill [https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=6479]. Hill is a professor of business administration at Harvard Business School whose research focuses on leadership and how organizations achieve innovation. When it comes to generating breakthrough ideas, Hill says it’s less about a creative vision and more about stepping into the unknown. “Innovation [is] not about an individual coming up with a new idea,” she says. “Instead, innovation is the result of the collaboration of people with diverse expertise and diverse perspectives coming together, being able to collaborate, being able to experiment together and learn.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/business-podcasts/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast], Hill and host Matt Abrahams discuss how leaders can foster cultures and environments where innovation thrives — where teams use communication and collaboration to “co-create the future.” Episode Reference Links: * Harvard Business School Profile: Website [https://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Pages/profile.aspx?facId=6479]  * Linda's books:  * Collective Genius: The Art and Practice of Leading Innovation [https://store.hbr.org/product/collective-genius-the-art-and-practice-of-leading-innovation/13296]  * Being the Boss, with a New Preface: The 3 Imperatives for Becoming a Great Leader [https://store.hbr.org/product/being-the-boss-with-a-new-preface-the-3-imperatives-for-becoming-a-great-leader/10239?ab=at_art_idp_v1x2_s01]  * Becoming a Manager: How New Managers Master the Challenges of Leadership [https://store.hbr.org/product/becoming-a-manager-how-new-managers-master-the-challenges-of-leadership/10238]  * Linda’s article on the value of collaboration & conflict: Collective Genius [https://hbr.org/2014/06/collective-genius]  * Communicator Linda admires: Vineet Nayar [https://www.vineetnayar.com/] + Employees First, Customers Second [https://store.hbr.org/product/employees-first-customers-second-turning-conventional-management-upside-down/12330]  Connect: * Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.edu * Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/business-podcasts/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast] * Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io [http://fastersmarter.io/] * Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/77761391/],  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thinkfasttalksmart/], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxq_lXOUlvQDgCVFj9L79kqJybW0k6OaB] * Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maabrahams/] * Stanford GSB >>> LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/school/stanford-graduate-school-of-business/] & Twitter [https://twitter.com/stanfordgsb] Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Linda Hill, an expert in leadership development and innovation from Harvard Business School. (00:01:10) Leading for Innovation vs. Leading for Change Fundamental differences between leading for innovation and for change, and the unique challenges required for innovation. (00:02:53) Creating a Culture of Innovation The essential components of a culture that promotes innovation, with focus on communication and collaboration. (00:06:21) The Role of Shared Values and Purpose in Innovation Shared values, and the distinction between vision and purpose within innovative organizations. (00:09:43) Communication's Impact on Innovation How effective communication facilitates innovation, including strategies for engaging diverse teams and the significance of storytelling. (00:14:30) Conflict and Creativity in Collaborative Environments The value of conflict in innovation, and how managing disagreements and diverse viewpoints can lead to more creative solutions. (00:16:06) The Final Three Questions Linda Hill shares practices to foster collaboration with others, a communicator she admires, and her ingredients for successful communication. (00:19:54) Conclusion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Preparing to speak in front of a skeptical audience is more than thinking about objections beforehand – there are specific techniques you can use to respond to these challenging situations without sounding defensive, evasive, or dismissive. Here, we offer a few key tips for how to handle skepticism with aplomb. In this podcast, host Matt Abrahams and Stanford GSB lecturer Burt Alper share how to prepare for these challenges from your audience and discuss the importance of tactics like acknowledging audience input, reframing responses, and how to remain cool, collected, and credible. Episode Reference Links: * Burt Alper: Website [https://www.burtalper.com/] * Stanford Profile: Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/burton-alper]  * Ep.102 Create a Presence: How to Communicate in a Way Others Can Feel: Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/create-presence-how-communicate-way-others-can-feel] / YouTube [https://youtu.be/0IiX6Q0j0Q4?feature=shared]  * Ep.70 Keep ’Em Coming: Why Your First Ideas Aren’t Always the Best: Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/keep-em-coming-why-your-first-ideas-arent-always-best] / YouTube [https://youtu.be/U_inPSe0gJ8?feature=shared]  * Original Episode - Ep.5 From Monologue to Dialogue: How to Handle a Skeptical Audience: Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/monologue-dialogue-how-handle-skeptical-audience] / YouTube [https://youtu.be/oFIObNysQb0?feature=shared] Connect: * Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.edu * Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/business-podcasts/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast] * Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io [http://fastersmarter.io/] * Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/77761391/],  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thinkfasttalksmart/], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxq_lXOUlvQDgCVFj9L79kqJybW0k6OaB] * Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maabrahams/] * Stanford GSB >>> LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/school/stanford-graduate-school-of-business/] & Twitter [https://twitter.com/stanfordgsb] Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Host Matt Abrahams introduces the episode and guest Burt Alper, a fellow strategic communication lecturer at Stanford GSB (00:00:55) Handling Direct Objections Confronting direct objections during presentations, particularly in professional settings like executive meetings or at the GSB. (00:02:37) Preparation for Objections The importance of preparation when anticipating objections and strategies for foreseeing potential pushbacks. (00:03:50) Emotional vs. Logical Objections Distinctions between emotional and logical objections and how these types of objections manifest in conversations. (00:06:09) The Power of Reframing The technique of reframing in objection handling and altering the context of a conversation to address concerns without conceding. (00:08:17) The Role of Paraphrasing Paraphrasing as a critical skill for clarifying and addressing objections, with the benefits of accurately restating concerns to ensure mutual understanding. (00:12:11) The Final Three Questions Burt Alper shares the best communication advice he’s received, a communicator he admires, and his ingredients for successful communication. (00:14:55) Conclusion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Whether you're looking to boost your productivity, find more joy in your work, or simply be more present in the moment, you need flow — and research by Assistant Professor David Melnikoff [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/david-melnikoff] could help you find it. Melnikoff investigates how we pursue our goals, and how flow — the state of being totally immersed and engaged in what we’re doing — can help us achieve them. According to him, flow isn’t necessarily about enjoying a task or activity for its own sake, but more about the process of discovery that unfolds as we take action in the face of uncertainty. “The source of flow is engaging in an activity that allows you to reduce uncertainty about your future, engaging in actions that reduce possible future outcomes, or ideally, eliminate all possible future outcomes except for one,” he says. With each action that we take, the path before us narrows, leading us more directly to the goal that we’ve set. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Melnikoff shares why uncertainty presents us with the opportunity to step into the flow state, to experience more focus and engagement, and to supercharge our goal pursuit and performance Episode Reference Links: * David Melnikoff: Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/david-melnikoff] * Dr. Laurie Santos [https://www.drlauriesantos.com/] (Communicator Melnikoff admires)  * The Happiness Lab Podcast — Dr. Laurie Santos [https://www.drlauriesantos.com/happiness-lab-podcast] (Podcast of communicator Melnikoff admires) *  Ep.59 From Dreaming to Doing: How We Set and Achieve Goals Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/dreaming-doing-how-we-set-achieve-goals] / YouTube [https://youtu.be/OnuJAHJEMKI?feature=shared] *  Ep.104 How to Change: Building Better Habits and Behaviors (And Getting Out of Your Own Way Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/how-change-building-better-habits-behaviors-getting-out-your-own-way] / YouTube [https://youtu.be/7Dgy7vkUxR0?feature=shared] Connect: * Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.edu * Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/business-podcasts/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast] * Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io [http://fastersmarter.io/] * Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/77761391/],  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thinkfasttalksmart/], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxq_lXOUlvQDgCVFj9L79kqJybW0k6OaB] * Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maabrahams/] * Stanford GSB >>> LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/school/stanford-graduate-school-of-business/] & Twitter [https://twitter.com/stanfordgsb] Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Host Matt Abraham welcomes guest David Melnikoff, an assistant professor of organizational behavior at Stanford GSB and an expert on flow and goal achievement. (00:00:40) Understanding Flow and Its Benefits The definition of flow and the reversal of the usual dynamic of goal pursuit. (00:02:20) Achieving and Maintaining Flow Misconceptions about achieving flow and the role of reducing uncertainty in engaging activities.  (00:06:22) Flow in Business and Leadership Applying flow principles to business, emphasizing the structuring of tasks and goals to induce flow through uncertainty reduction.  (00:08:39) Personal Applications of Flow for Goal Pursuit How to utilize flow principles to set and achieve goals with advice on framing tasks to maximize uncertainty and flow.  (00:11:03) Collaborative Flow and Communication The potential for shared flow experiences in collaborative settings and the role of communication in facilitating flow. (00:13:05) Goal Setting and Achievement Advice Advice on goal setting, advocating for goals with a degree of uncertainty to enhance engagement and likelihood of entering a flow state. (00:14:43) The Final Three Questions David Melnikoff shares how he invites flow into his life, a communicator he admires, and his recipe for communication. (00:16:17) Conclusion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

From the way you communicate, to the way build your life and career, Graham Weaver, MBA ’99, says it’s about “giving yourself permission to fully be yourself. You can never go wrong when you’re saying your truth.” Weaver is a lecturer in management, a GSB alum, and the founder and a partner of Alpine Investors. He stresses the importance of direct communication, highlighting how avoiding it can lead to wasted time, energy, and even financial losses. Reflecting on his own experiences in private equity, Weaver admits to struggling with being conflict-averse and not speaking his truth directly, which resulted in getting into bad deals and big losses for his company. “People think that by being indirect, they’re being kind, but all they're doing is creating confusion,” he says. “Clarity is compassionate. Even if it's not what they want to hear, the more direct and clear you can be, the more compassionate that is for the other person.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Weaver and host Matt Abrahams explore how being true to oneself not only fosters personal fulfillment but also enables us to show up better for others. Authenticity and self-belief lay the foundation for effective communication, leadership, and ultimately, success. Episode Reference Links: * Graham Weaver: Website [https://www.grahamweaver.com/] * Last Lecture Series: How to Live an Asymmetric Life [https://youtu.be/dZxbVGhpEkI?feature=shared] (Link to Graham’s Last Lecture) * H. Irving Grousbeck [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/faculty/h-irving-grousbeck] (Stanford profile of Graham’s mentor and communicator he most admires) * Ep.82 - It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First YouTube [https://youtu.be/ubI5Q-94gVI?feature=shared] / Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/its-not-about-you-why-effective-communicators-put-others-first]  * Ep.118 - Maximizing Your Personal Brand: Communicating Who You Are to Help Get What You Want YouTube [https://youtu.be/WZNKI4v_cko?feature=shared] / Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/maximizing-your-brand-communicating-who-you-are-help-get-what-you-want] Connect: * Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.edu * Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/business-podcasts/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast] * Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io [http://fastersmarter.io/] * Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page [https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/77761391/],  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thinkfasttalksmart/], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxq_lXOUlvQDgCVFj9L79kqJybW0k6OaB] * Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/maabrahams/] * Stanford GSB >>> LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/school/stanford-graduate-school-of-business/] & Twitter [https://twitter.com/stanfordgsb] Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Matt Abrahams introduces guest Graham Weaver, a Stanford alum and lecturer in management at GSB. (00:0:43) Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills in Business How skills like understanding personal dreams and overcoming limiting beliefs play a critical role in business success. (00:04:58) Living an Asymmetrical Life Living an asymmetrical life, including the importance of doing hard things, pursuing your passions, committing long-term, and writing your own story. (00:10:10) Lessons from Taylor Swift Business and personal inspiration from Taylor Swift's response to professional setbacks, highlighting her work ethic and resilience. (00:13:04) Personal Growth and Enlightenment Graham’s journey towards enlightenment and the practices he adopts to improve his personal and professional life. (00:16:08) The Final Three Questions Graham shares what differentiates an exceptional from average leader, a communicator he admires and his ingredients for successful communication. (00:21:05) Conclusion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].