Matt’s wide variety of guests, all sharing their brilliant insights into the many forms of communication, always produces a nugget or two for me. Topics even include design choices in a room, and how that impacts how we interact. It’s a top 4 Pod for me .

Matt Abraham’s work particularly on small talk has been life changing for me. He breaks down communication in a way I’ve never seen before. 5 stars!!

I’ve been a big fan of your podcast for a while and always found your insights on communication incredibly valuable. One of the concepts that stood out to me was the “What, So What, Now What” framework. Recently, I applied it in a way I didn’t expect—to reflect on some personal challenges—and I wanted to share the impact it had. For a long time, I struggled with perfectionism, fear of vulnerability, and communication—particularly in interpersonal dynamics. I would often stay quiet in meetings or avoid social/leadership role as a result, despite being a high performer (technical skills). Over the past month, I’ve been journaling and reflecting on patterns like perfectionism, fear of vulnerability, but my thoughts felt scattered. When I used your framework, everything finally clicked. What: Root causes driving patterns, like how early success made me tie self-worth to objective outcomes. So What: Behaviors and outcomes resulting from those causes (e.g., avoid step out of comfort zone, reluctance to collaborate etc.) Now What: Steps to overcome these behaviors (e.g., intention setting, practicing vulnerability) Since that realization, I’ve experienced a real breakthrough—I feel more open, talkative, and comfortable engaging with others. Conversations/meetings that used to feel stressful now feel like opportunities, and I’ve started enjoying connection in ways I never expected. Thank you for all you do.

I’ve always been someone that I feel struggled with communication. I mumble, get stumped easily, let my emotions dictate my choice of words. Improving my ability to communicate has always been a focus of mine. Maybe I need to start listening from the beginning but I really don’t know what the hype is about. I’ve tried really hard to actually extract some value from this podcast but it’s difficult. The host Matt is pretty good, he enunciates very well but to the point he sounds like a robot. For some reason he doesn’t use contractions and sounds like he’s reading off of notes. However the topics are good and his questions are good. Since these guys are master communicators, they’re very good at giving answers that sound good but don’t hold weight. These conversations are very academic and in theory seem to be very useful but the episode ends and I find I haven’t gained any practical benefit. Take for example season 4 episode 73. Matt asks Allison Wood Brooks to give tips to make small talk more smoothly. A very good question. Dr. Brooks talks about why small talk is important buy subsequently provide zero tips. This example is emblematic of the entire podcast. The guests are very successful academics, and it seems like they only communicate with people of similar socioeconomic backgrounds. Maybe it’s not meant to be more, but when the episode ends and I arrive to work I find myself not having learned anything I could use myself.

Could you make the music any more obnoxious? I think not.

Very effective communication for listeners to quickly identify how to utilize the ideas and concepts discussed in each episode. I’m impressed and this speaks to so many genres in our lives; at home, work, and social interactions. Thank you!

Hello friend, My name is Alison Schuback and I just wanted to thank you for your great book!

The content is pretty good. But I struggled to get past the host’s robotic voice that sounds like he’s reading a script even with people he interviews. It lacks any authenticity. Very difficult to listen to.

I highly recommend this podcast. It will keep your attention the whole time, and you’ll immediately improve your personal and professional communication. Matt hosts exceptional guests and makes each episode about a specific area of communication. It really allows you to learn the parts to master the whole. I love the length of the episodes too—they’re perfect for my morning commute to work. If you’re looking to improve your communication skills, look no further. This podcast is quite literally life changing.

This is one of my favorite podcasts. Matt Abraham does a masterful job interviewing each guest and bringing out their key points. I learn something new in every episode.

As the Co-Host of the Linen Suit & Plastic Tie Podcast, which focuses on unlocking the power of storytelling, I absolutely love this show! It offers incredible insights into how to become a better storyteller through effective communication. So many amazing lessons packed into each episode!

This is packed with insightful information that is applicable for anyone, and enjoyable.

I have been listening for quite a while now along with a wide array of other podcasts. However, episodes 147 and 148 just were so fantastic that I was compelled to say how great this podcast is. Matt conducts really good interviews. He was terrific working with Irv Grousbeck in 148 and holding the mock workplace conversation. I’ve had similar discussions at work and never handled nearly as well as Matt did nonetheless bringing in the extra as suggested by the guest. I loved the way in 147 that Whitney Johnson specifically recognizes what a great job Matt does at repeating back information after a conversation. It reminded me to do so in my work conversations that day. I shared 147 and 148 with colleagues at work.

I really enjoy listening to the "Think Fast, Talk Smart" podcast! Each episode has something to offer! My favorite was episode 107, where Jenny hosts Matt. I especially loved Matt’s honest feedback to Jenny! It was very insightful and also addictive ❤️

I have listened to 35+ episodes of this podcast (some twice). The nuggets of wisdom that I have collected from each episode have helped me build my confidence and improve my presentation skills when the pressure is on. The simple frameworks and plug-and-play advice Matt and his guests provide have also helped my teammates and leaders at work (I often share episodes with them). After transitioning from a long teaching career to corporate last year, I felt unsure when running meetings and leading demos for corporate executives, but this podcast (and Matt’s book and videos) have helped me completely change my perspective — I now enter a call excited! A few of my favorite takeaways: - It’s not a performance, it’s.a conversation. - Connection > perfection! - Dare to be dull (be a brick, not a cathedral) - What/So What/Now What framework - Less is more (be trustworthy, concise, and specific…I tend to do the latter by sharing key data)

Great podcast to go on a lifelong journey of improving communication skills

The 'Think Faster and Talk Smarter' podcast is an essential listen for anyone seeking to sharpen their communication skills. Each episode offers insightful tips and strategies that have helped me understand my audience better and communicate more effectively. The show's emphasis on weaving a customer narrative truly resonates with me and has transformed my approach to interaction. I've been able to help people share their unique talents and perspectives, making conversations more engaging and meaningful. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to elevate their communication skills.

