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Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

174. Fix Meetings: Transform Gatherings Into Meaningful Moments

Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Think Fast Talk Smart

Education, Career Growth, Career, Improv, Public Speaking, Influence, Career Skills, Communicating, Careers, Language Learning, Business, Communication, Leadership

4.7 • 805 Ratings

🗓️ 17 December 2024

⏱️ 20 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Turn any meeting or get-together into a chance for deep connection and collaboration.

Whether you’re holding a team meeting or hosting a family get-together, the success of any gathering, says Priya Parker, isn’t about the perfect agenda or venue, but about the intentionality behind how you bring people together.

“90% of the success of any gathering happens before anyone enters the room,” says Parker. As the author of The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters, and a strategic advisor who has helped organizations worldwide reimagine their gatherings, Parker believes that thoughtful preparation can turn any meeting, whether professional or personal, into a meaningful and memorable experience for all involved. “Intentionality is the first step,” she says, “to pause and ask: why are we doing this? What is the purpose? What is the need in this community or in this classroom or in this team?”

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Parker joins Matt Abrahams to explore the art of meaningful gatherings, sharing practical strategies for everything from crafting invitations that prime engagement to designing powerful closings that leave a lasting impact. By being more thoughtful in bringing people together, we can transform ordinary meetings into extraordinary opportunities for connection and collaboration.

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Chapters:

  • (00:00) - Introduction
  • (02:17) - Intentionality in Everyday Conversations
  • (04:03) - Questioning the Purpose of Gatherings
  • (06:11) - The Power of Great Questions
  • (09:14) - Managing Heat in Conversations
  • (11:23) - Encouraging Participation Beforehand
  • (14:03) - Creating Impactful Endings
  • (16:29) - The Final Three Questions
  • (20:29) - Conclusion

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Transcript

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0:00.0

Hi, Matt here. You've invested in your education to grow, advance, and unlock new career opportunities.

0:07.0

But here's the challenge. How do you position yourself to stand out in a competitive job market?

0:13.0

It's not just about what you know. It's about how much you communicate your value, build strategic relationships, and take decisive action.

0:21.7

That's where today's sponsor, Strawberry.me, career coaching, comes in.

0:26.2

They match students and professionals with certified career coaches who will help you refine

0:31.1

your personal brand to confidently articulate your skills and experiences,

0:35.3

to develop a results-driven strategy and stay accountable so you

0:39.8

follow through on networking, applications, and negotiations. Because knowing what to do is one thing.

0:46.4

Having a coach to push you forward, that's how you create real momentum in progress.

0:51.9

Visit strawberry.m.m.m. TFTS and claim your $50 credit. That's strawberry.

0:59.1

dot me slash TFTS. Being purposeful in the way we come together, in the way we gather,

1:09.3

can decide and define the success of our group communication.

1:14.7

My name is Matt Abraham's and I teach strategic communication at Stanford Graduate School

1:20.0

of Business. Welcome to Think Fast, Talk Smart, the podcast. Today I'm looking forward to speaking

1:26.6

with Priya Parker. Priya is best known for

1:29.2

her book, The Art of Gathering, How We Meet, and Why It Matters. She's an expert facilitator

1:35.3

and strategic advisor. She's worked with organizations and individuals worldwide to reimagine

1:40.9

how we come together in both personal and professional settings.

1:44.9

Priya, thanks for being here. I'm so excited for our conversation.

1:48.6

Thank you so much for having me.

1:50.2

All right. Shall we get started? Let's do it.

1:52.5

Okay. In your book, The Art of Gathering, which I really have enjoyed,

...

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