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Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

267. Rethinks: Why Authenticity Leads to Better Communication

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 • 802 Ratings

🗓️ 26 February 2026

⏱️ 28 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Why being true to yourself enables you to show up better for others.


From the way you communicate, to the way you build your life and career, Graham Weaver, MBA ’99, says it’s about “giving yourself permission to fully be yourself. You can never go wrong when you’re saying your truth.”


Weaver is a lecturer in management, a GSB alum, and the founder and a partner of Alpine Investors. He stresses the importance of direct communication, highlighting how avoiding it can lead to wasted time, energy, and even financial losses. Reflecting on his own experiences in private equity, Weaver admits to struggling with being conflict-averse and not speaking his truth directly, which resulted in getting into bad deals and big losses for his company. “People think that by being indirect, they’re being kind, but all they're doing is creating confusion,” he says. “Clarity is compassionate. Even if it's not what they want to hear, the more direct and clear you can be, the more compassionate that is for the other person.”


In this Rethinks episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Weaver and host Matt Abrahams explore how being true to oneself not only fosters personal fulfillment but also enables us to show up better for others. Authenticity and self-belief lay the foundation for effective communication, leadership, and ultimately, success.

Episode Reference Links:

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Chapters:

  • (00:00) - Introduction
  • (04:44) - Direct Communication & Limiting Beliefs
  • (07:54) - The Internal Game
  • (08:59) - An Asymmetrical Life
  • (14:11) - Taylor Swift & Grit
  • (17:05) - Pursuing Enlightenment
  • (21:58) - The Final Three Questions
  • (28:55) - Conclusion

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Transcript

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0:00.0

Hi, Matt here with two ways to get deeper guidance and advice that can help your communication.

0:05.0

First, check out our February newsletter to learn how to avoid a big nonverbal mirroring trap.

0:10.4

And subscribe on our LinkedIn page or at FasterSmarter.io slash resources newsletter.

0:17.3

Second, our friends at Kindle have a special offer running on my Think Faster Talk Smarter eBook.

0:23.7

You can get a copy for less than $3.

0:26.7

Go to Kindle to check it out.

0:28.5

Happy learning and thanks for listening.

0:31.2

Now a word from our sponsors.

0:33.0

Their support covers the cost of production so we can bring you this show free. Language isn't just about

0:39.8

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0:45.7

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0:51.1

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0:55.3

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1:00.8

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1:22.1

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1:37.3

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