I wanted to express my gratitude for the insightful content Professor Abrahams shared in your podcast. In addition to all the valuable communication techniques you discussed, the biggest takeaway for me was the importance of effective communication through diverse perspectives. This approach has significantly enhanced my cultural intelligence. Thank you for sharing your wisdom!

Incredible podcast. Matt is great. His guests are amazing. Life changing.

First off if I leave a review then that means it’s really good or really bad. This podcast is TOO GOOD! I’ve learned so much and the host Matt he’s not mono tone and he really brings credible experts to the podcast. My favorite so far is obviously, Kim Scott I have her book and haven’t started it yet, but listening to that podcast episode makes me eager to want to read the book, but overall this podcast is so amazing. I’ve learned so much about communication and how to go about it in Weather work life, social life, or the tough conversations and I really hope this podcast never ends because one of my main goals is to really build my communication and if that’s your goal, this is the podcast for you!!

I really enjoyed this show and always end an episode with practical tips I can use personally and professionally, thank you! 😀🙌🏼

I had Matt Abrahams as my professor at de anza college about 10 years ago. I learned a lot in his class and became more confident in myself. With every episode I’m building on that by gaining new perspectives and learning more about strategic communication. Overall, a very enjoyable and helpful podcast.

Fantastic podcast I always learn something new!

It explains multiple ways of quick thinking especially for the very particular moment that you are going to say and you must say!

Today was the first time I ever had the privilege of listening to an episode. I was impressed with the content, honesty & presentation. Well done! You have gained a new subscriber. Best wishes!

😀. I love you guys Thank you

I love this podcast! It has helped me so much in many ways! I also follow his Youtube channel which is where I first came about his podcast after listening to Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication techniques. A must watch!

I stumbled on this podcast after coming across the book of the same name. (I’m extremely fascinated by communication in all forms; I read a lot on the topic since I’ve struggled with anxiety and keeping conversations going in certain situations over the years.) I didn’t know what to expect when I first started listening but it’s great! I’ve only listened to two episodes so far and both have taught me something I hadn’t learned or heard before. Keep up the great work, please. It’s greatly appreciated! I highly recommend this podcast. It’ll be worth your time to listen.

I love this podcast. It is helping me a lot with my communication skills, thank you for making this podcast

How a podcast about communication can be so entertaining, I will never know. But you are miss out if you haven’t click play already. This is the wagu meat of podcasts.

Just like click play and you will not why

Best podcast to learn communication skills. Matt you rock!!

Great Insights

It’s not often you stumble upon a great podcast that you weren’t searching for, and then leaning into it HARD. There’s more learnings in here than most leadership podcasts out there, and it really helps energize conversation around the advantages of effective leadership communication. Keep it up!

The Best podcast ever!

Loving the myriad of mindsets and actionnable insights that I can use to better communicate and convey my ideas and stories!

Stop scrolling just start listening! U will love it!

Great content every week. Thanks for investing in making a difference. Your message is getting passed along to others. Thanks for your commitment to help others. It’s working!!

This podcasts is exceptional in its ability to give interesting, actionable (and though provoking) content I can use in business and in my personal life. Shout out to the host - I hope you continue to explore and discuss communication in this way.

Thought this would be an unbiased podcast... so wrong... plus totally boring & scripted

I came across this podcast by chance, but it’s now in my regular rotation. The host is fantastic, and the guests have incredible insight into communication with ties into other management & life concepts. I’d recommend this podcast though not just to those in business, but anyone who wants to strengthen their verbal communication skills. I’ve enjoyed and benefited from every episode!

Definitely sounded great, but then I got slapped in the face by Hillary Clinton.

Love to the point , insightful and personable talks. I love the last three questions he asks every speakers.

The interviews are so stilted that they sound like they are reading from notes rather than having a real conversation. As a result, the episodes are boring and hard to follow and absorb. Better to put the notes and professorial lectures away, and have real spontaneous conversation.

I love this podcast, great topics, wonderful guests and just very insightful! The only issue is the sound quality, in some episodes it’s very hard to understand what the guests are saying. Please fix the this issue. Thanks!

This podcast is so insightful and I’ve enjoyed every episode I’ve listened to so far! Matt is a very skilled interviewer - he does such a great job of sharing his own wisdom and I love how he leads meaningful conversations with other communication experts who bring so much experience and actionable insight to the table. Highly recommend checking this show out - there’s an episode that will benefit everyone, and you’ll always leave having learned something new!

I just wanted to take a moment and say thank you for creating such an impactful podcast! I believe that we all have a voice that deserves to be heard. Thank you for putting this into the world! BE UNBROKEN! @MichaelUnbroken

How can we reach the text of the podcasts, in some cases it will be easier to read

Matt was my public speaking professor in Stanford and taught me to overcome insecurity while presenting.

Clear, concise and well thought. I look forward to hearing more episodes and putting to use what I’ve learned.