Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

157. Communicating the Future: Defining Where We Want AI to Take Us

Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Artificial intelligence can now do a lot of things. But if you’re worried about it taking your place as a communicator, Russ Altman says you need to question why you’re communicating in the first place. Altman is a professor of bioengineering, a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, and host of Stanford Engineering’s podcast, The Future of Everything. According to him, advancing technology isn’t a threat to human creativity and connection, but a tool we can use to raise our own standards for communication. “If you're worried that a ChatGPT-type tool can replace you, you need to [ask]: Why am I communicating? What am I trying to say? Do I have a message?” he says. “If those things are true, it shouldn't be a problem. It should actually amplify and improve your message.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Altman and host Matt Abrahams explore how effective communication can help us envision, articulate, and navigate towards our desired future, in our relationships, in our work, and in society. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Russ B. Altman The Future of Everything Podcast | Stanford University School of Engineering  Ep.109 Simplify! How to Communicate Complex Ideas Simply and Effectively Website / YouTube  Ep.3 When Knowing Too Much Can Hurt Your Communication: How to Make Complex Ideas Accessible Website / YouTube Connect: Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.edu Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTube Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn Stanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & Twitter Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Russ Altman, professor of bioengineering at Stanford University and host of The Future of Everything podcast. (00:01:00) The Future of Communication and AI How AI can challenge and improve communication by bringing hidden biases to light. (00:03:06) Practical Uses of AI in Communication Using AI to improve clarity and focus in professional communications. (00:04:08) Writing Effective Proposals and Grants Crafting effective proposals by aligning with audience needs and clearly defining objectives. (00:06:07) Simplifying Complex Information Making complex information understandable without oversimplification. (00:08:31) Preparation in Communication How preparing for tough questions can improve clarity and engagement in presentations. (00:10:13) The Art of Asking Questions Crafting and following up with thoughtful questions to foster deeper conversations. (00:13:13) Building Effective and Diverse Teams Building effective teams through diversity, clear roles, and strong relationships. (00:15:12) Balancing Rigor and Support The balance between challenging team members and maintaining a supportive environment. (00:17:13) Lessons from ‘The Future of Everything’ The importance of passion in pursuing meaningful work and communicating complex ideas. (00:18:09) The Final Three Questions Russ shares what he’s excited about for the future, a communicator he admires, and the first three ingredients for successful communication. (00:21:30) Conclusion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

156. Creative Communication: How Our Design Choices Illustrate Our Values

Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

As a designer, Scott Doorley is interested in how humans create the world around them. It’s a conversation, he says, that starts with the question: What kind of world do we want? Doorley is the creative director of the Stanford d.school and co-author of the book, Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future. In designing everything from a device to an app to a building, “People get excited about what it can do,” he says, “but what should it do? What do we want? What's the desirable outcome that we want in the world?” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Doorley and host Matt Abrahams discuss how applying design thinking to communication can help us connect more with each other, better understand the world, and create meaningful change. Episode Reference Links: Stanford d.school Profile: Scott Doorley  Stanford d.school  Scott’s Book: Assembling Tomorrow Ep.61 Courage, Belonging, Ambiguity and Data: How to Design Your Communication for Success Website / YouTube  Ep.70 Keep ’Em Coming: Why Your First Ideas Aren’t Always the Best Website / YouTube  Connect: Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.edu Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTube Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn Stanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & Twitter Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Scott Doorley, creative director of Stanford’s d.school. (00:01:07) What is Design? The broad scope of design at Stanford's d.school and the role of intention in bringing ideas to life. (00:02:16) The Design Process The design process, emphasizing desirability and externalizing ideas to understand them better. (00:03:32) Communication in Design The vital role of communication in all aspects of design. (00:05:09) Mistakes in Spatial Design The biggest mistake people make when arranging spaces for communication and interaction. (00:06:47) Runaway Design The concept of runaway design and its implications in the modern world. (00:09:29) Intangibles and Actionables The distinction between actionables and intangibles, and how these concepts can be applied beyond design. (00:12:47) Using Stories in Design How storytelling helps envision and communicate future impacts of design. (00:16:20) Emotion in Innovation The role of emotions in driving innovation, communication, and design. (00:19:03) The Final Three Questions Scott shares what he is currently designing, a communicator he admires, and his ingredients for successful communication. (00:23:17) Conclusion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

