"You want to own the message and your narrative."

Strong communication is about more than delivering a message—it’s about building trust over time. As Zoom’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kim Storin has helped shape communication at one of the world’s most recognizable brands, balancing empathy, transparency, and consistency in an era of rapid technological change. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Storin joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how leaders can communicate with authenticity, navigate crises with clarity, and build cultures rooted in transparency. They explore the art and science of shaping perception, maintaining connection in hybrid workplaces, and creating messages that solve problems—not just capture attention.

Key Takeaways:

• Lead with authenticity and transparency. Clear, honest communication builds trust—especially during periods of change or crisis.
• Own your narrative. Consistent messaging and a clear story shape how others understand your brand, team, or ideas.

Activity:

• Before your next team update or difficult conversation, ask yourself: "What information can I share that will build trust?" Include one additional point of context or reasoning that helps your audience better understand the decision.

Episode Reference Links:

• Kim Storin
• Ep.82 It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First

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
• (01:37) - Leading Through a Global Crisis
• (03:36) - Changing Brand Perception
• (06:50) - Building Culture at Scale
• (09:00) - Virtual Communication Gains & Losses
• (11:24) - Creating Meaningful Moments
• (12:34) - Communicating Through Difficulty
• (16:03) - The Final Three Questions
• (21:33) - Conclusion

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"If these masters are still continually trying to improve their own craft, I don't have any excuses."

The world's best don't reach the top and stop learning—they keep refining their craft. David Rogier, founder and CEO of MasterClass, has spent years sitting across from elite performers, athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs—and he’s discovered that excellence is less about talent than a relentless commitment to growth. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, he joins Matt Abrahams to share lessons from building a company around learning, persuasion, and communication. From earning the trust of high-profile talent to leading creative and technical teams, Rogier reveals why curiosity, adaptability, and authentic relationship-building are essential communication skills.

Takeaways:

• Lead with curiosity. Build trust by asking thoughtful questions and focusing on the other person's needs, not your own.
• Never stop improving. The world's top performers continuously seek feedback, refine their skills, and embrace lifelong learning.

Activity:

• Study an expert. Watch a communicator you admire—a speaker, leader, or interviewer—and identify three techniques they use to engage their audience. Try incorporating one of those techniques into your next presentation or meeting.

Episode Reference Links:

• David Rogier
• Matt’s MasterClass

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
• (00:39) - The Power of Learning
• (01:28) - Building Trust
• (04:21) - Creating Great Content
• (07:23) - Leading Different Teams
• (09:45) - Learning from Masters
• (10:54) - Communicating with a Stutter
• (14:00) - The Final Three Questions
• (17:39) - Conclusion

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“Communication is the number one way to remove friction.”

If communication is the key to connection, then removing friction is what makes every interaction work. According to Vanessa Van Edwards, the most effective communicators aren’t just skilled with words—they know how to align their gestures, body language, and presence to make others feel at ease. A behavioral researcher and bestselling author of Captivate and Cues, Van Edwards studies the subtle signals that shape how we are perceived. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, she joins Matt Abrahams to explore the hidden factors that influence communication, from purposeful gestures and expressive body language to the words, images, and visual cues that build trust and credibility.

Takeaways:

• Great communication goes beyond words. Gestures, facial expressions, visual cues, and even the language we use in emails and meetings can either create friction or build trust, clarity, and connection.
• Focus on the other person, not yourself. By applying the Platinum Rule—treating others as they want to be treated—and intentionally putting people at ease, communicators can foster stronger relationships, deeper conversations, and greater influence.

Activity:

• Practice the Platinum Rule. Before your next important conversation, meeting, or email, take one minute to answer: “What does this person need from me right now?” Then tailor your communication to their priorities, concerns, and preferred style—not your own. Afterward, reflect on how that shift changed the quality of the interaction.

Printable PDF of Takeaways & Activity

Episode Reference Links:

• Vanessa Van Edwards
• Vanessa’s Books: Cues / Captivate
• 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
• (01:01) - The Importance of Strategic Communication
• (01:45) - The Power of Gestures
• (04:10) - A Readiness Check for Speakers
• (05:56) - Over-Signaling vs. Under-Signaling
• (08:18) - Dangerous Words in Communication
• (12:27) - Imagery Cues & First Impressions
• (15:03) - Virtual Backgrounds Matter
• (17:33) - The Platinum Rule
• (19:01) - The Final Three Questions
• (23:59) - Conclusion