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

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)

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.

The Science of Habits: The 2 Models of Habit Formation

The Science of Habits: The 2 Models of Habit Formation

What does the science of habits tell us about our brains? What are the different models of habit formation? There are two primary models for understanding habits and how they form. With minor variations, most authors describe habits in the same way, which we’ll call the Standard Model. Meanwhile, in Tiny Habits, Stanford behavioral scientist BJ Fogg presents the Fogg Behavior Model, a different approach to understanding habits. Let’s look at the two models of habits that are often in conflict with one another.

Evaluating Relationships: How’s Your Social Fitness?

Evaluating Relationships: How’s Your Social Fitness?

Are your relationships healthy? Who needs more of your time? Does anyone need to go? In The Good Life, Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz provide a methodology for evaluating your “social fitness”—the current health of your relationships. This will give you an idea of who you need to focus on more and who you need to cut from your life. Find out how to evaluate relationships in your life in order to move forward in a positive direction.

Secular Spirituality: Sam Harris Sets Transcendence Free

Secular Spirituality: Sam Harris Sets Transcendence Free

Is it possible to have spirituality without religion? If so, how? Why would you want to pursue this? Sam Harris is known for encouraging skeptics to confront religion. In 2017’s Waking Up, he lays out a reason-based approach to spirituality that’s rooted in what science and meditation teach about the workings of the human mind. Read more to learn what secular spirituality means and why Harris recommends it.

The Impact of Debra McCurdy’s Death on Jennette’s Life

The Impact of Debra McCurdy’s Death on Jennette’s Life

How did Debra McCurdy’s death happen? What was Jennette McCurdy’s reaction to her mother’s death? Debra McCurdy died when Jennette McCurdy was 21, leaving her feeling lost and unsure of who she was. In I’m Glad My Mom Died, McCurdy discusses her initial reaction to Debra’s death, as well as the effect of Debra’s death on McCurdy’s acting career. Keep reading to learn more about the effects of this tremendous death on McCurdy’s life.

The Importance of Consumers & How They Shape the Market

The Importance of Consumers & How They Shape the Market

Why is the importance of consumers for a business strategy? What influence do consumers have over a market? According to Competitive Strategy by Michael Porter, influential buyers can impact what businesses offer, their pricing strategies, as well as overall market demand for products and services. For example, in the smartphone market, buyers exert significant influence due to their ability to readily switch brands. Here are the multiple conditions that increase buyer influence over a market.

Get Out There: How to Overcome Social Anxiety and Shyness

Get Out There: How to Overcome Social Anxiety and Shyness

Do you feel uneasy about attending social events? Do you lack confidence when talking to people outside of your social circle? It’s easy to think that you need to change something about yourself before you can boldly meet new people. But, communication experts say that the solution entails looking outward at others rather than inward at yourself. Also, some strategic preparation can go a long way. Continue reading to learn how to overcome social anxiety and shyness by focusing on others and coming prepared.