173. Rethinks: Surviving the Holidays

Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Master holiday conversations.

The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and, occasionally, communication challenges and as we gather with family, friends, and colleagues, effective communication becomes crucial. To help make this time more enjoyable, this special Think Fast Talk Smart “Rethinks” episode revisits favorite “recipes” from past Stanford guests along with Matt’s advice for tackling three common holiday scenarios: contributing effectively to ongoing conversations, engaging in meaningful small talk, and managing conflict with clarity and empathy. Whether it's making small talk or resolving conflicts, these strategies aim to turn holiday communication hurdles into opportunities for connection and collaboration.

Episode Reference Links:

• Ep.169 Don't Be a ZQ: Make Your Conversations Count

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Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (01:59) - Challenge 1: Inserting Your Voice into Conversations
• (03:14) - Expert Insights on Inserting Ideas
• (05:00) - Challenge 2: Mastering Small Talk
• (06:36) - Expert Strategies for Small Talk
• (08:38) - Challenge 3: Managing Holiday Conflicts
• (10:25) - Expert Tips for Conflict Resolution
• (12:02) - Conclusion