Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

Cause and Effect in a Story: Satisfying Our Need to Know Why

How does a well-written story fill our need to understand the reasons behind everything? What does “Show, don’t tell” mean for writers? In Wired for Story, Lisa Cron argues that our brains evolved to absorb information through stories. So, writers must write in a way that satisfies our brains’ expectations of story. This includes creating causal links that appeal to the brain’s need for cause-and-effect structure. Continue reading to learn about the need for cause and effect in a story and how to achieve it.

How to Tell if Someone Is Confident: Body Language Cues

Can you detect confident body language in other people? Do you exhibit subtle behaviors that communicate to others that you’re confident and comfortable? In The Dictionary of Body Language, Joe Navarro offers a reference guide that explains a wide breadth of body language cues. He argues that, with this knowledge, you can improve your relationships and understanding of other people, both at work and in your personal life. Continue reading to learn how to tell if someone is confident at the moment.

The Master and His Emissary by Iain McGilchrist: Overview

What’s the truth about the difference between the right brain and the left brain? Is one dominant over the other? Is one more important than the other? In The Master and His Emissary, Iain McGilchrist argues that pop psychology has given us a wrong—and dangerous—impression of the brain’s hemispheres. He contends that the right hemisphere is more important—and that our failure to recognize this threatens to rob our lives of meaning and happiness. Continue reading for an overview of this contrarian book.

Better Small Talk: Patrick King’s Advice for Talking to Anyone

What’s the point of small talk? Why is it important to be skilled at it? Life is full of conversations—in both personal and professional settings. In Better Small Talk, Patrick King shows how you can improve the quality of your small talk and use it to shift conversations into more interesting and meaningful territory. Continue reading for an overview of this practical and relevant book.

Conversation Résumé + 4 More Ways to Prepare for Quality Talks

Are you prepared to start meaningful conversations and keep them going? Do you have a conversation résumé? If you were to have one, what would go on it? To get better at any sort of conversation, you need to prepare to have it beforehand—in the same way you should warm up your muscles before running a race. Social interaction specialist Patrick King shares five conversation preparation techniques to set you up for greater success in conversations. Keep reading to learn how to always be prepared for quality conversations.

Build Confidence in Your Child to Help Them Meet 6 Challenges

Do your kids compare themselves to each other? Do you have a child who “pretend-cries”? Do you find yourself in a struggle at mealtimes and bedtimes? In her book Good Inside, clinical psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy explains what confidence really means and how confident children are more equipped to handle what life throws at them. She shows how you can help your child develop this all-important trait and start using it to deal with a variety of situations. Read more to discover how building confidence in your child can help them meet six common challenges.

How to Hook a Reader: The 3 Questions You Must Answer Up Front

When a reader starts to read your story, what are they looking for? What must you give them if you want them to keep reading? Lisa Cron asserts that stories satisfy neurological needs that humans evolved over millennia. So, good writers understand these needs and satisfy them as they craft their stories. Arguably, the primary thing that readers require is a good reason to keep reading past the first page. Read more to discover how to hook a reader by fulfilling their immediate need.

Excited Body Language: 2 Behaviors That Indicate Excitement

How can you tell if someone is genuinely excited to see you? What excited body language behavior is also a tai chi move? We all exhibit subtle physical behaviors that put our emotions on display to those who are skilled in interpreting body language. Joe Navarro teaches these skills in his book The Dictionary of Body Language. Read more to learn what Navarro has to say about behaviors that point to excitement.

Is Language Left or Right Brain? Why Both Hemispheres Matter

Is language left or right brain? What role does each hemisphere play in understanding language? Despite the popular caricature of the right hemisphere as “silent,” psychiatrist Iain McGilchrist contends that it plays a crucial role in understanding language. He discusses the vital roles that both the left brain and right brain play in our use and interpretation of words. Read more to learn what we understand about language and the brain.

How Playful Parenting Helps You Meet 4 Challenges With Your Kids

Do you play enough with your kids? Do you know how to use playful parenting as a tool? Dr. Becky Kennedy suggests specific approaches for handling parenting challenges so that you can foster behavioral change without jeopardizing your connection to your child. She discusses four ways that playful parenting helps you deal with challenges. Continue reading to understand how you can use playfulness strategically.