Podcasts about presentation skills

Do you start your presentations by apologizing for a lingering cold, messy slides, or a lack of preparation?   While you might think you are just being humble and self-deprecating to avoid criticism, your audience likely perceives it as arrogance or vanity.   In this episode, we dive deep into a crucial presentation skills lesson: why getting your excuses and disclaimers in early actually damages your credibility. Discover why treating your audience with respect means delivering your absolute best, or not taking the stage at all. Whether you are leading a team meeting or delivering a keynote, learn how to stop undermining your performance and start speaking with true confidence.   Key topics covered: The psychology behind self-deprecation and why speakers use disclaimers Why audiences perceive pre-speech apologies as arrogance rather than humility How to decide if you should postpone a presentation instead of delivering a subpar performance Essential communication and presentation skills to elevate your professional speaking Join us for our 'Presenting With Confidence' Presentation Skills workshop, part of Comsteria's Summer of Training. 

In this episode of the Leadership, Business and Innovation Podcast, David Lockington, Basak Bostanci and Artemis Matsou explore presentation skills in ophthalmology, with a focus on delivering clear, engaging, and impactful presentations at scientific meetings and conferences. Drawing on personal experience, the discussion covers effective slide design, audience engagement, communication techniques, presentation structure, and strategies for presenting with confidence in both clinical and academic settings.

The hidden habits behind calm, confident communicators.What does it really take to become a more confident communicator? In this special collaboration between Think Fast, Talk Smart and Headspace, host Matt Abrahams shares practical, mindful strategies for speaking with clarity, managing anxiety, listening more deeply, and connecting more authentically with others.Across five short lessons, Matt outlines how to calm speaking nerves, become a better listener, structure your ideas clearly, engage any audience, and strengthen your presence — whether you're leading a meeting, giving a presentation, or navigating everyday conversations.Whether you're speaking to a crowd or having a one-on-one conversation, these tools can help you communicate with more confidence, calm, and connection.Episode Reference Links:Headspace Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (03:36) - Speaking Anxiety (08:42) - Mindful Communication (13:51) - Clarity & Structure (17:28) - Creating Engagement (24:53) - Building Presence (29:55) - Conclusion  ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

I grew up shy, introverted, and terrified of public speaking.A bookworm in Hong Kong. A wallflower who couldn't hold a room. A kid who went into investment banking because that's where smart people were supposed to go, not because it was right for me.So I walked away.Professional football. BBC radio. The Premier League. A microphone. A stage.And somewhere along the way, the worst public speaker in the room became one of the most sought-after communication coaches in the world.But here's what I'll tell you: it wasn't talent. It was never talent.It was one conversation with a stranger every single day, for years.What I discovered through football, banking, 15 years on stage, and six years coaching some of the most senior executives on the planet is this: communication is not a gift. It is a skill. And most leaders are operating at seven out of ten of their potential without even realizing it.The expertise is there. The knowledge is there. The years of experience are there.But if you can't make people feel something, none of it lands.I sat down with Nick Day, CEO of JGA Recruitment Group and host of the HR L&D Podcast, for one of the most honest and wide-ranging conversations I've had on communication, leadership, and influence.We go deep on public speaking, the art of listening, why preparation is the only thing that separates great communicators from average ones, and why in a world flooded with AI-generated content, the human touch has never been more valuable.Nick and I unpack the real reason most presentations fail, why following your passion is terrible career advice, what every great leader he's ever interviewed has in common, and the one question you should ask before you build your next deck.This is one of the most practical and honest conversations I've been part of on communication and leadership.I hope it changes the way you speak.Apply to work with me: https://www.michaelxcampion.com/Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelxcampion/This episode is from the HR L&D Podcast hosted by Nick Day.Connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickday/Learn more about JGA Recruitment Group: https://jgarecruitment.com/I'm a Hong Kong-born, UK-based professional speaker, executive coach, and corporate trainer with over 15 years of experience on the global stage. Before stepping into this world, I worked in investment banking and played professional football, representing the Hong Kong national team and competing in the Premier League.Today, I help senior leaders and high-performing teams unlock their communication potential. I'm also a Partner and Head of Corporate Training at Quinlan and Associates, working with organizations across Hong Kong, Singapore, London, and the Middle East.My one-line thesis is simple: talent is practice in disguise.(00:00) Why Communication Is the Skill Every Leader Is Missing(01:26) Human First, Not Resource First(02:23) From Banking to Professional Football, Michael's Story(07:56) Talent Is Practice in Disguise(09:35) Curiosity Beats Chasing Passion(15:58) The Communication Gap Most HR Leaders Don't Know They Have(21:07) Preparation Is the Only Thing That Earns Confidence(23:41) The Art of Listening on Stage(40:09) AI and the Rising Value of Human Connection(44:38) Design Emotion, Not Slides

In this episode, Comsteria's media trainer Colin Kelly addresses one of the most common concerns raised during our sessions as a media training and presentation skills training provider: what to do when you are asked a question during a media interview and you genuinely don't know the answer. We explain why "busking it" or faking a response is never the right approach, as audiences can tell and it severely undermines your credibility. Instead, we provide actionable presentation skills and media training strategies to help you handle these high-pressure moments effectively. Listeners will learn the critical importance of interview preparation to identify exactly what facts and figures you are reasonably expected to know based on your specific job title and status. Using a real-world example of a government housing minister, we explore how to navigate journalists' questions that are overly simplistic or demand data in a format you don't have readily available. You will discover proven spokesperson techniques, including: Setting the terms: How to define the parameters of a complex question so you can confidently deliver the precise data you do have. Signposting: How to appropriately redirect journalists or audiences to a website or later follow-up when complex background data cannot be condensed into a 15-second soundbite. Going behind the question: How to recognize that a journalist asking for a specific number is often just testing whether you are truly on top of the situation and actually care about the issue. Tune in to elevate your professional communication skills, master your next media appearance, and learn how to navigate the unknown with absolute confidence!

"Our guest today is the antidote to the boring corporate presentation. She has spent her career on stages, in recording booths, and behind the scenes of global events—including a stint with the Eurovision Song Contest. Now, she takes all that performance magic and applies it to the world of high-stakes business through her 'Be Less Vanilla, More Thriller' philosophy. She specializes in 'people skills for geeks,' helping senior leaders and technical teams ditch the 'jelly legs,' master the 'Drama Triangle,' and speak so that people actually listen. Please welcome, Frankie Kemp."SummaryIn this engaging and often quirky interview, Frankie Kemp shares her expertise on transforming corporate communication through performance techniques, NLP, and adaptability. Discover practical strategies to enhance presentation skills, manage nerves, and communicate with authenticity and impact.Keywordscommunication, presentation skills, NLP, performance, leadership, adaptability, public speaking, emotional regulation, storytelling, executive presenceKey TopicsCorporate communication habits to banishPerformance techniques for leadersNeuro-linguistic programming in businessManaging nerves and emotional regulationStructured frameworks for spontaneous speakingSound Bites"Communication is all about context.""Weak language undermines trust.""Serve your key message throughout."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Frankie Kemp and Her Philosophy01:22 Boring Communication Habits in Corporate Settings02:42 Experiences of Chaos on Stage05:12 Insights from the Eurovision Song Contest07:37 The Role of Music in Presentation Mindset08:57 Contextual Communication and NLP11:36 Using NLP for Anchoring Emotions16:18 The Broader Applications of NLP18:12 The Art of Adaptability in Leadership19:51 Improvisation as a Leadership Skill21:33 Mastering Spontaneous Speaking25:18 The Power of Language in Communication28:17 Understanding Personality Dynamics: Cats vs. Dogs29:57 Key Messages in Presentations33:45 LWC Riverside outro Generic.mp4

