163. Is Your Audience Ignoring You? How Authenticity Creates Connection

How acceptance and authenticity can transform all of our interactions. What’s the key to experiencing deeper connection in our communication? According to Alan Alda , it starts with acceptance — of others and ourselves. "Connecting, communicating, and clarity," Alda explains, "they're all based on hearing what the other person is really saying; letting the person be real; accepting them.” As an acclaimed actor, writer, director, and author of If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face? , Alda has spent much of his career exploring how acceptance enables us to be our authentic selves, leading to better communication and truer connection. “There’s nothing more engaging than the real you,” he says. Also the founder of the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University, Alda strives to help scientists and health professionals communicate more effectively with the public. “Science can't do its work unless it gets funded. And it can't get funded if people don't understand what the scientists are trying to do,” he says. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart , Alda and host Matt Abrahams discuss how acceptance and authenticity can transform all of our interactions, from complicated science conversations to everyday communication. Episode Reference Links: Alan Alda Alan’s Book: If I Understood You, Would I have This Look on My Face? Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science Ep.82 It’s Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others First Ep.114 Communication Means Paying Attention: The Four Pillars of Active Listening 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 (02:28) - Motivation for Communication (04:28) - Avoiding Communication Pitfalls (06:44) - The Role of Clarity and Vividness (07:51) - Reflection in Communication (08:41) - Connection in Conversations (09:56) - Reframing Communication Anxiety (11:36) - Asking Meaningful Questions (12:31) - Matt’s Communication Journey (14:18) - The Art of Storytelling (16:45) - The Final Three Questions (20:05) - 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.