logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2021
37m 57s

101: Chris Fenning | Mastering the First...

Greg Rice
About this episode

What if I tell you that you can bring an impact to another person in the first 60 seconds of your conversation? What if there’s a way for you to hook the other person’s attention in just the first 15 seconds? Chris Fenning, a coach, trainer, speaker, and author of the award-winning book, “The First Minute,” joins us today to answer these questions.

Chris helps companies communicate technical subject matters more effectively with non-technical people. This is common in a business setting wherein people from different teams do not understand each other. To get everyone on the same page, what Chris suggests is to focus on the first 60 seconds of the conversation and layout these 3 components. The context is one. The intent is another. What do you think is the last one?

Learn these components and master the first minute of any conversation! 

In this Episode:

[00:01 - 04:43] Opening Segment

  • Let’s get to know Chris Fenning
  • How he jumped from IT to the communication space


[04:44 - 14:15] Bridging the Communication Gap 

  • A communication gap exists between technical and non-technical people
  • Chris tells us why
  • The first thing to do to bridge this gap
  • Don’t learn the technical, ask questions


[14:16 - 24:40] Starting a Conversation 

  • The most impactful mistake you’ve probably made in a conversation 
  • The trick to start a conversation successfully in the first 15 seconds 
  • Context 
  • Intent 
  • Don’t miss the last one!
  • How to create a solid summary 


[24:42 - 35:45] Asking Questions, Not Making Statements 

  • Stop focusing on the problem and think about possible solutions
  • How to do this mindset shift? 
  • The conversation that left you with the most impact
  • Stanford professor Dave Evans, co-author of “Designing Your Life” 
  • What communication skill would you have wanted to learn sooner?
  • Asking questions rather than making statements 
  • The best communicators you know
  • Aaron Sorkin


[35:46 - 37:56] Closing Segment

  • What’s next for Chris? 
  • Connect with Chris!
  • Links below 
  • Final words from me



Tweetable Quotes:

“Whatever group you belong to...make sure what you say is relatable to the other person.” - Chris Fenning

“Any conversation ever is a summary of a much bigger topic.” - Chris Fenning


Resources Mentioned: 




Email chris@chrisfenning.com to connect with Chris or check out his website. You can also reach out to him on LinkedIn and Twitter



You can connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Join The Communication Nation and learn from others in the community. Feel free to email me at gregrice79@yahoo.com, I’d love to hear from you!


Want more help with your digital marketing? Go to my website https://gregjrice.com/inflection/ and let’s have a conversation.


LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to expand their communication capacity by sharing this episode and listen to our previous episodes.

Up next
May 2021
114: September Smith | Finding Your Story
How to be natural and be more compelling in telling your story is the speciality in the house for September Smith. Today, she will drop by to tell us how to find our own story and craft it in an engaging and memorable way to our audience. She will then talk about the value of pod ... Show More
34m 58s
May 2021
115: Kasia Wezowski | The Micro-Expression Expert
Recognizing contempt and disgust from micro-expressions can save a marriage. Likewise, identifying and understanding body language and micro-expressions in general can jumpstart a relationship--whether personal or professional. Kasia Wezowski joins us in this episode to talk abou ... Show More
39m 31s
May 2021
114: Getting Over Stage Fright
On this episode, Greg shares how to effectively manage your stage fright.Key Takeaways:Have a clear goal.Let your passion shine through.Consider what mindset will equip you best to achieve your goal.Leverage fear to your advantage.Learn to be yourself.Practice in front of a mirro ... Show More
15m 3s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 12
451 - Communication Coach to Billionaires: “How to Speak Like the 1%” – Get Anything You Want
Feel awkward in interviews or freeze up when the spotlight hits? Emmy-winning journalist and communication coach Bill McGowan reveals the biggest mistakes even top performers make—and how you can avoid them. Learn how to speak memorably, redirect tough questions with grace, and d ... Show More
1h 10m
Feb 2021
[052] Q&A Can You Stop People Communicating Aggressively?
Can you stop people communicating aggressively with you? This was a question I received from one of my video course students. You may have come across this situation yourself. Perhaps you’ve asked yourself, “how to deal with aggressive communicators” or “how to stop people commun ... Show More
12m 48s
Oct 2024
163. Is Your Audience Ignoring You? How Authenticity Creates Connection
How acceptance and authenticity can transform all of our interactions.What’s the key to experiencing deeper connection in our communication? According to Alan Alda, it starts with acceptance — of others and ourselves."Connecting, communicating, and clarity," Alda explains, "they' ... Show More
19m 56s
Apr 2025
4 Steps to Master Digital Communication
Is Virtual Communication Costing You Influence? Let’s be honest—no one ever taught us how to communicate in a virtual world. We all just sort of fell into Zoom calls, emails, DMs, and voice notes, hoping for the best. But in this episode, I finally sit down with someone who gets ... Show More
55 m
Jul 22
217. Rethinks: How to Build Deep Connections
How to be a skilled conversationalist in work, love, and life.Whether you’re trying to build a romantic or professional connection, Rachel Greenwald’s advice is exactly the same. “Focus on how you make someone feel more than you focus on the words that you're saying,” she says. A ... Show More
29m 1s
Nov 2024
How to Tackle Overtalking
A chief officer had known for years he was an over talker. His CEO, desperate for improvement, gave him a coach. This episode highlights their first coaching conversation.  Two mindsets from this episode:When you speak, have a destination in mind. Ask yourself: “What is my point ... Show More
22m 11s
Jan 2025
Struggling with Communication in English? How to Be Clear, Confident, and Consistent in Conversation
Click here to upgrade your English speaking skills and accelerate your career! 🤩 https://academy.explearning.co/landing/plans/1495891 ✨Learn more about Explearning Academy ✨ ⁠https://academy.explearning.co⁠ 🚀 Do you ever feel like your messages don’t land the way you intend? St ... Show More
38m 49s
Apr 2025
Balancing Speaking With Your Full Time Job + Mastering Cold Outreach (Live Coaching W/ Erick)
“Knowing who you are as an individual on the spiritual side of life helps guide you to who you are created to be.”One of the coolest parts of TSL is watching our coaches work 1:1 with students and helping them find the clarity and confidence they need to take their speaking busin ... Show More
31m 19s
Mar 2025
The Public Speaking Expert: This Speaking Mistake Makes People Ignore You! These Small Mistakes Make You Unlikeable!
Speaking with confidence isn’t a gift, it’s a skill - Vinh Giang reveals the blueprint to mastering the art of communication Vinh Giang is an award-winning entrepreneur, part-magician, and full time communication coach. He runs masterclasses and has helped thousands of people imp ... Show More
2h 26m
Feb 2025
The Biggest Communication Mistakes You Don’t Realize You’re Making! (Sound More Confident)
Boost your Communication Skills and get the life and job you want🤩https://academy.explearning.co/landing/plans/1495891Learn more about Explearning Academy ✨https://academy.explearning.coWe all want to be great communicators, but did you know you might be making common communicat ... Show More
20m 50s