Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

The 4 Basic Principles of Marketing in the Modern Age (Seth Godin)

Who makes up your smallest viable market? What do they truly want and need? Should you adjust your product story over time? In This Is Marketing, Seth Godin says that old marketing techniques no longer work. He outlines his guiding principles of marketing in the modern age: create something of value, focus on your smallest viable market, match your story to the story your audience tells themselves, and leverage word of mouth. Continue reading to learn about each of these four basic principles of marketing.

Philosopher Alan Watts: A Cult Figure or a Great Bodhisattva?

What’s the legacy of Alan Watts? How do people view his life and contribution? Critics, monks, and philosopher Alan Watts himself have used colorful words to describe him and his work. His books have taught many people in the West about Eastern philosophies and practices, but some contend that they lacked depth and that he didn’t always practice what he preached. Read more to learn how Alan Watts has been regarded over the last few decades.

Approachable Body Language Makes a Good First Impression

Why should you pay attention to your body language if you want to make a great first impression? Do you give closed body language cues without even knowing it? Your body language determines people’s first impressions of you. So, it’s important to understand the various body language cues and learn to leverage them if you want people to find you open and welcoming. Keep reading to learn how to exhibit approachable body language around others.

How to Keep a Conversation Flowing & End on a High Note

Would you like to feel more confident and skilled in social situations? What do you still have to learn about the art of conversation? Being skilled in initiating a conversation is important, but it’s also valuable to know how to keep a conversation flowing and then end it well. We’ve put together some tips from several communication experts that directly address these two skills. Keep reading to learn several techniques that will help make you an excellent conversationalist.

Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion

Are the people who are abandoning religion also leaving something crucial behind? Are they throwing the baby out with the bathwater? The answer is yes, according to Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion by Sam Harris. He believes that spiritual experiences, particularly higher states of consciousness, are important for people who are seeking happiness and peace. Continue reading for an overview of this thought-provoking book.

Public Speaking for Success: Dale Carnegie’s Classic Guide

How can public speaking help you tackle other fears you have in life? What should you do on the day of your speech? What should you keep in mind when you open and close a talk? In Public Speaking for Success, Dale Carnegie says that public speaking is the one skill that can bring you more success, opportunity, and fulfillment than any other. You can change people’s hearts and minds, inspire action, improve your relationships, and succeed in life and work. Continue reading for an overview of this classic book on public speaking, and find out why it endures.

The Way of Zen by Alan Watts: Book Overview & Takeaways

What are the principles of Zen Buddhism? How is Zen Buddhism expressed and experienced? Is this philosophy for you? Many people have a passing familiarity with the concept of Zen. But, few really know what “Zen” means or could articulate how Zen Buddhism describes reality and human life. In The Way of Zen, Alan Watts explains the major principles and the history of Zen Buddhism. Continue reading for an overview of the book that’s likely to answer many of your questions.

How to Approach Someone: 3 Simple Steps for Breaking the Ice

When you’re in a social situation, do you typically wait for people to come and talk to you? Do you let opportunities pass by because you’re uncomfortable initiating a conversation? Approaching others can be intimidating. You might prefer to keep to yourself or talk to people you already know rather than risk rejection or awkwardness. But, in reality, rejection isn’t a likely outcome. You’ll probably end up being glad that you walked across the room. Continue reading to learn how to approach someone with confidence.

The Benefits of Public Speaking: Why It’s Life’s Most Important Skill

What careers entail communicating to an audience, either in a conference room or an auditorium? In your personal life, when could you be called upon to speak in front of others? Legendary author and lecturer Dale Carnegie believes that the most important skill in life is public speaking. It provides fulfillment, and it opens countless doors of opportunity. In Public Speaking for Success, he discusses the benefits of public speaking, including influence and confidence-building. Read more to discover why Carnegie says that public speaking is such a valuable skill.

How Taoism and Zen Buddhism Are Connected (Alan Watts)

Is it possible to know something without describing it with words? What’s the difference between acting impulsively and acting spontaneously? Two Taoist philosophies helped give Zen Buddhism its form: There are two ways of knowing, and we can act spontaneously and naturally. Alan Watts discusses the influence of Taoism on Zen in his classic work The Way of Zen. Read more to learn about the connection between Taoism and Zen Buddhism.