Darya Sinusoid, Author at Shortform Books

Why Did English Spelling Reform Efforts Fail?

What was the English spelling reform? And what were the reasons behind the efforts to standardize the conventions of English spelling? The incongruity between English spelling and pronunciation has been a defining feature of the English language for most of its history. This has led some notable public figures to call for the English spelling reform to bridge the two together. Keep reading to learn about the English spelling reform and why it failed.

The Power of Active Listening in Communication

What is active listening? Why is active listening important in communication? Active listening is an invaluable communication skill. In simple terms, active listening is listening to understand, not to respond. Active listening does not only help to understand the other person’s perspective but it’s also a great way to foster connection through disclosure; when you actively listen, people share more. Read about the importance of active listening in communication.

Define Cultural Appropriation: Why It’s Problematic

How do you define cultural appropriation? Why is cultural appropriation problematic? There’s considerable disagreement about what constitutes cultural appropriation even among people of the same culture. But, how do you define cultural appropriation? Simply put, it is when someone adopts an element of culture that isn’t their own (e.g. a hairstyle or a piece of clothing). In this article, we will define cultural appropriation, highlight some examples, and explain why cultural appropriation is problematic.

The Key Principles of the Stoicism Philosophy

What are the key principles of Stoicism philosophy? How can adopting these principles help you become calmer, stronger, and more resilient in the face of adversity? The principles of Stoicism are underpinned by three disciplines: 1) perception, 2) action, and 3) will. With or without knowing it, most successful people have overcome their obstacles by adopting these principles. Keep reading to learn about the key principles of Stoicism.

How to Create a Promotion Plan: Template + Strategies

Looking for advice on how to plan a promotional campaign for a small business? What are some things you should consider as you put together your first promotion plan? In order to stay afloat and make a profit, you need customers. In order to get customers, you need to put some work into spreading the word about your business. But before you go ahead and start advertising, you need to create a promotion plan. Use this promotion plan template to help you flesh out your first promotional campaign.

Morita Therapy: Healing Through Acceptance

What is Morita therapy? What is the main premise behind the Morita therapeutic approach? Morita therapy is a Japanese form of life therapy informed by Zen principles. It teaches people in psychological crisis to accept their emotions instead of trying to control them. Keep reading to learn about Morita therapy.

The Little-Known History of the American English

What is the history of American English? Who brought the English language to the American continent? How did Americans develop their distinct vocabulary and pronunciation? The history of American English began in the seventeenth century when the first wave of English-speaking settlers arrived in the Americas. Over time, they developed their unique vocabulary and pronunciation, borrowing from the native tongues of the American Indians, the earlier Spanish settlers, and even the French. Keep reading to learn about the history of American English.

The Importance of Emotional Safety in the Workplace

What does it mean to say someone feels emotionally safe at work? What happens when emotional security is absent in the workplace? When employees feel emotionally safe at work, they feel secure and are comfortable speaking out. When emotional safety is absent in the workplace, performance and efficiency drop drastically. Read about the importance of emotional safety in the workplace and what happens when it’s missing.

In Brief: So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

What is the main message of So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo? What are the key themes discussed in the book? So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo is a handbook on how to have intelligent, productive, and empathic conversations about race. Beyond giving practical advice on how to talk about race, the book also addresses broader inequality issues including privilege, intersectionality, cultural appropriation, and the model minority myth. Here is a brief overview of So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo.

Gary Klein: Premortem Plans for What Could Go Wrong

What is Gary Klein’s premortem planning technique? What was his inspiration in coming up with the premortem analysis? Gary Klein’s premortem analysis looks at what could go wrong in advance in order to prepare for or prevent problems. It’s catching on among startups and major companies, but it actually dates back to the Stoics, who called this process the “premeditation of evils.” Read about Gary Klein’s premortem technique.