logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2025
24m 12s

214. From Crisis to Clarity: Simplicity,...

Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart
About this episode

How to communicate clearly in any context, from newsrooms to the world stage.


All good communication, whether spoken or written, is built on the same foundation. In everything from police reporting for a newspaper to serving as spokesman for the Pope, Greg Burke has found the key: "Keep it as simple as possible."

Burke has worked as a journalist for Time Magazine and Fox News, as Director of Communications at IESE Business School in Barcelona and Madrid, and even as a communications advisor and spokesman for the Vatican. Across his varied experiences, he’s found that the biggest communication challenges often require the simplest solutions. From expressing “curiosity and real interest” in those we’re speaking with to ensuring our messages are “clear, consistent, and timely,” he advocates for core principles that apply in all types of communication.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Burke and host Matt Abrahams discuss communication strategies that work whether you’re presenting to a team of five or millions of parishioners worldwide. As Burke shares, it’s all very simple: “Know your audience, practice, and have fun.”

To listen to the extended Deep Thinks version of this episode, please visit FasterSmarter.io/premium

Episode Reference Links:

Connect:


Chapters:

  • (00:00) - Introduction
  • (02:29) - Asking Good Questions
  • (03:29) - Writing Clearly and Concretely
  • (05:08) - Editing and AI’s Role in Writing
  • (06:24) - Three Keys to Great Communication
  • (08:13) - The Importance of Feedback
  • (09:53) - Communication at the Vatican
  • (12:37) - Crisis Communication: Lessons from the Vatican
  • (15:39) - The Final Three Questions
  • (22:33) - Conclusion

  ********
Thank you to our sponsors.
 These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.

Strawberry.me. Get 50% off your first coaching session today at Strawberry.me/smart

Up next
Yesterday
245. Mindful Messages: Leveraging the Power of Presence
<p><em>When you enter a conflict trying to win, Deepak Chopra says you’ve already lost.</em></p><p><br>“We can resolve any conflict,” says <a href="https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/dr-deepak-chopra/">Dr. Deepak Chopra</a>. All it takes is what he calls “conscious communication ... Show More
21m 3s
Nov 20
244. Community Creates Change: Build Relationships That Actually Matter
<p><em>Why community is the most powerful tool for transformation.</em></p><p><br></p><p>Community isn't just a feel-good buzzword. According to <a href="https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests/gina-bianchini/">Gina Bianchini</a>, it's a catalyst for personal and collective transform ... Show More
26m 33s
Nov 17
243. Rethinks: How Lessons from Neuroscience Can Help You Communicate Confidently
<p><em>Reduce speaking anxiety and achieve your communication goals.</em></p><p>“There’s no difference between the physiological response to something that you’re excited about and something that you’re nervous about or dreading,” says <a href="https://www.fastersmarter.io/guests ... Show More
28m 56s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2023
Think Faster and Talk Smarter to Impress Anyone | Matt Abrahams
Right now, we’d like to thank the sponsor of this episode: LifeMD. Looking to lose weight and improve your health? Embrace your journey towards a healthier and happier you, and achieve lasting sustainable weight loss with LifeMD by your side -> lifemd.com/CHARM In today’s episo ... Show More
53m 7s
May 2022
Communication Paradox - Explained and Prevented
"Send me a text message and let me know what you think of the First-Time Leaders Accelerated℠ Podcast."Today I am going to explain why we are experiencing a Communication Paradox and share a couple tips to flip the script in your favor, BIG TIME. Communication is the foundation o ... Show More
6m 54s
Oct 5
How To Speak CLEARLY & Confidently Under Pressure
Ever find your mind going blank when all eyes are on you? Even with 10/10 expertise, if you can't communicate your ideas clearly under pressure, you're doing your hard work a disservice. In this episode, I’ll share a powerful 3-step framework to help you communicate with bulletpr ... Show More
9m 30s
Feb 2025
Polite Ways to Speak Up in Big Meetings • BEP 117
<p>⭐️ Book a 1 to 1 English Session with Rob: <a href='https://www.energeticenglish.com/coaching'>https://www.energeticenglish.com/coaching</a></p><p>📺 Watch: <a href='https://youtu.be/jax9Ro9Zx3o'>https://youtu.be/jax9Ro9Zx3o</a></p><p>🔗Blog: <a href='https://www.thebusinessen ... Show More
16m 35s
Jan 2025
Struggling with Communication in English? How to Be Clear, Confident, and Consistent in Conversation
<p>Click here to upgrade your English speaking skills and accelerate your career! 🤩 <a href="https://academy.explearning.co/landing/plans/1495891" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://academy.explearning.co/landing/plans/1495891</a></p> <p><br></p> <p>✨Learn more abo ... Show More
38m 49s
Aug 23
3395: Communication Skills Every Tech Leader Needs
<p data-start="156" data-end="508">What do you do when your technical brilliance doesn't translate into clear, compelling communication? That's where Salvatore Manzi comes in. With a background in business communication and a career spent coaching leaders across tech, finance, an ... Show More
28m 38s
Aug 2021
132: Radical Candor vs. Counsel Together
<p>I love to read, and one of the books I started reading this year (after hearing many business people rave about it) was <em>Radical Candor</em>. This book has some GREAT lessons and takeaways, and in trying to implement the number one takeaway in the book, I felt like I really ... Show More
41m 21s
Jan 2025
Delivering Difficult Feedback • BEP 114
<p>⭐️ Book a 1 to 1 English Session with Rob: <a href='https://www.energeticenglish.com/coaching'>https://www.energeticenglish.com/coaching</a></p><p>📺 Watch: <a href='https://youtu.be/HvLIJb2Y410'>https://youtu.be/HvLIJb2Y410</a></p><p>🔗Blog: <a href='https://www.thebusinessen ... Show More
15m 11s
Sep 16
Polite Ways To Say NO Without Burning Bridges • BEP 143
<p>Mastering the Art of Saying No in Business English<br/><br/>In this episode, we delve into the crucial skill of saying no in business English without damaging professional relationships. Through a gripping story about Sam, a client facing a high-stakes negotiation, we explore ... Show More
16m 17s
Aug 22
Expressing Opinions Like a Native in Meetings • BEP 141
<p>Mastering Business English: Four Phrases to Command Any Meeting<br/><br/>In this episode, host Rob aims to immerse listeners in high-pressure business environments, drawing from his extensive experience coaching professionals. The focus is on equipping non-native English speak ... Show More
11m 44s