
The #1 Small Talk Rule That Makes People Like You (Stanford Communication Professor)
From Tiger Sisters by Cherie Brooke Luo and Jean Luo
April 20, 2026 · 46 min · Season 7 · Episode 15
About this episode
The episode features communication expert Matt Abrahams discussing effective small talk and networking strategies.
Thank you to Shopify for sponsoring this video. Start now at https://shopify.com/tigersisters Thank you SoFi for sponsoring this video. Sign up here: https://www.sofi.com/TigerPlus Sign up for our newsletter here and be the first to access our upcoming LIVE EVENT: https://cherieluo.substack.com/subscribe Have you ever walked away from a conversation with someone and thought: “how are they so magnetic? ” Or, have you ever left a meeting and wondered: “why did I say it like that?” Today, we’re joined by Professor Matt Abrahams – a world-renowned communication expert, Stanford GSB lecturer, host of the podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart, and Cherie’s former TEDx coach – to break down the science (and strategy) behind how to talk to anyone. Tune in for lessons on: ✅ How to get out of your head and connect in real time ✅ The #1 mistake killing your communication ✅ Matt’s “What, So What, Now What” framework for confidence on the spot ✅ Tips to get in (and out of!) small talk ✅ The 5 stories everyone should have ready (for networking, interviews, and life) ✅ How to take your networking – and Zoom interviews – to the next level Plus, we get tactical with real exercises you can start using…
People in this episode
Hosts: Cherie Brooke Luo, Jean Luo
Guest: Matt Abrahams
Topics covered
- communication skills
- small talk
- networking
- confidence
- storytelling
- interviews
Keywords
- small talk
- communication
- networking
- confidence
- storytelling
- interviews
- Matt Abrahams
Sponsors
Shopify, SoFi
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Stanford GSB
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