167. Hollywood Lessons For Successful Communication

167. Hollywood Lessons For Successful Communication

Author: Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart November 5, 2024 Duration: 25:28

Beyond the Big Screen.

Every business meeting, product launch, or marketing communication has something in common with your favorite movie: they all succeed or fail based on their ability to make you feel something. Just ask Jeff Small, CEO of Amblin Partners.

"Good stories win," says Small, who leads one of the world's most renowned independent film and television companies alongside Steven Spielberg. As both a business leader and storytelling expert, Small knows that successful communication is built on person-to-person connection through the power of story. "Whatever walk of life you're in, you have to be able to tell a story to connect with people, to get across the message that you're trying to get across."

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Small joins host Matt Abrahams to share insights from his experience at the intersection of creativity and commerce, unpacking how effective storytelling can transform your communication, whether leading teams through industry disruption, resolving conflicts at work and at home, or creating films to inspire audiences for generations to come.


Episode Reference Links:


Connect:


Chapters:

  • (00:00) - Introduction
  • (03:26) - What Makes a Good Story?
  • (04:19) - Bringing Emotion into Communication
  • (04:55) - Storytelling Across Professions
  • (06:59) - Crafting an Effective Story
  • (08:45) - Uniqueness in Storytelling
  • (09:48) - Balancing Creativity and Business
  • (11:17) - Managing Conflict with Connection
  • (13:06) - Screen Time and Family
  • (14:46) - Navigating Industry Change
  • (17:06) - The Final Three Questions
  • (24:44) - 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 brought to you by Babbel. Think Fast Talk Smart listeners can get started on your language learning journey today- visit Babbel.com/Thinkfast and get up to 55% off your Babbel subscription.

Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be. 


Ever find yourself scrambling for the right words in a high-stakes meeting or struggling to get your point across clearly? That’s the territory Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques explores. Hosted by Matt Abrahams, a Stanford lecturer and author who understands the real-world pressure of thinking on your feet, this podcast digs into the mechanics of how we connect and convey ideas. Each episode features conversations with specialists across various fields, moving beyond theory to deliver concrete methods you can use immediately. Whether it’s navigating a difficult conversation, structuring a persuasive pitch, or simply becoming a more engaged listener, Matt focuses on the tactical skills that build confidence. The discussions are grounded in his professional experience and academic background, offering a blend of research and relatable application. You’ll hear specific techniques for organizing your thoughts under pressure, using storytelling to make data memorable, and adjusting your communication style for different audiences. This isn’t about abstract concepts; it’s a resource for anyone who needs to influence, lead, or collaborate more effectively in their career and daily interactions. Tune in to this practical podcast for a regular dose of insights that aim to make your communication more intentional and impactful, one conversation at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 284

Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
Podcast Episodes
151. Get Hired: How the Right Communication Can Advance Your Career [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:00
Whether winning over a hiring manager or winning new business, career success often hinges on how we communicate. That’s why Andrew Seaman is on a mission to help people find the words that work — to get work.Seaman is t…
150. Communication Tips from the Classroom and Around the World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:57
Sometimes, what’s communicated to us can have a big impact on how we communicate to others. This episode explores some of the best communication advice — from experts and Think Fast, Talk Smart listeners around the world…
148. Conviction and Compassion: How to Have Hard Conversations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:11
In our personal and professional lives, some conversations are harder than others. To navigate the difficulties of discussing what matters most, Professor Irv Grousbeck says we need the right balance of conviction and co…
144. Communicating Through Conflict: How to Get Along with Anyone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:01
Many of us would rank getting along with colleagues as an important aspect of work, but, as Amy Gallo explains, relationships devoid of disagreement can actually be less productive. “While our natural human instinct is t…
142. Power and Persuasion: Live Insights from Stanford Experts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:48
A special live edition from the Me2We event at Stanford, where strategic communications expert and podcast host Matt Abrahams joins four distinguished faculty members from Stanford Graduate School of Business:Michelle Ge…