Enjoy this preview of our first Ask Matt Anything (AMA).

We are excited to introduce this special edition of Think Fast, Talk Smart, featuring a preview of our first-ever Ask Matt Anything (AMA) episode. Typically, these sessions are exclusive to our Think Fast, Talk Smart Premium members, where Matt Abrahams answers the most pressing communication questions submitted by our premium community.
Think Fast, Talk Smart Premium was created to deepen our connection with you and support your growth as effective communicators. Premium members enjoy exclusive benefits like regular full-length AMA episodes, eQuips, or Essential Quick Insight Playlist, early access to events, and more. Beyond this, your membership helps us continue to build a global community dedicated to improving communication skills and advancing careers.
If you find this episode helpful, we invite you to join our Think Fast, Talk Smart Premium community to unlock the full library of AMAs, submit your own questions, and gain access to even more tools and resources. Thank you for being part of our journey! You can learn more at fastersmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

• Ep.133 From Good to Super: How Supercommunicators Unlock the Language of Connection
• Ep.137 When Words Aren’t Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication

Connect:

• Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
• Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (02:02) - Building Trust with Senior Leadership
• (04:24) - Engaging Large Virtual Audiences
• (08:12) - Managing Nonverbal Communication
• (10:22) - Balancing Emotions in Conversations
• (12:12) - Navigating Status Differences in Meetings
• (15:17) - Conclusion

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Crafting impactful toasts for every occasion.

"Almost reflexively, most of us focus in the moment on how others are perceiving us, yet these situations aren't about us at all." Matt Abrahams, host of Think Fast, Talk Smart, shares an excerpt from his book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot, on the art of delivering effective toasts and tributes. With a focus on public speaking in celebratory contexts, he offers a structured approach to crafting meaningful remarks.
Matt introduces the WHAT structure—a four-part formula designed to guide speakers through the process. This method helps ensure that the focus remains on the honorees, transforming speeches into gifts for the audience. He further shares tips for refining remarks, including the importance of brevity and the need to prepare for emotional moments. Matt advises, "Be brief and to the point. Long toasts, tributes, or introductions are usually bad ones." He also highlights the significance of setting others up for success, ensuring a smooth flow for subsequent speakers.
With insights from his book and practical examples, Matt equips listeners with the tools to deliver impactful toasts and tributes, making these moments memorable for all involved.

Audio excerpt courtesy of Simon & Schuster Audio from THINK FASTER, TALK SMARTER by Matt Abrahams, read by the author. Copyright 2023 by Matthew Abrahams LLC. Used with permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Episode Reference Links:

• Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot

Connect:

• Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
• Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (01:38) - Key Insight: Toasts, Tributes, and Introductions
• (03:09) - Why it Matters
• (03:59) - Craft Your Content
• (05:10) - Step One: Why Are We Here?
• (05:54) - Step Two: How Are You Connected?
• (06:45) - Step Three: Anecdotes or Learnings
• (07:53) - Step Four: Thank
• (08:35) - Refine Your Remarks
• (09:02) - Tip One: Be Brief and to the Point
• (09:52) - Tip Two: Prepare to be Emotional
• (11:44) - Tip Three: Shine the Spotlight Away From You
• (12:14) - Tip Four: Make Your Anecdotes Accessible and Appropriate
• (12:44) - Tip Five: Strive for Unity
• (14:07) - Tip Six: Set Others Up for Success
• (15:00) - Conclusion

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Turn any meeting or get-together into a chance for deep connection and collaboration.

Whether you’re holding a team meeting or hosting a family get-together, the success of any gathering, says Priya Parker, isn’t about the perfect agenda or venue, but about the intentionality behind how you bring people together.

“90% of the success of any gathering happens before anyone enters the room,” says Parker. As the author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters, and a strategic advisor who has helped organizations worldwide reimagine their gatherings, Parker believes that thoughtful preparation can turn any meeting, whether professional or personal, into a meaningful and memorable experience for all involved. “Intentionality is the first step,” she says, “to pause and ask: why are we doing this? What is the purpose? What is the need in this community or in this classroom or in this team?”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Parker joins Matt Abrahams to explore the art of meaningful gatherings, sharing practical strategies for everything from crafting invitations that prime engagement to designing powerful closings that leave a lasting impact. By being more thoughtful in bringing people together, we can transform ordinary meetings into extraordinary opportunities for connection and collaboration.

Episode Reference Links:

• Priya Parker
• Priya’s Book: The Art of Gathering
• Ep.124 Making Meetings Meaningful, Pt. 1: How to Structure and Organize More Effective Gatherings
• Ep.125 Making Meetings Meaningful, Pt. 2: Key Ingredients for Effective Meetings

Connect:

• Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
• Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (00:49) - Intentionality in Everyday Conversations
• (02:35) - Questioning the Purpose of Gatherings
• (04:43) - The Power of Great Questions
• (07:46) - Managing Heat in Conversations
• (09:55) - Encouraging Participation Beforehand
• (12:35) - Creating Impactful Endings
• (15:01) - The Final Three Questions
• (17:55) - Conclusion