155. Can We Be Candid? How to Communicate Clearly and Directly

Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Navigators know the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. In charting a course through communication, Susan Rice says the best route is often the most direct. Throughout her career at the forefront of American diplomacy and foreign policy, Rice has been no stranger to high-stakes situations that hinge on clear and candid communication. As she says, “I'm very direct. I don't believe in playing games, going around people, and being passive-aggressive. I shoot straight.” Rice graduated from Stanford University in 1986 and served as the US Ambassador to the United Nations from 2009 to 2013 and the National Security Advisor from 2013 to 2017. She is currently the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Visiting Fellow. Rice is the author of Tough Love: My Story of the Things Worth Fighting For. But beyond being direct herself, Rice knows the value of allowing others to be direct with her. “If you give it, you got to be able to take it,” she says. “I've benefited at various stages of my career from colleagues who've been kind enough to give me the hard truths or the tough love to enable me to be better and help me to recognize where I'm falling short.” In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Rice and host Matt Abrahams discuss how to foster personal and professional relationships where candidness can thrive — even when communicating with those we don’t agree with. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Freeman Spogli Institute Profile: Susan E. Rice Susan’s Book: Tough Love Ep.35 Leading from the Hot Seat: How to Communicate Under Pressure Website / YouTube Connect: Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.edu Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTube Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn Stanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & Twitter Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Dr. Susan Rice, former White House official and representative to the United Nations. (00:00:56) Leadership Principles Susan discusses vision, direction, and the importance of people in leadership. (00:03:10) Giving and Receiving Feedback Importance of direct communication and the value of constructive feedback. (00:05:01) Negotiation Insights Strategies for understanding and leveraging positions in negotiations (00:06:50) Enjoyment of Negotiation The skills and satisfaction involved in successful negotiations. (00:07:59) Standing Out Advice for those who find themselves different from others in their professional environments. (00:10:33) The Final Three Questions Susan shares how she balances family political differences, communicators she admires, and ingredients for successful communication. (00:16:17) Conclusion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

154. Best of: Communicating Better as a Leader

Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

"In a leadership role, so much more of communication is about connecting with people, establishing shared humanity, motivating them, inspiring them, sometimes challenging them."  On August 1, 2024, Jonathan D. Levin, the tenth dean of Stanford Graduate School of Business, was appointed the President of Stanford University. In this Think Fast, Talk Smart episode from 2022, Levin reflects on the importance of communication as a leader. There is a balance, he says, in being direct with your dialogue, while also "leaving space for people to form their own opinions, to discuss ideas, to debate." Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Jonathan Levin Original Episode: Ep.68 Directive vs. Dialogue: Communicating Better as a Leader Website / YouTube  Connect: Email Questions & Feedback >>> thinkfast@stanford.edu Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn Page,  Instagram, YouTube Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn Stanford GSB >>> LinkedIn & Twitter Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Host Matt Abrahams introduces guest Jon Levin, Dean of Stanford Graduate School of Business. (00:01:33) Evolution of Communication in Leadership How Jon’s communication has evolved over his career. (00:03:30) Best Practices in Leadership Communication Communicating with clarity during times of ambiguity and challenge. (00:06:16) The Future of Communication in Business The role of communication in business leadership and education. (00:07:00) Teaching Capitalism Amid Societal Issues How Stanford GSB educates students on capitalism while addressing modern challenges. (00:10:35) Expanding Business Education The Stanford GSB’s initiatives to reach and educate a broader audience. (00:13:02) The Final Three Questions John shares his best communication advice, a communicator he admires and ingredients for successful communication.  (00:15:17) Conclusion See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.