Before I became the host of A Better Way to Say, I watched copious amounts of communication-related podcasts and YouTube videos. So I’ve seen the range, from shows that promise fast results to ones that deliver real change (that is, if you actually apply the lessons).
Here are my favorites.
How I Chose These Podcasts
- Practical: I can actually use the advice, not just feel inspired for five minutes
- Distinct voice: they teach something I haven’t heard the same way elsewhere
- Rewatchable: I’ve gone back to their content more than once
Ariel Niu
Why I like it: She’s direct, she shows examples in real time, and she fluctuates her voice and intonation to explain exactly what she means. This is the channel to go to if you want to learn how to flow in conversations and be more sure of yourself. In fact, “flow” is a word she uses often.
Start here: How to Keep Flow in Conversation
Think Fast, Talk Smart with Matt Abrahams
Why I like it: This is one you’ll find on most communication podcast lists. I read his book and found it practical, especially his tips on how to deal with speaking anxiety in public. He offers frameworks on the pod often, which come in handy when speaking off the cuff. He also brings on some of his expert friends.
Start here: How to Manage Speaking Anxiety the Think Faster, Talk Smarter Way
A Better Way to Say
Why I like it: Yes, it’s my show. Yes, it earns a spot on the list in my humble opinion. I blend lessons from history’s greatest communicators to ground each lesson, and focus on how to be more eloquent, go deeper in conversations, and ultimately be a more thoughtful communicator.
Start here: Why You’re Not Well Spoken (And How to Fix It)
Philosophize This
Why I like it: Not directly a comms podcast, I know, but the ability to think like a philosopher, to question assumptions, to see everyday facts from another angle, and Stephen’s ability to make complex topics applicable make this actually incredibly helpful if you’re trying to explain complex topics or want to engage with complex ideas in a more rigorous, clear way.
Start here: Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment
Newel of Knowledge
Why I like it: Part communication course, part dive into human psychology, Lewis has a refreshingly raw and straightforward approach. He uses a whiteboard to explain topics like “how to be the person everyone loves speaking to” and “the biggest social mistake that turns people off you.” He delves more into self help, so the show expands beyond strictly communication, but the core is building self confidence and understanding yourself, and his no frills, occasionally tough love manner makes him feel like a trusted advisor.
Start here: The Biggest Social Mistake That Turns People Off You
Honorable Mentions
I haven’t gotten around to watching these fully myself, but they show up consistently on recommendation lists and I’ve heard good things.
- Hidden Brain, hosted by Shankar Vedantam, for big picture questions like “Why do I feel stuck?” and “How can I become more creative?” (listen here)
- Grammar Girl, bite sized episodes because we don’t always have time for a long one (listen here)
- Diary of a CEO with Steven Bartlett, specifically this episode with speaking expert Julian Treasure on how to speak so everyone hears you
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