227. Tech Tools: Move Your Audience By Moving Through Your Presentation

227. Tech Tools: Move Your Audience By Moving Through Your Presentation

Author: Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart September 4, 2025 Duration: 18:39

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:


Connect:


Chapters:

  • (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

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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
131. Friction Fixing: How to Use Obstacles to Your Advantage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:44
Friction — that’s Professor Huggy Rao’s metaphor for the forces that hamper workplace efficiency. But as he says, some friction can be helpful — if you know how to use it.In his book, The Friction Project: How Smart Lead…
129. Connect Deeply: How to Communicate So People Feel Seen and Heard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:48
All too often, we communicate without really connecting. The key to building deep connections with others, says David Brooks, is to make them feel seen and heard.Brooks is a writer for the New York Times, the Atlantic, a…
128. Four Powerful Principles Pt. 2: Your Questions Answered [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:34
Join Matt Abrahams engaging with his international audience and answering questions that touch upon some of today's most pressing communication challenges. Matt offers advice on everything from the nuances of crafting cl…
127. Four Principles of Powerful, Focused Communication Pt. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:14
Matt takes live questions from his worldwide audience and shares a lesson around concision, relevance, accessibly, and precision in messaging. In this "masterclass," he emphasizes the communicator's role as a translator…
Think Fast, Talk Smart: The Podcast (A Sound Bite!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:53
Whether you’re giving a toast or presenting in a meeting, communication is critical to success in business and in life. Join Matt Abrahams, a lecturer of Strategic Communication at Stanford Graduate School of Business, a…
123. Rethinks: Why Curiosity Is Communication’s Secret Weapon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:40
The information you receive is only as strong as the questions you ask.This week we revisit Matt's discussion with Debra Schifrin about how to craft inquiries that can lead to better communication outcomes. Questions are…