If you want to do your best, you'd better get your rest.The quality of your sleep fundamentally affects the quality of your communication. Communicating well, Dr. Cheri Mah says, starts with being well-rested.“Sleep impacts nearly every aspect of how you function,” says Mah, a sleep physician, adjunct lecturer at Stanford Sleep Medicine Center, and internationally recognized expert on sleep and human performance. In her research and work, particularly with elite athletes and professional sports teams, she explores the link between getting rest and doing our best. “If you are getting quality sleep, you can think more clearly, react under pressure, make good judgment calls, have more patience, be more empathetic,” she says.In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Mah and host Matt Abrahams explore strategies for better sleep, from bedtime routines to paying off “sleep debt” to the “nappuccino” — a caffeine-fueled power nap. Whether you struggle to sleep or can nod off at any time or place, Mah's insights reveal why doing our best requires getting our rest.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:Dr. Cheri MahEp.183 Rethinks: How Anxiety Can Fuel Better Communication Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:57) - Sleep & Performance (04:11) - Better Sleep Habits (06:16) - Quieting a Racing Mind (07:49) - Dr. Mah's Night Routine (09:19) - Sleep Extension (10:52) - Preparing for Big Events (11:44) - The Nappuccino (13:21) - Managing Jet Lag (15:56) - Chronotypes Explained (18:00) - Starting the Day with Sleep (19:40) - The Final Three Question (23:57) - Conclusion ********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/smartJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Who decides what makes for a great speaker?Meet Dominic Colenso!Dominic is a Communication, Leadership and Sales Speaker. He is all about helping you not just speak, but make an impact!Originally an actor in blockbuster movies and theatre by profession, he transitioned into public speaking and communications using the same toolbox that he had from acting.By the time he was 26 Dominic Colenso had flown a spaceship, lost a million dollars and been fired by Simon Cowell. He now empowers businesses, sales teams and leaders around the world to increase the impact of their communication and perform at their best under pressure. He's also the host of the Why Life's A Pitch podcast.Listen as Dominic shares: - a fresh perspective on public speaking - why your presentations are boring - the audience's expectation from your presentation - how to be an expert storyteller - why Sales professionals struggle to sell - how to make an impact when presenting - how to communicate effectively...and so much more!Connect with Dominic: Website: https://www.dominiccolenso.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DominiccolensoAdditional Resources: "Why Life's A Pitch Podcast" by Dominic ColensoListen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-be-a-great-public-speaker-make-an-impact/id1614151066?i=1000767220667 Spotify:   https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ajg1G2FmKe2PV14CNC1sf?si=PhAMrtC5S82r0LRWkrH8-A YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7Fvqz8NAis&t=8s

In this episode, Alun Bedding speaks with Richard Zink about how **applied improvisation** can help statisticians become more effective communicators and leaders. They explore how improv techniques—like “yes, and,” active listening, and embracing mistakes—build confidence, strengthen collaboration, and improve the way we explain complex ideas. This conversation shows that developing interpersonal skills doesn't have to be theoretical or boring—it can be practical, interactive, and even fun. If you want to communicate your ideas more clearly, connect better with stakeholders, and grow beyond technical expertise, this episode is for you.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can act as a virtual nursing preceptor, providing students with a safe place to practice thinking like a nurse practitioner (NP) before working with real patients. It can present realistic patient scenarios and ask guiding questions, such as which information is most important, which possible diagnoses are most likely, and what is the best plan of care. As students make decisions, the AI can give immediate feedback—pointing out strengths, gaps, and more evidence-based options. This podcast and article discuss how AI is used as a tool to complement actual human interaction to prepare NP students for practice.

Great communication isn't about saying more—it's about making what you say matter.If we want to communicate more effectively, we need to treat communication less like a habit—and more like a series of intentional choices. In this special feed drop, we're featuring a conversation from the ⁠Masters of Scale⁠ podcast, where host ⁠Jeff Berman⁠ sits down with Stanford lecturer and ⁠Think Fast, Talk Smart ⁠host Matt Abrahams to explore what it really takes to communicate with intention.Most of us default to what feels natural—long-winded openings, generic pitches, or focusing on what we want to say. But as Matt explains, effective communication starts with the audience. Get to the point quickly. Focus on what's relevant. “Tell the time, don't build the clock.”From high-stakes presentations to job interviews and everyday interactions, Matt shares practical, science-backed strategies for showing up with clarity and confidence. Communication is something we all do every day—but doing it well, especially when it counts, takes intention. As this conversation makes clear, small shifts in how we prepare, structure, and deliver our message can make all the difference.Episode Reference Links:Jeff BermanMasters of ScaleConnect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (04:02) - Communication as a Skill (04:32) - The Impact of Communication (05:10) - Prevalence of Speaking Anxiety (07:11) - Techniques for Reducing Anxiety (09:46) - Core Principles: Repetition, Reflection, Feedback (10:53) - Communication in Education (12:03) - Opportunities to Improve Communication (14:26) - Presenting & Pitching Ideas (16:41) - Setting Clear Expectations (19:58) - Characteristics of Productive Meetings (24:13) - The Role of Repetition in Leadership (25:03) - Structured Preparation for Interviews (26:29) - The ADD Framework for Responses (27:57) - Asking Insightful Questions (29:17) - Defining Communication Objectives (32:23) - Adapting Messages to Different Formats (33:38) - Building Confidence in New Mediums (34:48) - Recovering from Cognitive Lapses (36:14) - The Pace, Space, Grace Framework (38:09) - Navigating Differing Perspectives (40:01) - Conclusion ********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/smartJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

In this engaging interview, Patricia Fripp shares her inspiring journey from hairstylist to renowned speaker and coach. Discover her insights on continuous improvement, relationship building, and effective communication strategies that can transform your professional life.   Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind:  Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply   Investor Machine Marketing Partnership:  Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true 'white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com   Coaching with Mike Hambright:  Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike   Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a "mini-mastermind" with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming "Retreat", either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas "Big H Ranch"? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat   Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform!  Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/   New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club   —--------------------

Elizabeth Bachman is THE go-to person for advanced-level training in Speaking, Presentation Skills, Career Development, and Leadership. With a lifetime spent perfecting the art of presenting, she helps high-level clients get the promotion/job/recognition they deserve — within an organization and within an industry. “Change the way you are perceived by changing the way you communicate.” Her Visible and ValuedSM Leadership Certification helps executive women get past the glass ceiling and position themselves as leaders. Elizabeth has directed such luminaries as Luciano Pavarotti & Placido Domingo in more than 50 operas around the world, giving her a wealth of tools to help business professionals become respected presenters. Fluent in 5 languages, she is adept at working with presenters from many countries, bringing her global experience to her clients.Contact Elizabeth Bachman:ElizabethBachman.comContact Sara Hart:PrimeSparkWomen.com

In this compilation episode, we feature marketing and presentation tips from cross-disciplinary guests Angela Meyer, Rachel Cossar, and Carol Carpenter. If you want to level up your client development and client presentation game (particularly on remote video calls), this is your episode.

