Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

196. Ditch the Dictionary: Communicate Confidently Through Connection


Listen Later

Communication isn’t about perfect word choice, it’s about connecting with others.

For native speakers and language learners alike, communicating comes with all kinds of challenges. But no matter how much we stumble over our words, Lindsay McMahon says communication isn’t about perfection — it’s about connection.

The CEO and founder of All Ears English and host of the All Ears English podcast, McMahon is on a mission to help non-native English speakers around the world hone their ability to communicate and connect. Whether you’re forming your first sentences in a new language or giving a presentation in the language you’ve spoken your whole life, “It's about human connection,” she says. “What really matters is are we connecting to our audience… the human being[s] in front of us?”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, McMahon joins host Matt Abrahams to explore strategies for improving our communication — not by finding the right words, but by finding the right mindset. From active listening and cultural awareness to quieting nerves and building confidence, McMahon's practical approaches help communicators connect more authentically in any language or context.

Episode Reference Links:

  • Lindsay McMahon 
  • All Ears English 
  • Ep.8 Don't Get Lost in Translation: How Non-Native Speakers Can Communicate With Confidence

Connect:

  • Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
  • Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
  • 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
  • (01:44) - Common Challenges for English Learners
  • (03:08) - Overcoming the Confidence Catch-22
  • (04:59) - Communication Lessons from CEOs
  • (05:47) - The Art of Listening
  • (07:34) - Idioms and Hidden Meanings
  • (08:52) - Context Shapes Communication
  • (10:39) - Cultural Analogies and Miscommunication
  • (11:45) - Entering a New Role or Culture
  • (14:04) - Immersive Language Learning
  • (17:19) - The Final Three Questions
  • (21:38) - Conclusion

  • *****
    Stay Informed on Stanford's world changing research by signing up for the Stanford Report
    Join our upcoming 200th episode live event April 14 & 15
    Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.    

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication TechniquesBy Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart

    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7
    • 4.7

    4.7

    651 ratings


    More shows like Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

    View all
    HBR IdeaCast by Harvard Business Review

    HBR IdeaCast

    257 Listeners

    TED Talks Daily by TED

    TED Talks Daily

    11,267 Listeners

    The McKinsey Podcast by McKinsey & Company

    The McKinsey Podcast

    372 Listeners

    TED Business by TED

    TED Business

    1,115 Listeners

    All Ears English Podcast by Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan

    All Ears English Podcast

    2,295 Listeners

    The Strategy Skills Podcast: Strategy | Leadership | Critical Thinking | Problem-Solving by FirmsConsulting.com & StrategyTraining.com

    The Strategy Skills Podcast: Strategy | Leadership | Critical Thinking | Problem-Solving

    107 Listeners

    Cold Call by HBR Presents / Brian Kenny

    Cold Call

    193 Listeners

    Women at Work by Harvard Business Review

    Women at Work

    1,405 Listeners

    After Hours by TED Audio Collective / Youngme Moon, Mihir Desai, & Felix Oberholzer-Gee

    After Hours

    1,264 Listeners

    HBS Managing the Future of Work by Harvard Business School

    HBS Managing the Future of Work

    107 Listeners

    How to Be a Better Human by TED

    How to Be a Better Human

    1,346 Listeners

    Coaching Real Leaders by Harvard Business Review / Muriel Wilkins

    Coaching Real Leaders

    625 Listeners

    Business English from All Ears English by Lindsay McMahon

    Business English from All Ears English

    78 Listeners

    HBR On Strategy by Harvard Business Review

    HBR On Strategy

    80 Listeners

    HBR On Leadership by Harvard Business Review

    HBR On Leadership

    137 Listeners