Amanda Penn, Author at Shortform Books

Tyler Westover: Tara Westover’s Savior and Inspiration

Who is Tyler Westover? What is Tyler’s relationship with his sister Tara like? How did he inspire her to become educated? And why does Tara Westover choose to use his real name in her book? Tyler Westover is one of the five brothers of Tara Westover, author of the memoir Educated. He inspired Tara to attend college, the pivotal break from her abusive home life. We’ll look at Tyler Westover’s relationship with the author and cover parts of Educated that might indicate why Tara chooses to write about him using his real name (she gives her parents, brother “Shawn,” and

How to Find Mutual Gains in Negotiation

When entering a negotiation, you often think only of your own interests. How could it benefit you to negotiate a deal that results in mutual gains? And is it possible to achieve mutual gains without compromising what you want? Believe it or not, finding mutual gains is in your best interest as well as the other party’s best interest. We’ll look at why seeking mutual gains is important in negotiations and how to find mutual gains.

Shawn Westover: Tara Westover’s Brother and Abuser

Who is Shawn Westover? What is Shawn’s relationship with his sister Tara like? And why doesn’t Tara Westover reveal his real name? Shawn Westover is the fictitious name Tara Westover gives to one of her brothers in her memoir Educated. We’ll look at Shawn Westover’s relationship with the author and cover parts of Educated that might indicate why Tara chose not to reveal Shawn’s real name, even though she used the real names of at least three of her four other brothers.

Choosing a School? Beware the Big-Fish-Little-Pond Effect

What is the Big-Fish-Little-Pond Effect? And how does it affect me? The Big-Fish-Little-Pond Effect is the theory that we compare ourselves to the students around us. When you’re a high-achieving student in a low-achieving school (a big fish in a little pond), you’re likely to have more confidence in your intelligence and academic ability than a student with the same IQ in a high-achieving school (a big pond). Learn why it’s so important to understand the Big-Fish-Little-Pond Effect, especially if you’re a student (or the parent of one!).

4 Simple Steps to Principled Negotiation

What is principled negotiation? And how will it help you get better deals with less conflict? Principled negotiation is a negotiating tactic designed to generate fair agreements efficiently and civilly. Learn how to use principled negotiation and why you should.

5 Lessons on Underdog Success From Lawrence of Arabia

Who was Lawrence of Arabia? How did he manage to defeat the powerful Turks with his untrained band of nomads? Lawrence of Arabia (T.E. Lawrence) was a British officer and archaeologist who led various military activities in Arabia during the First World War. Learn what Lawrence of Arabia can teach us about winning as an underdog.

The Troubles: How a Small Protest Became 30 Years of Violence

What were the Troubles? What caused the situation to escalate so quickly? What actions and attitudes could have changed its course? The Troubles was a time of violence in Northern Ireland rooted in ethnic, political, and religious conflict. During the Troubles, the Catholics were the Davids (underdogs) and the British Army was the Goliath (the powerful giant). We’ll discuss two aspects of Goliath’s power that actually make him less powerful: the limits of authority and the negative effects of the overuse of power.

Relative Deprivation Theory: Why You Shouldn’t Go to Harvard

What is the relative deprivation theory? How does it affect the choices I make, in school, at work, and in life in general? The relative deprivation theory is a theory that says we compare ourselves to the people around us. Our feelings of happiness or deprivation, success or failure, are not absolute, but rather relative to how happy and successful our neighbors are. Learn why it’s critical to understand the relative deprivation theory when making decisions and assessing your successes and failures.

6 Tips to Handle Your Emotions in Negotiation

Because negotiation involves people, it inevitably involves emotions. What are the best ways to deal with these emotions in negotiation and make a successful deal? There are six crucial tips to keep in mind when negotiating. These principles will allow you to benefit from positive emotions while avoiding the stalemates that can come from negative emotions in negotiation.

Konrad Kellen’s Vietnam Warning: Why Didn’t Anybody Listen?

Who was Konrad Kellen? And is it possible that he could have shortened the Vietnam War? Konrad Kellen was a German political analyst who served in various roles, including U.S. Army Intelligence, during his long career. Learn what Konrad Kellen knew about the Viet Cong and the Vietnamese people that could have ended the Vietnam War earlier and saved many lives…if only the U.S. government had taken his opinion seriously.