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Mind Spark #22 - Think Fast, Talk Smart: A Podcast for Better Communication

  • Writer: Shujian Zhang
    Shujian Zhang
  • Aug 30
  • 2 min read

Effective communication is essential in every aspect of life, whether at work or at home. Being able to convey our message effectively, especially when things become tense or emotional, is crucial.


Today, I want to share a podcast I’ve been enjoying lately: Think Fast, Talk Smart, from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, hosted by communication expert Matt Abrahams.


In each episode, Matt talks with a communication expert who shares practical tips for skills such as public speaking, handling difficult conversations, storytelling, and team leadership. What I like most is that the advice is both valuable and easy to apply, rather than just theoretical. For example, I have learned how to pause before answering, organize my thoughts quickly, and tailor my message to different people.


If you’ve ever wanted to speak more clearly in meetings, interviews, or just day-to-day chats, this podcast is a real find. The episodes are short, engaging, and packed with practical tips I can apply right away. I enjoy listening during my commute and always look forward to the three questions Matt asks at the end: one special question for the guest and two that are the same for everyone.

  • Who is a communicator that you admire and why?

  • What are the first three ingredients that go into a successful communication recipe?


The guests’ answers to those last two questions give practical tips and also introduce me to other great communicators I didn’t know about before.


Looking back on my own experience with leadership and communication, I’ve noticed that real progress comes from small steps we take every day to connect better with others. Podcasts like Think Fast, Talk Smart remind me that communication is a skill anyone can work on and improve, as one guest mentioned - the first recipe is "practice, practice, practice." To put this into action, start with a simple daily practice: pause for a few seconds before responding in any conversation today. This small step can help you organize your thoughts, reduce anxiety, and ultimately communicate more effectively. Try it today and notice the difference.


I highly recommend giving it a listen, especially if you want to sharpen your ability to think on your feet and express yourself with impact.




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