The Old School Advantage: Timeless Tools for Every Generation

by J.N. Whiddon

J. N. Whiddon, The Old School founder, arms you with the tools and wisdom you need to succeed in The Old School Timeless Tools for Every Generation . It's all about giving you an edge in life, not just an edge in school or your career. Learn to deliver impactful presentations using ready recall. Influence people with WOW! words and probing questions. Master the art of storytelling. Your acquisition of these skills through The Old School will allow you to make a lasting impression in every encounter. Become a life-changing leader dedicated to success as well as significance. School never truly lets out, no matter your age. Leaders never stop seeking out and soaking up knowledge. If you want to stand out in an age in which information is everywhere but wisdom is elusive, you need to be more than just technically skilled. You need to be a leader equipped with discernment beyond your years. With these indispensable tools, you can build a life and leave a legacy that will endure. Don't fall behind, and don't settle for mediocrity. Give yourself the Old School advantage.

256 pages, Hardcover

Published February 16, 2016

Reviews

[James Hallmark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jim describes himself as a “compiler” rather than an author, and I think that is important in reading this book. Jim compiles wisdom from psychologists, educational theorists, philosophers, business consultants, futurists, just any source he can imagine and organizes it into “Old School” lessons for success. These are things that old people like me were taught growing up, but maybe in some circles we’ve lost that knowledge and haven’t passed it along to the next generation. And that is Whiddon’s goal, to pass along this wisdom to the next generation. Much of it is pretty simple stuff like looking people in the eye, remembering their names, writing thank you notes. Much of it is more sophisticated such as decision making skills, life long learning, and memory aids. The book takes the form of lists and stories and quotes, not typically my style but I don’t disagree with anything he said. Whiddon is right on target. Not surprisingly, my favorite chapter is the last chapter where Whiddon goes in to the importance of reading books, lots of them, from various fields of study. That, of course, is what I do, so I agreed wholeheartedly. And in full disclosure, Jim is a new friend and he gave me the book, a nice hard cover edition. Still, I will assert this recommendation is reasonably unbiased. Jim has packaged a good set of life lessons for success and happiness.

[C L · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book Timeline
Introduction
Introduces the book's thesis that old-school communication skills are still relevant in the digital age
Discusses the importance of being able to think on your feet, deliver impactful presentations, and influence people

Chapter 1: Recall
Teaches you how to remember information quickly and easily
Provides exercises and tips to help you improve your recall skills

Chapter 2: Words
Shows you how to use powerful words to capture people's attention
Provides a list of WOW! words to get you started

Chapter 3: Influence
Teaches you how to persuade people to your point of view
Provides tips on how to build rapport and create a sense of urgency

Chapter 4: Reason
Shows you how to use logic and reason to make your case
Provides tips on how to avoid logical fallacies and persuade people with facts

Chapter 5: Storytelling
Shows you how to use stories to connect with people and make a lasting impression
Provides tips on how to tell stories that are both engaging and informative

Chapter 6: Impress
Shows you how to make a good impression on people
Provides tips on how to dress, speak, and act in a way that commands respect

Chapter 7: Lead
Teaches you how to be a leader
Provides tips on how to motivate and inspire others, set a good example, and make tough decisions

Chapter 8: Learn
Shows you how to learn from your mistakes and grow as a person
Provides tips on how to be open to new ideas, ask for help, and never give up