299. Choose The Right Channel: How Stanford Finds Its Voice

How to communicate with impact when the stakes are high.

Communication isn't about getting information out. It's about making sure it gets through. In an era of fragmented attention and endless platforms, the challenge isn't finding ways to speak—it's finding ways to connect.

According to Farnaz Khadem, Vice President of University Communications at Stanford, great communicators start with three questions: What's the goal? Who's the audience? And what does the data tell us? Whether guiding a university through a crisis, helping experts share their ideas with broader audiences, or deciding where a story should be told, she believes effective communication centers around understanding people. "People want to know what's actually happening," she says. "And if what is happening is you don't know what is happening, you have to tell people you don't know."

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Khadem joins host Matt Abrahams to discuss the importance of preparation, transparency, and active listening when communicating during uncertainty. From navigating the opportunities and risks of AI to crafting stories that create genuine connection, she shares practical lessons for building trust, adapting to changing audiences, and communicating effectively when the stakes are highest.

Episode Reference Links:

• Farnaz Khadem
• Ep.22 Under Pressure: How to Communicate Clearly and Timely During a Crisis

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• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (02:38) - Communication Fundamentals
• (03:58) - Choosing the Right Channel
• (05:38) - Building Communication Networks
• (06:50) - Coaching Better Communicators
• (08:44) - Crisis Preparation
• (10:47) - Crisis Response
• (12:40) - The Power of Storytelling
• (14:28) - AI in Communications
• (17:29) - The Final Three Questions
• (24:23) - Conclusion

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