Age diversity and cross-generational synergy can transform an organization.

Most of us know age diversity matters in the workplace. But according to UCLA’s Bob McCann, we're thinking about it all wrong: it's not just about having different generations present — it's about creating meaningful connections between them.

As director of UCLA's Leadership Communication Program and founder of the McCann Group, McCann has spent years researching intergenerational workplace dynamics. With four to six generations now working side by side, he says there’s never been a better time to create synergies between the old and the young.

"There's a tremendous opportunity for meeting and interacting with people who are different than you, for increasing a variety of potential outcomes in business in a positive way, if we can maximize our intergenerational engagement," he says. His research reveals that while many organizations focus on gender and ethnic diversity, age diversity often gets overlooked in DEI initiatives — despite its crucial role in workplace success.

In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, McCann joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how organizations can move beyond superficial age diversity to create meaningful cross-generational connections. From reverse mentoring programs to shadow boards, they explore practical ways leaders can harness the power of generational difference to drive innovation and collaboration.

Episode Reference Links:

• Bob McCann
• Ep.67 What Is Normal? How Culture Affects Communication Styles
• Ep.21 Words Matter: How to Make Your Communication Inclusive

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
• (01:01) - Why Generational Interactions Matter
• (01:54) - What is a Generation?
• (03:03) - Combating Workplace Ageism
• (04:21) - Breaking Stereotypes
• (06:56) - Better Intergenerational Interactions
• (09:41) - Technology and Training Across Generations
• (11:26) - The Three Final Questions
• (17:14) - Conclusion

Enjoy this preview of our first Ask Matt Anything (AMA).

We are excited to introduce this special edition of Think Fast, Talk Smart, featuring a preview of our first-ever Ask Matt Anything (AMA) episode. Typically, these sessions are exclusive to our Think Fast, Talk Smart Premium members, where Matt Abrahams answers the most pressing communication questions submitted by our premium community.
Think Fast, Talk Smart Premium was created to deepen our connection with you and support your growth as effective communicators. Premium members enjoy exclusive benefits like regular full-length AMA episodes, eQuips, or Essential Quick Insight Playlist, early access to events, and more. Beyond this, your membership helps us continue to build a global community dedicated to improving communication skills and advancing careers.
If you find this episode helpful, we invite you to join our Think Fast, Talk Smart Premium community to unlock the full library of AMAs, submit your own questions, and gain access to even more tools and resources. Thank you for being part of our journey! You can learn more at fastersmarter.io/premium.

Episode Reference Links:

• Ep.133 From Good to Super: How Supercommunicators Unlock the Language of Connection
• Ep.137 When Words Aren’t Enough: How to Excel at Nonverbal Communication

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
• (01:37) - Building Trust with Senior Leadership
• (03:59) - Engaging Large Virtual Audiences
• (07:47) - Managing Nonverbal Communication
• (09:57) - Balancing Emotions in Conversations
• (11:47) - Navigating Status Differences in Meetings
• (14:52) - Conclusion

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Crafting impactful toasts for every occasion.

"Almost reflexively, most of us focus in the moment on how others are perceiving us, yet these situations aren't about us at all." Matt Abrahams, host of Think Fast, Talk Smart, shares an excerpt from his book, Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot, on the art of delivering effective toasts and tributes. With a focus on public speaking in celebratory contexts, he offers a structured approach to crafting meaningful remarks.
Matt introduces the WHAT structure—a four-part formula designed to guide speakers through the process. This method helps ensure that the focus remains on the honorees, transforming speeches into gifts for the audience. He further shares tips for refining remarks, including the importance of brevity and the need to prepare for emotional moments. Matt advises, "Be brief and to the point. Long toasts, tributes, or introductions are usually bad ones." He also highlights the significance of setting others up for success, ensuring a smooth flow for subsequent speakers.
With insights from his book and practical examples, Matt equips listeners with the tools to deliver impactful toasts and tributes, making these moments memorable for all involved.

Audio excerpt courtesy of Simon & Schuster Audio from THINK FASTER, TALK SMARTER by Matt Abrahams, read by the author. Copyright 2023 by Matthew Abrahams LLC. Used with permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Episode Reference Links:

• Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot

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
• (01:52) - Key Insight: Toasts, Tributes, and Introductions
• (03:23) - Why it Matters
• (04:13) - Craft Your Content
• (05:24) - Step One: Why Are We Here?
• (06:08) - Step Two: How Are You Connected?
• (06:59) - Step Three: Anecdotes or Learnings
• (08:07) - Step Four: Thank
• (08:49) - Refine Your Remarks
• (09:16) - Tip One: Be Brief and to the Point
• (10:06) - Tip Two: Prepare to be Emotional
• (11:58) - Tip Three: Shine the Spotlight Away From You
• (12:28) - Tip Four: Make Your Anecdotes Accessible and Appropriate
• (12:58) - Tip Five: Strive for Unity
• (14:21) - Tip Six: Set Others Up for Success
• (15:14) - Conclusion

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