I am always surprised at how well books on making presentations do. Presentation Zen, Slide:ology, and Beyond Bullet Points have all done exceedingly well. I have read them all and loved every word.
When John Maxwell told us he wanted to write a book on communication, I assumed he meant a book on making more compelling presentations. And make no mistake about it: John is a master presenter. I thought, Perfect! John is known as a communicator, and his audience will love his take on how to make better presentations.
But this book is about far more than presentations. The title is Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently. John’s premise is that to be effective as a leader, you must do more than communicate. You must connect. Whether it is in the context of a one-on-one encounter, a small group discussion, or making a speech before an audience of thousands, the best leaders connect with people—in a way that touches their heart and leaves them transformed in some way.
In the book, John shares five principles and five practices that will empower you to connect with people:
Part 1: Connecting Principles
- Connecting Increases Your Influence in Every Situation
- Connecting Is All About Others
- Connecting Goes Beyond Words
- Connecting Always Requires Energy
- Connecting Is More Skill Than Natural Talent
Part 2: Connecting Practices
- Connectors Connect on Common Ground
- Connectors Do the Difficult Work of Keeping It Simple
- Connectors Create an Experience Everyone Enjoys
- Connectors Inspire People
- Connectors Live What They Communicate
I found this book to be extremely practical. It was full of ideas I could put to use immediately. In fact, each chapter ends with specific ideas for connecting in various contexts.
I read the book in its initial draft and found it very insightful. However, at our recommendation, John posted it on his blog and solicited his readers’ comments. The chapters received more than 100,000 page views during the eleven weeks they were posted. Eventually, more than seventy quotes, stories, and anecdotes from his readers made it into the book.
In addition, John made more than one hundred changes to the manuscript based on his readers’ comments. As I read the book through for the second time, I found it even more useful. I am not surprised that it has been in Amazon’s top one thousand since it was published, and is currently in the top five hundred.
Whether you are a public speaker, a sales person, a customer service rep, or a receptionist, you will find tremendous value in this book. If you work with people in any capacity and want to connect with them in a powerful way, it is must-reading.
In order to “seed the market for this book,” I am going to give away 100 copies free. Even more exciting, John has autographed all 100 copies! To get a chance at snagging one, you must take the following three actions:
- Leave a comment below. Tell me why you want this book. Be creative. I really do read these comments and base my decisions on them.
- Fill out the special form. I have set up a separate contact form to make it convenient for you to provide your mailing address. Please do not put your shipping address in your comment, however. This will automatically disqualify you.
- Twitter a link to this post. You can do so automatically by clicking here. If you don’t have a Twitter account, you can use Facebook.
On Friday, April 16, I will select 100 people, based solely on my arbitrary and subjective evaluation of their comments. If you are one of those selected, Lindsey Nobles on my team will notify you via email. If you don’t hear from her, you can assume you didn’t make the cut.
By the way, Jeff Loper, who heads up our Maxwell marketing team, has set up a special web page for this book. It contains several fun resources, including a video of John (which is hilarious), a slideshow, and a sample of the book.
This space is currently available, but it won’t last long! Click here to find out how you can advertise in this space.
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I am an aspiring minister going through seminary at this time. As someone who hopes to get it the pulpit from time to time, I know that it is not just about communicating and presenting to people, but about connecting to them. Any help that I can get with understand the best way to communicate to people and connect with them too is of great importance to me. As the same time, it will also help me in my regular 9 to 5 job. The great thing about Maxwell is that he translates from the Christian world into the professional world. Judging from the initial information provided in your article as well as the information I have read on line this also seems like a book that makes a person more well-rounded. In other words, it will help not only my growth as a minister, as a professional, but also in my personal life with family and friends. This book seems like it transcends all areas of life and can work with people ages 2 to 102. So I really look forward to reading this book. Even if I am not blessed with a copy, I am sure that I will get one for myself, so please publish in Kindle format too. Thanks for what you do Michael. I just signed up to follow you on Twitter and look forward to your post. God Bless.
