The #1 Small Talk Rule That Makes People Like You (Stanford Communication Professor)
Tiger Sisters
Apr 20
The #1 Small Talk Rule That Makes People Like You (Stanford Communication Professor)
The #1 Small Talk Rule That Makes People Like You (Stanford Communication Professor)

Tiger Sisters
Apr 20
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Have you ever walked away from a conversation with someone and thought: “how are they so magnetic?” Or, have you ever left a meeting and wondered: “why did I say it like that?”
Today, we’re joined by Professor Matt Abrahams – a world-renowned communication expert, Stanford GSB lecturer, host of the podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart, and Cherie’s former TEDx coach – to break down the science (and strategy) behind how to talk to anyone.
Tune in for lessons on:
✅ How to get out of your head and connect in real time
✅ The #1 mistake killing your communication
✅ Matt’s “What, So What, Now What” framework for confidence on the spot
✅ Tips to get in (and out of!) small talk
✅ The 5 stories everyone should have ready (for networking, interviews, and life)
✅ How to take your networking – and Zoom interviews – to the next level
Plus, we get tactical with real exercises you can start using this week: from recording yourself, to building your personal “story bank,” to becoming what Matt calls a “communication athlete.”
Consider this your guide to thinking faster, speaking smarter, and connecting better 🤓
📝PS… Tiger Fam: We ran into a few technical difficulties this time and there were a few dips in audio levels, but we worked extremely hard to make it the best episode possible! What did you think? Did you even notice? We’d love your feedback!
Timestamps:
00:44: Episode Intro
01:35: Introducing Matt Abrahams
01:54: What actually makes someone easy to talk to?
03:40: Why Matt records his students in different scenarios
05:40: 5 fundamental stories everyone should have in their arsenal
09:34: Matt’s go-to story… about toothpaste
10:45: How to prepare to be spontaneous
11:30: Being a “communication athlete”
13:30: The Pin Drop Principle’s techniques
14:30: The best way to have successful small talk
17:38: How to get OUT of small talk
21:34: How to judge yourself less while talking
22:45: An improv game to try (“shout the wrong name”)
24:00: Why memorizing is so bad
30:42: “What, so what, now what” framework to speak on the spot
34:10: Bad vs. good apologies
39:20: How to communicate while networking
41:45: The science and art of “biz rizz”
42:50: Tips for connecting on virtual meetings and calls
45:32: Closing thoughts
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