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
82. It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:19
It’s easy to feel like the star of the show when giving a presentation. But according to communication guru Nancy Duarte, you’re not the hero of this story.For Duarte, founder and CEO of world-renowned communication cons…
81. Fact or Fiction? How to Communicate When We Hold Different Beliefs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:16
Why does disagreement feel so personal? According to author, journalist, and physician Seema Yasmin, it’s because beliefs aren’t just about what we think, they’re about who we are.“What [people] believe is entrenched in…
80. Magic Words: Change What You Say to Inspire and Influence Others [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:41
Words have impact. But when it comes to enchanting audiences and captivating with communication, Jonah Berger, PhD ’07, says some words are more potent than others.Berger is a Wharton School professor and an internationa…
79. Equity by Design: How Diversity Ignites Creativity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:14
If we want healthier companies, schools, and teams associate professor of organizational behavior Adina Sterling says investing in the health of marginalized groups “can have enormous spillover effects for everyone.”Ster…
78. Three Guiding Principles for Successful Communication [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:34
To celebrate our 75th episode, we hosted a live "Ask Me Anything" event with Matt. In this global gathering, listeners called in with questions ranging from making a first impression and giving negative feedback to prese…
76. Change My Mind: Using “Pre-suasion” to Influence Others [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:17
Want to change someone’s mind? First, explains Robert Cialdini, you have to change their framing.For Cialdini, the Regent's Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Marketing at Arizona State University, persuasion begins be…
75. Love & Money: How to Talk About Big Decisions Together [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:50
Do love and money mix? Labor economist and Stanford Graduate School of Business professor emerita Myra Strober says absolutely. “Separating money and love is not a good idea. I have had 40 years to think about this, and,…
73. Listen Up: Why It’s Better to Be Interested Than Interesting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:05
As a communication expert, Alison Wood Brooks spends a lot of time talking about talking. But, as she says, listening is just as important.“My course is called TALK,” says Wood Brooks, who is the O'Brien Associate Profes…