This week's episode of Do Good to Lead Well features Lorraine K. Lee, award-winning keynote speaker, LinkedIn Top Voice, and bestselling author of Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career. Right from the start, Lorraine challenges the myth that presence is an innate trait and persuasively argues that it is a learnable skill that anyone can develop through intention and small shifts.We explore the superpowers of introverts while also highlighting practical strategies for building credibility when you are the least experienced/youngest person in the room and how you can deliver high-impact presentations that engage an audience. Lorraine also provides her T.E.A. framework for effective communication in a virtual world. She highlights the importance of Technology, Energy, and Aesthetics to maximize our impact on video calls.This important conversation invites leaders and professionals to rethink how presence is built—in everyday moments, not just high-stakes situations. Listeners will walk away with accessible, evidence-based tools to unlock their own “superpowers” and show up with confidence, clarity, and unforgettable impact.What You'll Learn- Reframe presence: From myth to mindset.- Presence is built in small moments, not just big ones.- Embrace and leverage your “presence superpowers”—Even as an introvert.- Turn nerves into fuel: Taming the anxiety monster.- Upgrade your virtual presence with T.E.A. (Tech, Energy, Aesthetics).- Design meetings for inclusion and impact.- How to redefine your LinkedIn presence.- Reframe imposter syndrome as growth data.Podcast Timestamps(00:00) – What is Unforgettable Presence?(04:49) – Presence as a Learnable Skill(07:24) – Developing Presence as an Introvert(10:12) - Managing Public Speaking Anxiety(13:06) – Common Misconceptions About Presence(18:22) - Presentation & Meeting Presence: Preparation and Impact(22:19) - Building Strong Virtual Presence in Remote/Hybrid Work(27:17) - Leading and Facilitating Engaging Meetings(31:12) - Power of Language: Minimizing vs. Empowering Communication(38:28) - Building LinkedIn Presence for Career Impact(42:41) - Presence as a Junior Team Member(49:15) - Maintaining Presence in High-Pressure Situations(52:00) - Overcoming Imposter SyndromeKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Unforgettable Presence, Executive Presence, Introverts, Public Speaking, LinkedIn Strategies, Virtual Presence, Remote Work, Hybrid Meetings, Presentation Skills, Minimizing Language, Feedback Techniques, Communication, Imposter Syndrome, Psychological Safety, Meeting Facilitation, Personal Branding, Career Advancement, Storytelling, AI in Communication, Inclusive Leadership, CEO Success

This episode is a compilation of answers to YOUR questions that were asked directly from my listeners who attend my weekly business education YouTube live webcast. Topics include margin calls, safe haven investments, life of a hedge fund trader and more.Refer to chapter marks below for a complete list of topics covered and to jump to a specific section. Get mentored by Chris: Book a Zoom call to discuss joining my Business Academy, Finance Bootcamp (to get a job in finance) or MBA Degree Programs or for investing/business/personal development coaching: https://haroun.short.gy/1on1CallYTWDownload my free "Networking eBook": www.harouneducation.comAttend my weekly YouTube Live every Thursday's 8am-11am PT. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to receive notifications. Learn more about my MBA Degree Program0:27 Intro + Setup2:32 Oil Shock, AI Risk & Global Energy Crisis 7:40 Where to Invest Right Now (Safe Havens)10:19 New World Order, Billionaires & Inequality 12:37 Iran War & Geopolitical Endgame14:27 Careers: Hedge Funds, IPOs & Getting a U.S. Job 21:23 Presentation Skills & Managing Cash27:45 VTI vs VOO + Future of Retail Investing 31:24 Building Wealth Without Day Trading33:32 Startups, Big Tech Breakups & Retirement37:50 Politics, Layoffs & Bay Area Reality 40:39 Borrowing to Invest + Global Careers44:02 Trading, Fintech Ideas & Space Economy 46:29 Middle East Tensions & Oil Impact48:00 Margin Call: Risk, Leverage & Wall Street Playbook 1:12:46 Private Credit Risks & 2026 Market Outlook1:18:49 AI, Careers, Game Theory & Investor Mindset1:26:57 Dollar Future, Debt & Politics1:31:54 AI vs YouTube + Life Advice1:35:54 Prediction Markets, AI Content & Education Future1:40:11 Steve Jobs Mindset Connect with me: Schedule a 1:1 call with Chris: https://haroun.short.gy/1on1CallYTWYouTube: ChrisHarounVenturesCompleteBusinessEducationInstagram @chrisharounLinkedIn: Chris HarounTwitter: @chris_harounFacebook: Haroun Education Ventures  TikTok: @chrisharoun

What does it take to perform when there is no second take … and no margin for error?   In this episode, I speak with Luisa Baldini - former BBC correspondent and co-founder of Composure Media - about what it takes to communicate under pressure.   For over two decades, Luisa reported live from major global events, often with millions watching, producers speaking in her ear, and events unfolding in real time around her.   She shares what those moments taught her about composure, confidence and clarity … and why pressure doesn't disappear as you progress in your career - it simply changes shape.   We explore how leaders can think more clearly, communicate more simply, and stay steady when the stakes are high.   Because composure isn't something you're born with. It's something you learn … when it matters most. The Unlock Moment is hosted by Dr Gary Crotaz, PhD — executive coach, speaker and award-winning author. Downloaded in over 120 countries. Sign up to The Unlock Moment newsletter at https://tinyurl.com/ywhdaazp Find out more at https://garycrotaz.com and https://theunlockmoment.com Also discover his other podcasts, The Box of Keys and Unlock Your Leadership. Follow, subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts — and connect with Dr Gary on LinkedIn for more leadership insights. Part of The Unlock Moment podcast family.

Memorable communication isn't about saying more—it's making the right idea stick. No matter how compelling a presentation feels in the moment, most of what you say won't last in your audience's memory. The key isn't trying to make people remember everything — it's ensuring they remember what matters most.Carmen Simon is a cognitive neuroscientist, author, and expert on how the brain pays attention and forms memories. Her research explores how communication can move beyond passive listening and become an experience the brain actually holds onto. “The way we come to know the world is through the interaction of brain, body, and environment,” she explains. “The more you invite your audiences to interact with anything, especially physically, the more you impact cognition.”In this Quick Thinks episode of Think Fast Talk Smart, Simon and host Matt Abrahams explore practical, research-backed ways to make communication more memorable. They discuss why handwriting notes can deepen understanding, how curiosity and tension capture attention, and why communicators should avoid overwhelming audiences with too much information. Instead, Simon encourages speakers to structure ideas so audiences can recognize patterns and return to a clear core message.Episode Reference Links:Carmen SimonCarmen's Book: Impossible to IgnoreEp.39 Brains Love Stories: How Leveraging Neuroscience Can Capture People's Emotions Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:31) - Embodied Cognition Explained (04:44) - The Impact of Environment on Attention (06:08) - Sparking Curiosity in Your Audience (10:24) - Avoiding Cognitive Overload (14:48) - Using Visuals to Improve Recall (18:43) - Conclusion  ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.This episode is sponsored by Grammarly. Let Grammarly take the busywork off your plate so you can focus on high-impact work. Download Grammarly for free today Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

People are forgetful. Here's how to make your messages more memorable.After any presentation, your audience will forget about 90% of what you said. That's okay, says Carmen Simon — just make sure they remember the right 10%.Simon is a cognitive neuroscientist, speaker, author, and expert on how the brain processes and retains information. Her research reveals a humbling truth: “We forget our lives almost as quickly as we live them,” she says. But instead of fighting our forgetfulness, Simon believes we can work with it — by getting intentional about what we want people to remember. “So many people aspire at attention and memory, but very few really know what they want to be memorable for,” she says. “Ask the question: what is my 10% message?”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Simon and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to distill your communication for maximum memorability. Whether you're pitching an idea or presenting to a team, Simon's practical techniques will help you ensure your 10% message is the one your audience takes away.Episode Reference Links:Carmen SimonCarmen's Book: Impossible to IgnoreEp.39 Brains Love Stories: How Leveraging Neuroscience Can Capture People's Emotions Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:39) - Attention vs. Memory (05:15) - Novelty & Surprise (06:36) - Why Attention Isn't Enough (08:04) - The Power of Priming (09:37) - Priming in Business Communication (10:21) - Why Audiences Forget (13:32) - Smart Repetition (15:08) - The Final Three Questions (22:00) - Conclusion ********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/smartJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Are you looking to level up your presentation and connection skills as an admin professional? In this mini episode, take some quick tips from expert trainer and speaker Dr. Mary Ritz. Recorded at APC 2025 and produced by the American Society of Administrative Professionals - ASAP. Learn more and submit a listener question at asaporg.com/podcast.

