Shortform Books

How Persuasive People Take Advantage of the Zero-Risk Bias

Why do people have a zero-risk bias? How can it be used to one’s advantage? Peter D. Andrei explains that effective communication takes psychology into account. When you understand how people’s minds work, you’re more likely to be able to persuade them. He discusses several cognitive biases, including the zero-risk bias, in the context of rhetoric. Keep reading to learn how to take advantage of the zero-risk bias, even when the risk isn’t zero.

Aristotle’s Rhetorical Appeals—Pathos, Logos, Ethos, & Kairos

What are Aristotle’s rhetorical appeals? How can you use these appeals to successfully persuade an audience? Aristotle’s rhetorical appeals are pathos, logos, ethos, and kairos. According to René Rodriguez in Amplify Your Influence, using all of these in a presentation is a surefire way to keep your audience engaged with your ideas. Let’s look at how you can use these techniques to be the most persuasive speaker around.

How to Figure Out Who You Want to Be: Naming Your True Desires

Do you tend to keep doing the same thing without a good reason for it? Which work tasks do you truly enjoy? What skills does your future self have? In Think Big, behavioral science expert Grace Lordan addresses the fact that many people fail to transform their lives despite a desire to do so. She acknowledges that achieving big goals takes a few years and provides practical advice for making the journey toward your ideal self. Read more to discover how to figure out who you want to be—the first step on that journey.

Unraveling Consumer Expectations: The Key to Innovation

Why is it important to understand consumer expectations? How can it drive product innovation and success? In today’s competitive business landscape, understanding what motivates consumers is paramount to achieving success. According to Clayton Christensen’s book Competing Against Luck, by aligning products with consumer expectations, companies can accurately predict their success in the market. Keep reading to learn how to truly understand consumer expectations, according to Christensen.

The Future of the Virtual Economy—as Predicted in the 1990s

3 Major Tips From Charlie Munger on Investing

What’s the impact of the virtual economy on commerce? To what extent have digital currencies replaced fiat currencies? In the 1990s, James Davidson and William Rees-Mogg predicted that the virtual economy would overtake physical economies. In their book The Sovereign Individual, they discuss what that would mean for the economy as a whole and for civilization in general. Keep reading to learn Davidson and Rees-Mogg’s predictions about the virtual economy and, in retrospect, see how close they got.

Why Is It So Hard to Find a Job? The 2 Culprits

Why is it so hard to find a job these days? How has technology affected the modern workforce? It used to be fairly simple to get a job, build a career, and then retire with little to no issues. But nowadays, it can be difficult just to find an entry-level job, even if you have the experience and education for it. It’s because of two reasons: technology and globalization. Below we’ll look at why job-searching is a tough chore to get through, and how you can build a career today.

Set Up a Management Team Structure to Optimize Your Business

Do your managers efficiently and consistently manage your business’s daily operations? Or, do operational tasks constantly distract you from leading your business? If you have a successful business and want to keep it hitting on all cylinders, you need effective systems. A well-structured management team can oversee these systems, ensure smooth operations, and optimize your business over the long haul. That frees you up to focus on leadership and business growth. Read more to learn how to set up an effective management team structure.

The 3 Advantages of Mindfulness for Your Relationships

How to Visualize the Life You Want to Have in 3 Steps

How does mindfulness improve romantic relationships? What are the advantages of mindfulness? David Richo’s relationship advice from How to Be an Adult in Relationships is rooted in the Buddhist concept of mindfulness, the practice of witnessing the present without evaluating, judging, or trying to influence it. When you’re mindful, you simply notice what you’re actually experiencing right now. To learn more about how you can benefit from practicing mindfulness, keep reading.

Procrastination & Emotional Regulation: The Surprising Connection

How do negative emotions affect procrastination? How can you use emotional regulation to overcome procrastination? In The Procrastination Cure, Damon Zahariades considers possible psychological sources of procrastination. He presents several models of how a task that stirs up strong emotions or triggers negative thoughts can lead you to procrastinate. Keep reading to learn about the psychological roots of procrastination, emotional regulation’s role in defeating the habit, and how negative self-esteem stalls tasks.

Learn Like a Pro: Science-Based Tools to Become Better at Anything

What’s the best way to remember what you learn? How can you plan for interruptions when you study? What are some tips for effective note-taking? Learn Like a Pro: Science-Based Tools to Become Better at Anything by Barbara Oakley and Olav Schewe is a user-friendly guide to improving your approach to learning. Whether you’re a student in school or picking up a new skill, you can become a more effective learner. Continue reading for an overview of this practical book.