Communication Archives

Story: Substance, Structure, Style, & the Principles of Screenwriting

Why do people love stories? What’s story theory? What’s the difference between text and subtext? In Robert McKee’s book Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting, he discusses what makes a story good, the elements of a story, and how a story is structured. He also shares his recommended writing process. Here’s our overview of McKee’s guide for screenwriters, which covers fundamental principles that apply to any kind of storytelling.

How to Nurture a Healthy Self-Concept in Early Childhood

How can you help your child form a healthy self-concept in early childhood? Why is it important to challenge stereotypes? According to Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, the way you think about your children becomes the way they think about themselves. To foster a healthy self-concept in early childhood, they claim that you should challenge preconceived ideas, stereotypes, and labels about yourself and your children. Read on to learn how to help children form a positive self-concept in early childhood, according to Faber and Mazlish.

4 Robert McKee Quotes About Stories to Enlighten & Inspire You

Why do humans seek out stories? How do stories impact society? What does Robert McKee think would make life a lunatic asylum? Stories are mysterious. Like music, they have an emotional power over us that’s impossible to explain. However, in his book Story, screenwriter and storytelling expert Robert McKee argues that stories’ emotional power is not only explainable but also something you can learn to create. Keep reading for four Robert McKee quotes from Story that capture the essence of the book.

Common Marriage Problems and How to Solve Them

What are the most common marital problems? How do you address an ongoing problem in a marriage? While every marriage is unique, there are several problems almost all married couples have in common. Most of these problems are solvable, but many couples drag them on for too long, making them a bigger deal than they have to be. Here’s a look at some of the most common marriage problems and potential solutions for each.

The Importance of Acknowledging Children’s Feelings

What’s the importance of acknowledging children’s feelings? How can you validate your child’s emotions? In How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, authors Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish claim that one key to communicating better with your children is acknowledging that you understand their feelings. They argue that even babies want adults to acknowledge how they feel. Read on to learn the importance of acknowledging children’s feelings, according to Faber and Mazlish.

How to Structure a Story: 4 Ways to Get Your Message Across

Do you have great ideas but struggle to communicate them effectively? How can critical thinking help you structure a story? The authors of Critical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving explain how to give good presentations and effectively get your ideas across by using critical thinking. They advise you to use stories to persuade and inform your audience. Continue reading to learn how to structure a story by using critical thinking principles and techniques.

Affection in a Marriage: Why It Matters and How to Build It

Why is the expression of affection so important in a marriage? How do you communicate affection toward your spouse? Fostering and communicating affection is essential for a happy and long-lasting marriage. This means deliberately focusing on your partner’s positive attributes and then expressing any loving feelings that arise. Here are some tips on how to cultivate and communicate affection in a marriage.

How to Structure a Presentation by Structuring Your Thinking

What’s the pyramid principle, and how can it help you present information effectively? What if you structured your presentations as stories? The authors of Critical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving explain how to give good presentations and communicate your ideas effectively using critical thinking. They note that many people have excellent ideas but don’t understand how to structure their presentations. Read more to learn how to structure a presentation by structuring your thinking first.

How to Talk So Your Kids Will Listen: Faber & Mazlish Explain

Want to know how to talk so your kids will listen to you? What advice can you learn from the book How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk? How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk helps you build mutually respectful relationships with your children. Written by two educators, Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish, it’s been dubbed “the parenting bible” by The Boston Globe. Read on to learn how to talk so your kids will listen, based on an overview of the book’s parenting advice.

What to Do If Someone Is Overstepping Boundaries

What should you do when someone is overstepping boundaries with you? What’s the best way to respond to boundary violations? It can be distressing when someone oversteps your boundaries, but you shouldn’t jump to conclusions. When someone crosses your personal boundaries, it doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t respect them. Therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab explains how to deal with boundary violations, both minor and major.