What are the Presenting and Writing Skills for Executive Communication?Meet Michael deLisser!Michael returns to our show to explore a truth many professionals overlook:Your leadership potential rises or falls on your ability to communicate clearly.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction02:15 – Why communication determines leadership success06:40 – The connection between writing and clarity of thinking12:10 – Structuring powerful presentations18:45 – Overcoming nervousness when speaking24:30 – Executive presence and influence31:20 – AI and communication: tool or threat?36:50 – Daily habits to sharpen speaking and writing skills41:00 – Final leadership insightsKey Points:- professional writing, emailing and reporting strategies- presentation skills for career growth- how to structure your ideas clearly- delivering your message with confidence- tailor-making your presentation to your audience- Build credibility• Establish authority• Inspire trust- how writing is leadership in action- is AI working against you when writing?- how your writing affects your executive presence...and so much more!Additional Resources:"Leadership Accelerators: High-Impact Communication Skills That Strengthen Relationships and Drive Results" by Michael deLisser on AmazonConnect with Michael:Website: https://www.delisserconsulting.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-delisser-62b4297/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@deLisserLeadershipConsultingListen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/presentation-and-writing-skills-w-michael-delisser/id1614151066?i=1000751216680Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5MUk9hpYZgGRmUDJCr4vG2?si=kAFGzzXEQCKxKND6MWYLwwhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/5MUk9hpYZgGRmUDJCr4vG2YouTube: https://youtu.be/SF9iYPWyYvQ

How do you become your stakeholders' whisperer?Your data is talking, but is anyone listening?Meet Bill Shander!Bill is an Author, Speaker, LinkedIn Learning Instructor, Data Storytelling workshop leader and Stakeholder Whisperer.With 30 years of experience in information design, data storytelling, and data visualization, he helps clients and learners communicate effectively with their audiences through engaging and insightful visual experiences. Bill teaches teams and individuals how to transform data into compelling visuals, engaging narratives, and actionable insights — so they can cut through the noise, grab attention, and drive real impact.As a LinkedIn Learning Instructor, Bill has created ten courses and counting on data visualization, storytelling, and information design. These courses have been highly rated by participants and have been viewed well over 1 million times. Additionally, he teaches data visualization and communication at the University of Vermont.On this episode, Bill shares his mission on data storytelling and why soft skills have become the main differentiator.Listen as Bill shares:- different information needed by different stakeholders- why your presentations bore your audience- understanding your stakeholders' needs- why soft skills are not really soft- career progression vs communication skills- how to excel at data storytelling- how to truly engage your stakeholders- accessing the LinkedIn Learning Platform- why the younger generation does not prioritise soft skills...and so much more!Connect with BIll:Website: https://billshander.comAdditional Resources:"Stakeholder Whispering" by Bill Shander on AmazonListen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-communicate-with-stakeholders-stakeholder/id1614151066?i=1000750102610Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5s3gQfmCbtLfGJqF6rVn7g?si=JkXZ92VrQe6-Cd3Dd8VkmQhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/5s3gQfmCbtLfGJqF6rVn7gYouTube: https://youtu.be/yW4Veo3w3cY

How to tap the full power of your voice.Being present in communication isn't just mental. It's about the physical energy you bring into a space — particularly, says Patsy Rodenburg, the presence of your voice.“The physical presence of the human being is the most important thing we have,” says Rodenburg. As a world-renowned expert in voice, speech, and presentation, she has helped everyone from stage actors to prime ministers hone their speaking and awaken the power and presence of their voice. “The vast majority of people are born with amazing voices, and somewhere along the line, they lose them. My job is to return people to their full power in their body, in their breath, in their voice, in their ability to speak in an exciting way.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Rodenburg joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss embodied communication. From breathing techniques and managing tension to intentionally inhabiting space, Rodenburg's insights reveal how to communicate with greater power, presence, and the potency of your voice.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:Patsy RodenburgPatsy's Books: Presence / Power PresentationEp.137 When Words Aren't Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:56) - Foundational Voice Principles (05:58) - Activating Breath Through The Body (08:19) - Why Most Voices Just Need Use (11:49) - Defining Presence (16:02) - Using Space To Communicate (19:24) - The Final Three Questions (23:50) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.This episode is sponsored by Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/tftsJoin our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 

Your technical skills might be perfect, but if you can't present them clearly, you won't get the job. Most scientists treat presentations like data dumps, and it costs them opportunities.In this episode, I sit down with Stacey Tannenbaum, PhD, a presentation skills consultant with over 25 years as an industry pharmacometrician and leader. Stacey has coached scientists across biotech to move beyond overly technical talks and become visible, credible communicators who actually advance their careers.What you'll learn:-Why job talks are completely different from conference presentations (and what hiring managers are really evaluating)-The biggest mistakes scientists make in presentations (dense slides, burying the lead, reading scripts, being monotone)-How to handle interruptions and questions you don't know the answer to without losing credibility-Practical techniques to add energy and clarity to technical presentations without dumbing down the science-Why your slides need to stand alone after you present them (and how to make that happen)-The one thing you must memorize before any high-stakes presentation-How to know when you're giving the audience too much technical detail versus the strategic insights they actually needWhether you're preparing for a job talk, presenting to leadership, or speaking at a conference, this episode will help you communicate your science in a way that opens doors instead of closing them.Join our Biotech Career Coach Skool community for scripts, practice drills, and feedback from peers navigating the same challengesLearn more about the Collaboratory Career Hub community and access our free resources:Join our Skool CommunityTake the Free 7-day Interview Sprint ChallengeCheck out our sister podcast: Building BiotechsSend Carina a connection request on LinkedIn!Stay connected with us:

There was a time when a movie title sequence was just the moment you grabbed your popcorn and waited for the real show to start. But in the mid-90s and early 2000's, that changed forever with films like Seven and shows like Mad Men and Stranger Things. The title sequence became a prologue—a metaphor for the film itself. This is a preview of a premium episode. To listen to the full interview, head over to our Substack:https://designbetterpodcast.com/p/mikon-van-gastel Our guest today, Mikon Van Gastel, was right there in the trenches of that revolution. After a formative and intense education at the Cranbrook Academy of Art—where the only teachers were artists in residence and your toughest critics were your peers—Mikon cut his teeth at the legendary studio Imaginary Forces. Today, Mikon is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Sibling Rivalry, a hybrid brand studio and production company he founded with his best friend, Joe Wright. They've built a reputation for work that blurs the lines between branding, storytelling, and architecture.z In this episode, we explore the sheer scale of modern experience design. Mikon takes us behind the scenes of his work for the Sphere in Las Vegas—a venue he calls the “Champions League of content creation”. We discuss how to design for shared emotion, balancing the “collective gasp” of a 20,000-person audience with moments of intimate connection. We also dig into the business of creativity. Mikon opens up about the “sleepless nights” of running an agency in a project-based economy and how he refuses to transition fully into a management role, preferring to write treatments and stay hands-on with the work on nights and weekends. Whether you are designing software interfaces or directing films, Mikon's philosophy on collaboration and stripping away the noise to serve the core idea is something we can all learn from. Bio Mikon van Gastel is Director, CEO, and Co-Founder of creative agency Sibling Rivalry, based in New York and Miami. Originally from Holland, he earned his MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art before launching his career at Imaginary Forces, where he designed award-winning title sequences for feature films and theatrical trailers. Van Gastel's work spans multiple disciplines, with notable projects in architecture and experience design including MoMA's interactive signage system, BMW World in Munich, the digital displays at Santiago Calatrava's World Trade Center Oculus, and most recently, immersive films for the world's first keynote inside The Sphere in Las Vegas. He also created a VR series with renowned curator Paola Antonelli. He continues to direct commercial campaigns and product launches for major brands including Apple TV+, Ford, Google, Target, BVLGARI, and Vogue, working with high-profile talent such as Drake, Taylor Swift, Lionel Messi, and Lewis Hamilton. Van Gastel speaks internationally about design integration and emerging industry trends at cultural and educational institutions worldwide. *** This is a premium episode on Design Better. We release two premium episodes per month, along with two free episodes for everyone. Premium subscribers also get access to the documentary Design Disruptors and our growing library of books: You'll also get access to our monthly AMAs with former guests, ad-free episodes, discounts and early access to workshops, and our monthly newsletter The Brief that compiles salient insights, quotes, readings, and creative processes uncovered in the show. And subscribers at the annual level now get access to the Design Better Toolkit, which gets you major discounts and free access to tools and courses that will help you unlock new skills, make your workflow more efficient, and take your creativity further. Upgrade to paid ***

