Tools for Mastering Strategic Communication with Matt Abrahams | Ep. 44 | The Science of Leadership

In this episode of The Science of Leadership, host Tom Collins welcomes Matt Abrahams, a strategic communication lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, author, and host of the Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast. They dive deep into the concept of strategic communication, which Matt defines as the application of clear goals and purpose to our communication, whether handling a crisis or propagating a message throughout an organization.

Key ideas discussed include:

• Communication as Operationalized Leadership: Matt shares that communication is "operationalized leadership," meaning leaders lead through how they communicate.
• The Biggest Mistake in Strategic Communication: A critical mistake leaders often make is not involving communication early enough in their processes, viewing it as an afterthought rather than an integral part of problem-solving or opportunity seizing.
• Audience-Centric Communication: Effective communication is not about what you say, but "what they hear". It's crucial to understand your audience's position, orientation, and values, then tailor your message to ensure they receive the intended meaning.
• Improving Communication Skills: Matt provides practical tips for enhancing strategic communication, emphasizing three essential methods for improvement: repetition, reflection, and feedback.
• The "Must-Have" of Strategic Communication: Beyond understanding your audience, the second most important aspect is having a clear, goal-directed message. A clear goal has three parts:
  • What you want the audience to know (information).
  • How you want them to feel (emotion).
  • What you want them to do (action).
• The Value of Communication Training: Investing in formal communication training is vital for leadership success, a practice exemplified by top military leaders.

To learn more about Matt Abrahams' work, visit his website at https://www.fastersmarter.io/ and check out his podcast, Think Fast, Talk Smart. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn.

If you want to learn more about The Science of Leadership, visit https://www.fourstarleaders.com/

 

References

Abrahams, M. (2016). Speaking Up Without Freaking Out: 50 Techniques for Confident and Compelling Presenting, 3^rd ed. Kendall Hunt Publishing.

Abrahams, M. (2023). Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot. Simon Element.