Martin Oliver - The How-To Handbook: Shortcuts and Solutions for the Problems of Everyday Life

BASICS

PREP WORK

COOKING

We aren't born knowing how to tie our shoes, drive a car, or even put on our own pants (after all, should we do it one leg at a time, or two?). These are all basic, essential skills that we need to learn in order to become fully operationalbut this knowledge doesn't just fall from the sky. The How-To Handbook is a comprehensive guide to managing everyday challenges and doing all of these things efficiently, thoroughly, and well. Some of these skills may seem deceptively simple (like loading a dishwasher properly), while others may seem nearly impossible at the outset (like folding a fitted sheetbecause how on earth are you supposed to fold something that has rounded corners and is designed to crumple up?!). So in the end, whether you're wondering about making it through the morning without burning your toast or escaping disaster in the great outdoors, we've got you covered.

The six sections of the book are organized to help you to quickly find the type of skill you want to masterfrom ironing a pair of pants in the Looking (and Smelling) Good section to fixing a punctured tire in the Do It Yourself section, to cleaning your room quickly and well in the Clean Up Like a Pro section. Each skill is also broken down into a few simple steps and most are supplemented with images to help illustrate the finer points of the job.

But be warned: The smoother you handle life's little moments of chaos, and the more adept you become at managing all of life's little obstacles, the more likely people are to turn to you for help. That can be a burden sometimes, sure, but as James Bond continues to demonstrate in sequel after sequel, there are few things cooler than an assured bearing, a steady hand, and the confidence of knowing how to get things done.

WARNING

The information in these boxes will help alert you to some under-appreciated dangers and enable you to stay safe, no matter what.

As you make your way through this handbook, you'll come across these bonus tips that will help you master the various skills.

Do you get a little too freaked out when you see a spider? Do you have trouble packing for even an overnight trip? Are you always cramming for tests at the last minute? Panic no more! This first section won't just teach you how to wrap a gift or speak in public, it will teach you how to do these things really well. And armed with these basic skills, you'll be able to take a little bit more control of your lifeand help out friends and family when they run into some of these roadblocks themselves (because there's still a sizeable chunk of humanity that doesn't know how to wrap a giftlet alone manage money!).

It can be totally nerve-wracking to speak in front of a large group of people (or even a small group sometimes)and imagining the audience in their underwear is a little weird, right? Don't let stage fright get the best of you though. Follow these tips to feel more comfortable the next time you have to give a presentation.

Prepare your speech in advance. Even if you only have a few minutes' warning, try to go somewhere quiet to get your thoughts in order.

If memorizing your speech isn't an option, make short notes on index cards to remind you of the key points. Try not to rely on these notes too much thoughlooking down at the paper all the time can make you look nervous.

Rehearse your speech on your own before you say it in front of an audience. Pay special attention to any unfamiliar names you might have to say, or complicated thoughts you have in mindthe more you practice, the less likely you are to get tongue-tied or lost.

When you give your speech, try not to walk around or fidget. Take your time and talk slowly and clearly. If you make a mistake, stop and give yourself time to recover.

Smile and look toward your audience. Don't be afraid to make eye contact with individuals in the crowdit can really help your speech make more of an impact.

Nothing ruins a ride like nausea. But wait, and put down that entire bottle of Pepto! And the next time you're on a plane, boat ride, road trip, or runaway horse, bear these tips in mind instead.