On today's episode, I'm going to give you a presentation skills checklist that can make designing and delivering a presentation easier and less risky. When folks go through our presentation skills classes, they are often surprised at how simple public speaking really is. That is if you have a great structure and follow a simple checklist.Before pilots take a plane off the ground, they always follow a written checklist. They don't follow this process by memory. Instead, they check off each task one by one.There is a reason why every pilot does this. The process takes a tremendous amount of risk out of the equation. The checklist also takes something very complex and makes it very simple.Great presenters do the same thing. If you follow a simple presentation checklist, you make delivering the presentation less risky.In my classes, I teach students how to design an entire presentation, from start to finish, in fifteen minutes or less. These class members are often shocked at how fast they can design their presentations. They finish in minutes what would have typically taken hours (or weeks) to complete.On this episode, I cover a simple presentation checklist that you can use when you design PowerPoint presentations. It will help you shorten your preparation time and also reduce your fear of public speaking.Then, in the next few weeks, we'll go into each step in a little more detail.Show Notes: Presentation Skills Checklist(https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/checklist-presentation-skills/)

Why good communication requires presence, not performance.Effective communication isn't about perfecting your performance. According to Dr. Kate Mason, it's about being powerfully present.Mason is a world champion debater, executive communication coach, and author of the book Powerfully Likable. In her work coaching senior executives to communicate more effectively, she emphasizes that it's not about creating a performative persona, it's about uncovering the authentic communicator you already are. “The coaching is just bringing the real parts of you to the fore,” she says, “uncovering rather than totally building from scratch. A lot of people come to me and say, I need to be more warm or more insert adjective here. And I say, I'm not gonna help you be more warm if that's not what's coming naturally to you. I am gonna help you work out the thing you're already doing, the thing you're already saying, how to make that comfortable for people around you.”In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Mason and host Matt Abrahams discuss strategies for more present communication. From avoiding "imposing syndrome” to reducing “the delta between your real self and that corporate persona,” Mason's insights explore how we can bring more of our true selves to the table.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:Dr. Kate MasonKate's Book: Powerfully LikeableEp. 210 First Impression to Lasting Impact: Use Status Strategically Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:32) - Why Confidence Is the Wrong Goal (03:55) - Bridging Your Real and Work Selves (05:27) - What Is Imposing Syndrome? (07:01) - Catching Yourself Shrinking (08:58) - Rethinking Imposter Syndrome (10:15) - Assertive vs. Agreeable (12:40) - Naming Your Communication Style (15:38) - What You Say vs. How You Show Up (17:43) - Body Language That Signals Openness (19:04) - Executive Messaging Lessons (22:01) - The Final Three Questions (26:51) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. Go to Quince.com/ThinkFast for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.

3 Presentation Skills I Wish I Had Learned EarlierIf you want to give better presentations, this video will help you avoid the mistakes I made early in my career. I share three presentation skills that would have saved me time, stress, and confusion. These tips will help you speak with clarity, keep your audience engaged, and deliver your message with confidence.Whether you are a technical professional, a new speaker, or someone who wants to level up your communication skills, this video breaks down simple strategies you can use right away.__TEACH THE GEEK (http://teachthegeek.com)Working with technical professionals so they can present more effectively, especially in front of non-technical audiences. Get public speaking tips at http://teachthegeek.com/tips.

Two new Think Fast Talk Smart AI tools put communication skills to the test in real time.Technology promises many things, but few experiments illustrate its potential more vividly than a coach in conversation with his own digital counterpart. In this episode, Matt Abrahams introduces two new AI-powered tools from the Think Fast Talk Smart Online Learning Community: Coach Matt and Chat Matt. Trained on years of Matt's communication teachings and podcast insights, these digital counterparts offer a rare opportunity to watch human expertise meet machine-driven guidance in real time.Coach Matt begins by addressing a familiar tension: the surge of anxiety that surfaces before high-stakes speaking moments. His approach reframes that nervousness as a form of future-focused energy that can be redirected toward curiosity and clarity. He also introduces the “What–So What–Now What” framework, a simple but powerful method for giving feedback that remains constructive, direct, and grounded in shared purpose.Chat Matt then steps into the conversation, tackling the challenge of crafting a compelling proposal in just two minutes. Its responses reveal how AI can quickly synthesize communication principles while also highlighting the evolving space where human nuance and digital precision intersect.By pairing Matt Abrahams with his own digital counterparts, this episode of Think Fast Talk Smarts explores the future of communication learning—one where technology doesn't replace the coach, but expands the possibilities for insight, clarity, and confident expression.Episode Reference Links:Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (03:13) - Introducing Coach Matt and Chat Matt (04:14) - Coach Matt: Speaking Anxiety (06:14) - Reframing Nervousness (07:14) - Constructive Feedback Framework (08:33) - Testing Communication Advice (10:07) - Chat Matt: High-Stakes Presenting (13:59) - Strengthening a Two-Minute Proposal (16:35) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost. Go to Quince.com/ThinkFast for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.

What actually happens when thousands of biblical scholars descend on a single convention center? In this unusual and behind-the-scenes episode, Dru Johnson roams the floor of the Society of Biblical Literature Annual Meeting in Boston to ask a range of publishers and scholars—from Langham Publishing to Prairie College—what these conferences are really like. From the excitement of free books to the dread of reading papers aloud in monotone, this episode reveals both the inspiring and ridiculous sides of academic gatherings. Dr. Cindy Parker shares the joy of “seeing people from Australia and Israel and just Europe all over the place,” while also admitting, “there's a lot of ego in the room.” Megan Roberts, a professor in Canada, offers a more practical critique: “Just Google how many words is a 20-minute presentation. Then do it.” Meanwhile, publisher reps express their weariness with “sweaty” scholars who show up on the final day asking, “What here is free?” And Dr. Chris Skinner offers a thoughtful defense of the format: “The only way you can become better is by being around people who are already better than you.” This episode is honest, occasionally surprising, and always hilarious —your personal audio tour of biblical scholarship in the wild. We are listener supported. Give to the cause here: https://hebraicthought.org/give For more articles: https://thebiblicalmind.org/ Social Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HebraicThought Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hebraicthought Threads: https://www.threads.net/hebraicthought X: https://www.twitter.com/HebraicThought Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hebraicthought.org Chapters: 00:00 Langham Publishing's Mission and Focus 05:56 Scholarly Behavior and Conference Dynamics 08:56 Presentation Skills and Audience Engagement 11:56 The Value of Academic Conferences 14:52 Endorsements and Marketing in Academic Publishing 17:46 The Psychology of Scholarly Interactions

Reduce speaking anxiety and achieve your communication goals.“There's no difference between the physiological response to something that you're excited about and something that you're nervous about or dreading,” says Andrew Huberman, associate professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford University.In this Think Fast Talk Smart Rethinks episode, we revisit one of our most popular interviews. In it, Huberman, from the wildly popular Huberman Lab Podcast, shares his research on the autonomic continuum, a spectrum between states of high alertness or fear all the way down to deep sleep, and shares how to use the system to your advantage. “If people can conceptualize that the anxiety or stress response is the same as the excitement response, they feel different,” Huberman says.Episode Reference Links:Andrew HubermanEp.33 Hacking your Speaking Anxiety: How Lessons from Neuroscience Can Help You Communicate Confidently Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:50) - Stress & the Autonomic Continuum (04:58) - Controlling Alertness & Calmness (08:47) - Movement & Audience Perception (11:12) - Eye Movements for Anxiety Reduction (13:32) - Two Approaches to Managing Stress (18:16) - Preparing for Stress in Advance (20:18) - Effective Virtual Communication (22:20) - The Final Three Questions (27:28) - Conclusion   ********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

Taylor Hughes returns for a conversation with Chris Ruggiero to share key insights on how to improve communication and presentation skills for in person and online presenters.

Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick.Sometimes the best way to explain an idea is to show it. That's why Loom was built — to make communication more visual, authentic, and efficient. By combining video, screen sharing, and AI-powered editing, Loom helps teams connect and collaborate asynchronously, no matter where they are.In this episode of the Think Fast, Talk Smart Tech Tools miniseries, host Matt Abrahams talks with Joe Thomas, co-founder and CEO of Loom, now part of Atlassian, about how asynchronous video can make communication clearer, faster, and more personal. They discuss why “show, don't tell” is such an effective communication principle, how authenticity builds trust, and why recording yourself might be one of the best ways to improve how you communicate.In addition to insight-packed discussions, this miniseries explores innovative tools that enhance the way we communicate and connect. Whether you want to make your presentations more memorable, craft stories that stick, or connect with your audience on a deeper level, these episodes will help you communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact.Episode Reference Links:Joe ThomasEp.227 Tech Tools: Move Your Audience By Moving Through Your PresentationEp.230 Tech Tools: Use Visuals to Your AdvantageEp.233 Tech Tools: Write with Confidence and ImpactEp.236 Tech Tools: Zeroing in on Your Email CommunicationEp.239 Tech Tools: How Smarter Scheduling Leads to Stronger Communication Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:18) - Loom Elevator Pitch (02:27) - Creation of Loom (03:50) - Show, Don't Tell: Using Video Effectively (09:15) - Favorite Communicator (10:19) - Communication Hack or Tool (13:22) - Conclusion  *******Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Try Prezi today and get 25% off exclusively at prezi.com/thinkfast.

When the disagreement happens, how do you show up? Are you frowning? Raising your voice? Or cowering? The difference between leaders who crumble and those who command calm isn't temperament. It's a practiced mindset. Conflict doesn't have to drain you; it can define you. The most influential leaders turn tense moments into turning points. In this lesson, we explore how to rise above the heat and handle disagreement with ease. You'll walk away thinking differently about conflict and maybe even proud when people disagree with you.Speak by Design University begins again January 1, 2026, with registration opening December 1. Join the waitlist now at speakbydesign.com/joinHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Guest post by Isobel Rimmer, who is founder of international training and development consultancy, Masterclass Training, and author of Present with Presence: Everything you need to plan, prepare and deliver with impact in any situation published by Rethink Publishing I've trained hundreds of tech professionals, from IBM mainframe pre-sales engineers to the geekiest white hat hackers, consultants and data analysts, to speak with presence and confidence in customer meetings, conferences and events. In this article, I share what makes the best stand out and truly own the room. Presentation Skills, to Present with Presence There was a time when tech professionals, particularly in high level customer meetings, were expected to stay mute, speak only when spoken to, and then only in words of one syllable. How times have changed - and rightly so. Subject matter experts, SMEs, are critical to success in tech. Whether a systems architect, security specialist, pre-sales engineer, systems integrator or IT services professional explaining how the 'tech' will work, your ability to make what you say meaningful to every member of your audience, however technical, will make you stand out. And that's a key point. Just how technical is your audience? You probably take what you do for granted. You're comfortable with the 'tech' and you know the jargon. But that may not be true of the people you're speaking to. If you want to own the room, the first step is to assess the level of technical skill in the room. Most people are too polite to say they don't understand when things get complicated. They don't want to look foolish not knowing the latest acronym or piece of jargon. I once spent a whole day hearing about the 'uniques' of a major IT vendor when, to my horror (and that of the speaker), one audience member, looking confused, asked which version of 'Unix' he was talking about… No one likes a 'smart Alec' either, so your ability to pitch at the appropriate tech level will make you a star. Rarely does it work to try and impress with superior tech knowledge. One of the best ways to stand out is to introduce 'stories' and 'characters' into your presentations. I remember an amazing tech pitch at a Gartner event when the speaker used two hand puppets (and no notes) to explain his product's roadmap. Unique, fun and incredibly easy to understand. Whether you call them stories, case studies, use cases or citations, the outcome is the same. A story, told well, builds credibility, shows you 'know your stuff,' demonstrates your ability to solve serious technical problems and demonstrates the value you bring. A story is so much more memorable than a list of facts and figures. My 5D framework used by thousands of consultants globally allows you to bring even the most technical use case to life. A good story allows your audience to relate to you, your work, and how that can help them, increasing the likelihood of a 'virtual nod' because they see themselves in your story too. The first D - description - sets the context and gives validity to your story. If you've done similar work for a major global player, your audience will sit up and listen. The second D - dilemma - is where we share the challenges, issues and concerns the other customer faced. This does many things - it boosts your credibility and, if you choose the right story, shows what your audience is facing, too, connecting you more intimately. The third D - desire - is what the characters in your customer story wanted. This makes your story 'human' and relatable. Perhaps the CIO needed to overcome a major security issue, but was struggling to get budget from the Board, wanted to demonstrate a return on their ERP (enterprise resource planning) software to t shareholders, or ensure their systems were safe in the cloud following an outage. Your fourth D - delivered - is what you did. This is a pivotal moment. The best tech presenters, the ones who can really hold a room, understand that this descrip...

Dr. Bill Lampton on Communication and the Leap from Academia (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 151) For expert-service pros, communication is not polish; it is how work gets won. In this conversation, Dr. Bill Lampton, “The Biz Communication Guy,” shares practical habits that help professionals be understood the first time, steer tough moments, and […]

When we truly listen, every conversation changes — including the one with ourselves.Listening isn't about waiting for your turn to speak — it's about being present enough to truly hear. In a world full of noise, slowing down to listen can feel like a radical act. Yet it's in those moments of stillness and attention that real understanding begins.In this special Ask Matt Anything episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, we explore what it means to “listen up” — to engage with intention, empathy, and curiosity. Along the way, listener questions spark insights on how to slow down fast conversations, apply communication tools in real life, and navigate the nuances of culture and connection. Because better communication doesn't start with what we say — it starts with what we hear.To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium.Episode Reference Links:Ep.17 Think Fast: You Asked, We AnsweredEp.114 Communication Means Paying Attention: The Four Pillars of Active ListeningAsk Matt Anything (AMA) 1: Trust, Paraphrasing, and Nonverbal Cues   Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:42) - The Three Ps That Block Good Listening (03:39) - Ace Your Listening: Pace, Space, and Grace (05:59) - Listening Beyond Words: Nonverbal Cues That Matter (06:37) - Listening Through Paraphrasing (08:13) - Practicing Better Listening (09:30) - Choosing the Right Structure for Your Audience (12:55) - Applying Communication Skills Effectively (16:02) - Slowing Down Conversations (20:32) - Practicing and Getting Feedback (23:02) - What's Next for Think Fast Talk Smart (24:54) - Conclusion ********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 coaching today at Strawberry.me/smart

FinPod: Communication & Presentation Skills for Finance | Why Soft Skills are Your Career AcceleratorTechnical skills are essential, but if you can't communicate your financial insights clearly and confidently, they have zero impact. This new course, Communication and Presentation Skills for Finance Professionals, is designed to bridge that gap.Join us as we discuss why these "soft skills" are actually your biggest career accelerator in finance, often setting the most successful professionals apart from their peers.This episode covers:Why This Course Was Built: We reveal why strong communication skills, not just technical aptitude, are critical for building trust, improving client relationships, and accelerating your career trajectory (often faster than technical skills alone).What You Will Gain: Learn the power of active listening, how to identify your communication style (passive, aggressive, or assertive), and gain practical tips to adapt your approach to be more effective.The Investment Banking Lesson: Hear why the most successful Managing Directors are not just technical experts, but are highly likable and effective communicators who build strong relationships with clients and teams.Unique Course Features: Get a preview of the course format, including diagnostic exercises to identify your style, real-world video examples of strong and poor communication, and step-by-step frameworks for structuring impactful presentations.Stop sitting at your desk waiting for your work to speak for itself. This course provides you with the tools to communicate with confidence and clarity, enabling you to make the impact you want in your career.

