Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

How Storytelling in Presentations Sets Up & Bolsters a Message

Do you give presentations at work? Are you ever called on to make a toast? Does your company have an origin story that needs to be told? Stories have an important place in presentations, whether you’re pitching an idea, introducing a product, or giving a lecture. In Unleash the Power of Storytelling, Rob Biesenbach provides practical advice for using storytelling in presentations, including your corporate story and even a toast or eulogy. Keep reading to learn how to engage an audience by using storytelling in presentations.

How the Anti-Nuclear Movement Hijacked the Narrative

How connected are nuclear energy and nuclear weapons? Does nuclear power imply nuclear fallout? Award-winning science writer Michael Shellenberger says that nuclear power is the best way to meet rising energy demands. However, it’s hard to convince people of that because anti-nuclear propaganda has drastically clouded public opinion on the topic. Read more to learn how and why the anti-nuclear movement hijacked the narrative.

Moving Upstream: Dan Heath’s Advice for Real Solutions

Do you want to solve a major problem in your organization or in society at large? How can you intentionally foster an upstream mindset with those around you? In Upstream, business writer Dan Heath explains a strategy for focusing energy on proactive, long-term solutions: upstream problem-solving. He shares recommendations for implementing upstream solutions in any context, and he points out three roadblocks that are likely to be in your way. Continue reading for Heath’s advice for moving upstream along with an exercise to help you implement his ideas.

Michael Shellenberger: Nuclear Power’s Advantages & Detractors

Why is it more expensive to build nuclear power plants in the US than in other places? Is the anti-nuclear movement doing more harm than good? According to award-winning science writer Michael Shellenberger, nuclear power is the solution for the foreseeable future when it comes to our ever-growing demands for energy. In Apocalypse Never, he makes the case for nuclear energy and explains who’s standing in the way. Read more to learn Shellenberger’s take on the nuclear power issue.

How to Persuade People: 3 Ways to Put People Under Your Spell

Would you like to be more charming? How can you get what you want without using force or intimidation? In The Daily Laws, Robert Greene explores truths about human nature and how you can take control of your life. He shares three ways to seduce and persuade others: make them lower their guard, play into their fantasies, and appeal to their emotions. Continue reading to learn how to persuade people with Greene’s strategies.

Dan Heath’s Upstream: Book Overview & Key Takeaways

Do you feel like you have endless fires to put out—in your personal life, at work, and in society as a whole? What if you could work at the root of the problem instead, preventing crises from happening altogether? In his book Upstream, Dan Heath explains how reactive solutions (for which we have a bias) aren’t nearly as effective as proactive, long-term solutions. He calls these upstream solutions, and he provides advice on how to implement this type of problem-solving. Keep reading for an overview of this book that aims to help you solve problems before they happen.

How to Be Rational: 3 Ways to Anchor Yourself in Reality

Do you see things as they truly are, or do strong emotions and desires cloud your vision? Do you care too much about what others think? Robert Greene believes that rationality will help you live a fulfilling life that’s grounded in reality. To view and approach your life more rationally, he advises that you control your emotions, develop a stronger sense of self, and see things through a neutral lens. Keep reading to learn how to be rational by employing these three strategies.

How Serious Are the Problems Caused by Deforestation?

Why are forests disappearing? What’s the impact of deforestation? How much good does reforestation do? Michael Shellenberger contends that the core of existential environmental dread revolves around the idea that humans are actively killing the planet. In order to remove a certain level of panic from the environmental discussion, he addresses the issues and misperceptions around the loss of rainforests. Keep reading to learn about the actual extent of the problems caused by deforestation and the outlook of reforestation.

Someday Is Today by Matthew Dicks: Propel Your Life Now

Do you dream of achieving extraordinary things? Would you describe your life now as extraordinary—or just mediocre? In Someday Is Today: 22 Simple Actionable Ways to Propel Your Creative Life, Matthew Dicks argues that achieving your dreams and overcoming mediocrity is possible. But, you’ll get there only if you learn to maximize your time, efficiency, productivity, and creativity—and start acting now. Read on for an overview of this book that’s sure to spark you into action.

How Embracing Awe and Wonder Will Make Your Life Fuller

Do you worry about the small stuff? Are you losing interest in life, even as you anxiously cling to it? Too often, people try to escape from reality. However, Robert Greene argues, reality is exactly what we should connect with. In The Daily Laws, he provides suggestions for appreciating everything that the real world offers us when we stop to notice it. Read on to learn how reconnecting with your sense of awe and wonder might be exactly what you need to find joy and excitement in life.