Podcast Summary: Think Fast Talk Smart – Episode 214: From Crisis to Clarity: Simplicity, Feedback, and the Art of Being Heard

Release Date: July 8, 2025
Host: Matt Abrahams
Guest: Cheney Abumake, Communication Expert and Former Vatican Spokesperson

Introduction

In Episode 214 of Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques, host Matt Abrahams engages in an insightful conversation with Cheney Abumake, a seasoned communication strategist with a unique background, including serving as a spokesperson for Pope Francis and leading strategic communication at the Vatican. This episode delves into effective communication strategies, crisis management, and the art of conveying clear and impactful messages.

Asking Good Questions and Creating Comfort

Cheney emphasizes the importance of genuine curiosity and providing space for others to speak. Drawing from his father’s influence, he highlights the value of open-ended questions and unassuming demeanor to foster comfortable and productive conversations.

Cheney Abumake [03:00]: "If you ask an open-ended question to somebody about their job, about how that works, they'll open up."

He further explains that allowing people to express themselves fully can lead to more meaningful and revealing discussions.

Clear and Concise Writing

Transitioning to written communication, Cheney shares his journalism experience, stressing the necessity of accuracy and conciseness. He advises against perfectionism that hinders progress, advocating instead for getting ideas down swiftly and refining them later.

Cheney Abumake [04:09]: "Get something down on paper, set a deadline for yourself, get it down and then you'll fix it up. I think that's extremely important."

This approach not only combats writer’s block but also ensures timely and clear communication.

The Role of AI in Communication

Addressing the impact of artificial intelligence, Cheney likens AI tools to having multiple interns that generate content, which still requires personal refinement and authentic voice.

Cheney Abumake [06:15]: "AI is like having a whole load of interns. They can deliver good things which you have to put together. The voice has to be yours, the point of view has to be yours."

He underscores the necessity of maintaining personal authenticity despite the assistance AI provides.

Lessons in Public Speaking: Grabbing the Audience, Punch and Pause, Feedback

Cheney outlines three pivotal lessons he imparts to his students:

1. Grab the Audience at the Start: Capturing attention immediately is crucial. Engaging openings, such as provocative questions or compelling stories, set the tone.

   Cheney Abumake [07:02]: "Grab them at the start. Make them think about something that engages them from the get-go."

2. Punch and Pause: Delivering key points decisively and allowing moments of silence lets the audience absorb the information.

   Cheney Abumake: "Make your point and let it sink in. People don’t use silence enough in public speaking."

3. Seek Feedback: Regularly obtaining constructive feedback ensures messages resonate as intended and helps identify areas for improvement.

   Cheney Abumake [07:02]: "Get feedback from your colleagues...you really learn from that kind of feedback."

Crisis Communication: Lessons from the Vatican

Drawing from his tenure at the Vatican, Cheney discusses handling one of the Catholic Church’s most significant crises: the sex abuse scandal. He emphasizes the importance of admitting mistakes, taking responsibility, and embracing transparency.

Cheney Abumake [13:15]: "Being willing to admit you've made mistakes... that's incredibly important."

He cites Pope Benedict’s honest communication as a model for addressing crises effectively. Additionally, Cheney shares a positive example of simplifying complex messages by distilling a 100-page encyclical into a concise, multilingual video, demonstrating the power of clarity and targeted messaging.

Cheney Abumake [15:59]: "How do you take a 100-page document and get your six or eight key points out of there?"

Application of Communication Principles to Personal Life (Golf)

Cheney parallels communication strategies with playing golf, highlighting how activities like golf can enhance communication skills through practice, focus, and human connection. He notes that physical activities offer immediate feedback and opportunities to develop patience and resilience.

Cheney Abumake [18:01]: "Golf allows you time away from your phone... establishing human contact."

Ingredients for Successful Communication

In the concluding segment, Cheney outlines the three key ingredients for effective communication:

1. Know Your Audience: Understanding the audience’s needs and expectations is fundamental.

   Cheney Abumake [20:50]: "Know your audience well enough to make them smile."

2. Practice and Feedback: Regular practice and seeking feedback refine communication skills.

   Cheney Abumake [20:50]: "Practice... edit it, cut it down."

3. Have Fun: Bringing enthusiasm and enjoyment into communication fosters a positive connection with the audience.

   Cheney Abumake [20:50]: "Have fun... make them smile if you can."

He encourages embracing communication with a sense of enjoyment and authenticity, which can significantly enhance engagement and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Episode 214 provides a comprehensive exploration of effective communication techniques, blending Cheney Abumake’s extensive experience with practical advice applicable to various scenarios, from everyday interactions to high-stakes presentations. Key takeaways include the importance of simplicity, the value of feedback, and the necessity of authentic engagement. Whether navigating a crisis or striving to connect more deeply with others, the strategies discussed offer actionable insights for communicating with clarity, confidence, and impact.

Notable Quotes:

• Cheney Abumake [03:00]: "If you ask an open-ended question to somebody about their job, about how that works, they'll open up."

• Cheney Abumake [04:09]: "Get something down on paper, set a deadline for yourself, get it down and then you'll fix it up."

• Cheney Abumake [06:15]: "AI is like having a whole load of interns. They can deliver good things which you have to put together."

• Cheney Abumake [07:02]: "Grab them at the start. Make your point and let it sink in."

• Cheney Abumake [13:15]: "Being willing to admit you've made mistakes... that's incredibly important."

• Cheney Abumake [15:59]: "How do you take a 100-page document and get your six or eight key points out of there?"

• Cheney Abumake [18:01]: "Golf allows you time away from your phone... establishing human contact."

• Cheney Abumake [20:50]: "Know your audience well enough to make them smile."

• Cheney Abumake [20:50]: "Practice... edit it, cut it down."

• Cheney Abumake [20:50]: "Have fun... make them smile if you can."

This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their communication skills, offering both strategic insights and practical tips drawn from high-profile experiences in crisis management and daily interactions.