In this episode of The extra-Ordinary Leader, I'm joined by the brilliant Maria Franzoni — communication strategist, former international speaker bureau owner, and creator of The Bookability Formula. With over 25 years of experience helping speakers get booked and rebooked, Maria knows exactly what makes communication memorable, impactful, and influential.Together, we explore how to elevate your communication — whether you're speaking to a boardroom, pitching a new idea, or presenting to your team. Maria shares powerful lessons from the world of professional speaking that every leader can apply, from listening and storytelling to confidence, feedback, and reading your audience.We also talk about authenticity versus professionalism, what really gets people rebooked (and what doesn't), and how to make data and presentations come alive. This conversation is full of practical insight and honesty from one of the best in the business.Inside This EpisodeThe trait every extra-Ordinary leader sharesWhy confidence and psychological safety matter mostThe biggest communication pitfall — and how to fix itHow to listen before you speakInfluence through attraction, not persuasionBalancing authenticity with professional presencePowerPoint, data and storytelling done rightHow language shapes culture and impactReading your audience and slowing downWhat keeps great speakers rebookedMaria's teabag test for leadership under pressureFor more on Maria's work, visit www.mariafranzoni.meIf you'd like to deepen your own leadership journey, my book The extra-Ordinary Leader is available here: https://www.dollywaddell.com/store/p/the-extra-ordinary-leaderMentioned Resources:The world over time -- in data | Hans Rosling | TEDxStockholmThe beauty of data visualization - David McCandlessGlow In The Dark - Mark LerusteNever Split The Difference - Chris Voss

Jill Lublin is a 25+ year Media Magnet. She is a world-renowned publicity expert, international speaker, and 4x Best Selling author. Jill has made thousands of stage appearances alongside celebrities such as Tony Robbins, Barbara Corcoran, and Jack Canfield, to name a few. She has worked with over 100,000 clients implementing her signature formula for getting media attention, creating next-level visibility in the marketplace that results in boosted sales. These lead and profit generating formulas are included in her signature program, the Media Mastery Intensive and her monthly Kindness Circles.00:00 - 00:24 "Really focus in on your message. What is your message? Why should people care? That's important. And what is it that you want to tell people? That gives them value and benefit. It's really important. And I think a lot of people go kind of beat the chest publicity, you got to be oriented toward giving value and benefit. That's always important." — Jill Lublin 00:25 - 00:42 Welcome to Peppershock Media's Marketing Expedition Podcast 00:43 – 01:35 About Jill's01:36 - 10:51 Marketing Essentials Moment: “The Art of the Pitch: Persuasion and Presentation Skills that win Business” by Peter Kotter 10:52 - 13:09 Welcome to the show, Jill! 13:10 - 15:05 Top Tips for Publicity 15:06 - 17:36 Trending Topics in Media 17:37 - 21:22 Resources for Publicity21:23 - 24:35 Success Stories in Publicity24:36 - 25:11 Poderific, baby! Whether you're looking for a podcast studio to rent or need help with the entire production and distribution of your podcast, we gotcha covered. 25:12 - 27:56 Power of Publicity27:57 - 30:27 Career Advice for New Graduates 30:28 - 32:07 Following Your Inspiration 32:08 - 34:02 Challenges in Publicity 34:04 - 35:48 Top of Mind Awareness35:49 - 36:16 How to Connect with Jill (https://jilllublin.com/) 36:17 - 37:42 Thank you so much, Jill! Share this podcast, give us a review, and enjoy your marketing journey!37:43 - 38:29 Join the Marketing Expedition Community today! Like what you hear but need more information?Meet with Rhea Allen#Publicity #BrandVisibility #Leads #MarketingEssentialsMoment #ArtOfThePitch #MarketingPitch #Referrals #Author #TrendingTopics #FreshMarketingStrategy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We often talk on the podcast about how to improve your presentation skills or how to reduce nervousness so that you feel more confident or poised when you stand up to speak. But one of the things that we haven't covered a lot, or at least in a while, is why you should improve your presentation skills.The time and money you spend on improving your presentation skills has the highest return on investment compared to basically anything else you can do. For instance, let's say you go out and buy a new piece of equipment for your company. That equipment will bring your company new profit for a certain amount of time but eventually that equipment will age. The maintenance costs on it will go higher than the amount you're making from it. And it will no longer be worth your investment. Presentation skills are evergreen, growing them once improves your personal growth and profitability to the company for the rest of your life. So find out just a few ways to advance in your job and career by just learning this one set of skills!Show Notes: 7 Ways to Advance Your Career Using Presentation Skills(https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/7-ways-to-advance-your-career-using-presentation-skills/)

Discover the secrets to executive presence and personal branding with Jane Hanson, former Today Show anchor. In this episode, Jane shares actionable strategies for showing up as your best self in both professional and everyday situations. You'll learn why first impressions and appearance still matter, how to assess and improve your body language and communication style, and steps to finding your authentic professional voice and personal brand. Jane also dives into overcoming career transitions and reinvention, plus essential tips for making a powerful impact in media appearances and virtual meetings. Tune in to get practical advice for boosting your executive presence, communication, and brand!

Transform how you communicate with tools that make your message stick.Great communication isn't just about what you say — it's about what your audience remembers. That's why Jim Szafranski, CEO of Prezi, believes that visuals and storytelling are key to making ideas stick.For more than 15 years, Prezi has been reimagining the way we share information, helping communicators move beyond static slides and into dynamic, memorable experiences. In the first episode of the Think Fast, Talk Smart Tech Tools miniseries, host Matt Abrahams talks with Szafranski about why visuals are so powerful for retention, how non-linear storytelling can make presentations more engaging, and the role AI now plays in shaping the stories we tell.In addition to insight-packed discussions, this miniseries explores innovative tools that enhance the way we communicate and connect. Whether you want to make your presentations more memorable, craft stories that stick, or connect with your audience on a deeper level, these episodes will help you communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact.Episode Reference Links:Jim SzafranskiPrezi Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:18) - Prezi Elevator Structure (02:09) - The Power of Visuals in Storytelling (04:12) - Making Complex Ideas Simple (06:22) - When to Use Visuals (09:01) - Advantages of Non-Linear Storytelling (11:26) - AI's Role in Visual Communication (14:22) - Favorite Communicator (15:37) - Communication Hack or Tool (17:28) - Conclusion *******Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Try Prezi today and get 25% off exclusively at prezi.com/thinkfast.

