The World's Best Book Summaries
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.
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.
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.
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.
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? 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.
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.
What are you willing to give up in order to work less (or not at all)? Do you carry debt that isn’t really necessary? In Early Retirement Extreme, Jacob Lund Fisker shows you how to do what he did: break free of consumerism and live a fulfilling, meaningful life—well before the typical retirement age. He provides straightforward strategies that you can adopt to make this significant lifestyle change. Continue reading for an overview of this book that invites you to take control of your life and future.
Do you hate small talk? Does it seem shallow and like a waste of time? Patrick King wrote an entire book about small talk. He sings its praises—and teaches the skill—because he recognizes the value of small talk as a stepping stone toward deeper connections. Read more to learn about the importance of small talk and how it’s just the beginning of substantive conversations.
What does foreshadowing accomplish in a story? How can it be used to powerful effect with your readers? In Wired for Story, Lisa Cron explains that humans have an innate need to understand the reasons behind everything—to make sense of what’s happening to us and around us. One of the techniques that writers can use to satisfy this human need is foreshadowing. Keep reading for Cron’s exploration of foreshadowing in a story and how it affects readers.