“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.

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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How to communicate with impact when the stakes are high.

Communication isn't about getting information out. It's about making sure it gets through. In an era of fragmented attention and endless platforms, the challenge isn't finding ways to speak—it's finding ways to connect.

According to Farnaz Khadem, Vice President of University Communications at Stanford, great communicators start with three questions: What's the goal? Who's the audience? And what does the data tell us? Whether guiding a university through a crisis, helping experts share their ideas with broader audiences, or deciding where a story should be told, she believes effective communication centers around understanding people. "People want to know what's actually happening," she says. "And if what is happening is you don't know what is happening, you have to tell people you don't know."

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Khadem joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss the importance of preparation, transparency, and active listening when communicating during uncertainty. From navigating the opportunities and risks of AI to crafting stories that create genuine connection, she shares practical lessons for building trust, adapting to changing audiences, and communicating effectively when the stakes are highest.

Episode Reference Links:

• Farnaz Khadem
• Ep.22 Under Pressure: How to Communicate Clearly and Timely During a Crisis

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) - Communication Fundamentals
• (02:21) - Choosing the Right Channel
• (04:01) - Building Communication Networks
• (05:13) - Coaching Better Communicators
• (07:07) - Crisis Preparation
• (09:10) - Crisis Response
• (11:03) - The Power of Storytelling
• (12:51) - AI in Communications
• (15:52) - The Final Three Questions
• (21:06) - 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.

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