Want to land more speaking opportunities and make the most of every stage you step onto? In this episode, I'll show you how to leverage each speaking engagement to book even more gigs—and why the best way to get hired as a speaker is to actually speak.I'm sharing the key strategy that has helped my clients grow their visibility, captivate audiences, and turn one speaking opportunity into many: becoming the kind of grounded, confident speaker who crushes each engagement. You'll learn why your presence, voice, and delivery matter more than a “perfect” talk, and how to embody the skills that lead to lasting impact and more opportunities. Plus, I'll share an exciting update about the future of my programs—and how you can get access to them at a very special rate before the doors close. If you're ready to become the kind of captivating speaker who not only inspires but also books more gigs, tune in now. Now I'd love to hear from you! What's one thing you learned and how will you take action today? Let me know by: leaving the show a review. or sending me an email at info@emanuelahall.com YOUR NEXT STEPS:

A couple of years ago, I was teaching a public speaking workshop in Detroit and three of the people in that class happened to be job placement coaches.Throughout the course, I noticed a couple of really interesting things as the class went on. First the three of these folks that all did the same thing kept mentioning over and over again how the lessons I was covering in the public speaking class were similar to the lessons that they were teaching, one-on-one, to the people in their job development sessions. And then the second thing I noticed was the three of them, these three folks that were in the class, had picked up everything I was teaching way quicker than usual people. I realized later that those three in particular picked up everything so quickly because they all already had great communications skills one-on-one in the workplace.There are very, very few skills you can learn for the workplace that are more important than communication and presentation skills. Today I'm gonna cover just five ways those skills can help you in the workplace in ways you may not have thought of. (And also one way that they can help you land the job in the first place)Show Notes: The Importance of Presentation Skills in the Workplace (https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/the-importance-of-presentation-skills-in-the-workplace/)

Today I'll give you 7 compelling reason why you should focus more on improving your presentation skills. And, I know that I'm preaching to the choir because you're listening to the podcast.However, most people who subscribe to Fearless presentations typically subscribe to solve a single issue. Perhaps they have a big speech coming up and they want to feel more comfortable.Then, once that person feels like they conquered that challenge, they may stop listening. I get it. There are only so many hours in a day. We have to prioritize.Well, that's why we created this episode. Once you understand how developing this one specific skill can open up doors to success and additional income, it will likely move developing this skill up on the priority list.Folks who go through our public speaking classes will often reach back out to us six months or a year after attending telling how they got promoted or their company's growth exploded shortly after taking the class.What we cover in this episode will explain why that happens and why it is so common.Show Notes: The 7 Best Reasons to Focus on Presentation Skills Training(https://www.fearlesspresentations.com/top-5-reasons-to-improve-your-presentation-skills/)

The Three - Minute Rule: Mastering the Art of Powerful Pitches | Brant Pinvidic on WINNERS FIND A WAY  Think your pitch is clear? Think again. In this power-packed episode, Trent M. Clark sits down with Brant Pinvidic—Hollywood executive, global speaker, and author of The 3-Minute Rule—to break down what it really takes to communicate big ideas quickly and effectively. Brant shares his WHACK method for crafting pitches that land: What is it? How does it work? Are you sure? Can you do it? Whether you're leading a meeting, pitching investors, or selling your next big idea, this episode is a masterclass in cutting the fluff and getting straight to the point. Brant also shares hard-earned lessons from traveling to 52 countries, observing what works—and what doesn't—when it comes to American entrepreneurship and messaging abroad. - Why most people blow their first three minutes - How to simplify your message without dumbing it down - Real strategies to build instant credibility and drive action Want to sharpen your pitch and lead with clarity? Hit play.   Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who talks too much in meetings

Guest Elizabeth Bachman: “Having been one of the earliest female stage directors as an opera director, I have a wealth of knowledge to share. I now work with corporate women to help them break through the glass ceiling. What I'm really excited about is that I lead groups of women called ‘Visible and Valued Masterminds.' We spend three to six months together, online and in-person, talking and discussing the issue--how do you be seen as the person that you want to be seen as? How do you present yourself in a manner that you are taken seriously if you happen to be in a position where you are not taken seriously? It is some of the most deeply satisfying work I have ever done and I've always been blessed to use my talents to make the world a better place.” Elizabeth Bachman is the go-to person for advanced level training in Speaking, Presentation Skills, Sales, and Leadership. With a lifetime spent perfecting the art of presenting, she helps high-level clients master a message that brings: the Funding they need the Allies they want and the Recognition they deserve. She describes her work as: Strategic Speaking for Results * When you want to make a difference, not just a point! A sought-after speaker and strategist in Silicon Valley, nationally and internationally, Elizabeth works with leaders and influencers who need to become concise and compelling presenters. She helps them present as smart, down-to-earth, loose, friendly even funny and still be taken seriously. Elizabeth has directed such luminaries as Luciano Pavarotti & Placido Domingo in more than 50 operas around the world, giving her a wealth of tools to help business professionals become respected presenters. Fluent in 5 languages, she is adept at working with presenters from many countries, bringing her global experience to her clients.

Great strategy starts with a question—and a story worth believing in.A good strategy isn't just built—it's told. For Martin Reeves, chairman of the BCG Henderson Institute and author of The Imagination Machine and Like: The Button That Changed the World, strategy and imagination are both deeply communicative processes, rooted in storytelling, curiosity, and the courage to reframe assumptions.“A strategy is really just a special kind of story,” Reeves explains. “It begins with the present and aspires to a different future—it's fiction made actionable.” To bring that fiction to life, leaders must involve their teams in a co-creative journey and use thoughtful questions to shape not just ideas, but belief and action.In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Reeves joins Matt Abrahams to explore how communication fuels strategic thinking, innovation, and organizational reinvention. He outlines his six-step framework for imagination—from embracing anomalies to codifying and continuing ideas—and underscores the role of reframing, deep listening, and even levity in solving complex problems. Together, they unpack how a single “like” button changed our digital behaviors—and what it teaches us about influence and attention today.Episode Reference Links:Martin Reeves Martin's Books: Like / The Imagination Machine Ep.71 Strategy Success: How to Communicate Your Gameplan Connect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (02:19) - Using Story in Strategy (05:00) - Questions as a Communication Technology (06:15) - The Six Steps to Harnessing Imagination (10:36) - The “7 Cs” of Imagination and Communication (12:08) - Reframing as a Creative Tool (14:11) - The Like Button: Origin and Evolution (16:14) - Brain Chemistry Behind Digital Liking (18:12) - The Final Three Questions (22:59) - Conclusion    *****This episode is sponsored by Stanford. Groundbreaking research happens everyday at Stanford, learn more here.Support Think Fast Talk Smart by joining TFTS Premium.       

Stay sharp, sound confident, and speak with impact — even when you're put on the spot.Communicating clearly is challenging enough when there's time to prepare. But in most situations — whether in meetings, casual conversations, or high-stakes moments — we rarely have the luxury of scripting our words. We must think and speak in real time.Spontaneous communication is a daily challenge, yet few of us receive formal training in how to handle it with poise and confidence. So how can we stay composed and communicate effectively when put on the spot? Drawing on years of experience, our expert coaches — including a sports broadcaster, FBI negotiator, UN interpreter, game show host, NFL referee, and Sotheby's auctioneer — share their final pieces of advice to help answer that question.In this special episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, the Spontaneous Speaking miniseries concludes with powerful tools, frameworks, and tips for staying calm, organizing your thoughts, and speaking with clarity under pressure. Matt Abrahams shares practical strategies and exercises designed to help you build lasting habits and sharpen your impromptu speaking skills.Whether you tend to freeze when caught off guard or simply want to express your ideas more effectively on the fly, this final installment will equip you to not only think fast — but speak smart.Episode Reference Links:Chris Voss - Former FBI Negotiator, Keynote SpeakerChris Voss's Book: Empathy and Understanding In Business  Annabelle Williams - Paralympic Champion, Sports BroadcasterGiampaolo Bianchi - United Nations InterpreterBrad Rogers - NFL Referee, ProfessorPhyllis Kao - Sotheby's AuctioneerPeter D Sagal - Game Show Host, AuthorConnect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:56) - The Power of Structure (05:48) - Expert Tip: Trust Yourself (06:09) - Expert Tip: Project Confidence & Provide Value (07:48) - Expert Tip: Ask for What You Need & Visualization (10:15) - Expert Tip: Review & Reflect (12:15) - Expert Tip: Use an Encouraging Tone (12:36) - Expert Tip: Turn Observation into Storytelling (14:29) - Conclusion    ********This episode is sponsored by Grammarly. Let Grammarly take the busywork off your plate so you can focus on high-impact work. Download Grammarly for free today Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.