167. Hollywood Lessons For Successful Communication

Beyond the Big Screen. Every business meeting, product launch, or marketing communication has something in common with your favorite movie: they all succeed or fail based on their ability to make you feel something. Just ask Jeff Small , CEO of Amblin Partners. "Good stories win," says Small, who leads one of the world's most renowned independent film and television companies alongside Steven Spielberg. As both a business leader and storytelling expert, Small knows that successful communication is built on person-to-person connection through the power of story. "Whatever walk of life you're in, you have to be able to tell a story to connect with people, to get across the message that you're trying to get across." In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Small joins host Matt Abrahams to share insights from his experience at the intersection of creativity and commerce, unpacking how effective storytelling can transform your communication, whether leading teams through industry disruption, resolving conflicts at work and at home, or creating films to inspire audiences for generations to come. Episode Reference Links: Jeff Small Ep.153 Listen Up, Leaders: A Record-Setting Coach’s Guide to Communication Ep.35 Leading From The Hot Seat: How To Communicate Under Pressure Connect: Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium Email Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.io Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn , Instagram , YouTube Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction (02:42) - What Makes a Good Story? (03:35) - Bringing Emotion into Communication (04:11) - Storytelling Across Professions (06:15) - Crafting an Effective Story (08:01) - Uniqueness in Storytelling (09:04) - Balancing Creativity and Business (10:33) - Managing Conflict with Connection (12:22) - Screen Time and Family (14:02) - Navigating Industry Change (16:22) - The Final Three Questions (24:00) - 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. This episode is brought to you by Babbel . Think Fast Talk Smart listeners can get started on your language learning journey today- visit Babbel.com/Thinkfast and get up to 55% off your Babbel subscription. Join our Think Fast Talk Smart Learning Community and become the communicator you want to be.