I would love to get this book. I was going to get it from book sneeze but wan't able too. Thanks for the opportunity.
Maxwell is definitely one to learn from. Good stuff.
I'm a pastor. I must connect!
Wow, now I'm wandering if what I have been doing all along in communication – possible is not enough. I need to connect too. I'm working with couple of teams and I always trying to get them up to date on any new news and changes. But do I really 'connect' with them. I would say, I need to do better in that area. But before that, I need to start to read this book and to understand more about it. I feel the urge to run to local bookstore and just buy it now …
CABEMANCOM –
I am an associate pastor of a church of about 500 attendees. I also volunteer about twice a year to go on international mission trips (www.visionoutreach.org) to perform cataract surgeries on blind poor people in remote parts of the world. I meet two mornings a week with discipleship guys, striving to motivate them to become disciple-makers.
We as a church are looking at making service format changes, growing, and birthing a new church in the next 3-5 years. I realize that we have more forms of communication than ever, (email, text, twitter, facebook, cell, home phone, etc.) but we seem to communicate worse than ever. Several years ago I took on the personal motto "OO7 = Others Oriented 7 days a week".
I believe that we are all called to reach the world and we do that through CONNECTING WITH OTHERS… and motivating them to in turn CONNECT with others… much like the disciples of Christ. I would love the read and study the book with hopes that it will help me be more effective in reaching the world… a few men at a time.
I think this book would really help me in my efforts as a new writer; especially in the area of platform. Communication and connecting with people are key in developing a loyal readership and in maintaining a platform for future projects. I also hope to be doing workshops in the future for various writers conferences. Please consider me for a free book. I would really appreciate it and pass it along to others in my writers groups.
Sir: As Tremendous Jones said, people I meet and books I read will determine who I will be in 5 years from now. I want to win this book because I want it to shape my leadership style and toolkit. True connection is sorely lacking in so many companies and I want to continue developing skills and passion so that I can make a real difference in my employees' lives.
I would love to have this book as I am stepping into a leadership role over a team of educators. I am aware of not only my faults, but lack of leadership roles in the past 2 years, and desperately need to refine my leadership skills, particularly in the area of communication. This would be great reading for me to put into immediate practice!
I am emphathetic towards others but because I am shy, my feelings come across as being reserved. I feel trapped. I am called to the ministry, but I am stalling, I don’t know how to connect. I have been out of college since 1993 and all my jobs I have been miserable. I need a new paradigm shift to start over or amend my life and career. Can you please help me by sending me this book? Thanks
Thank you for the book, Michael! can't wait to read my birthday present!
I would love this book for my husband. We are about to head to a church assessment process, where he is the candidate for a relational leadership position in a new church plant. He absolutely loves John Maxwell, Injoy, and Catalyst and would appreciate the opportunity to get the book for free!
Keep up the blog – love reading it!
YES!
I want to read this ASAP!
Dear Mr. Hyatt,
Thanks for yet another great post. I missed the deadline by one day, but I wanted to tell you anyway.
I truly hope to get my hands on this book.
As a missionary, my job is all wrapped up in two things: communicating and connecting.
I live in Italy, where it is not always easy to get great resources, especially from a Christian perspective on leadership. Not only do I feel it is my responsibility to be equipped, but also I am doing my best to equip Italian leaders within the Church. God has been blessing our ministry immensely as of late. We have so many leaders to train!
Thank you for investing in my life and ministry!
Jonathan Whitman
I may be too late as I am in New Zealand. I am one of the 70 contributors and read each draft and responded so i have read ECFC. Yesterday I was able to talk on the telephone with Elizabeth Sherrill (dot com). Although in their 80's John and Elizabeth are still travelling and writing for Guideposts. If this is still open I would love you to send an autographed copy to them in gratitude for the amazing body of work they have given to the world – right back from The Cross and the Switchblade, the Hiding Place and God's Smuggler. I can highly recommend her spiritual memoir that you can read on her website All the way to Heaven. They are the epitome of people who connect – but they are still sharing what they learn. I'm sure the retirement community they belong to will benefit from their gift (if it is sent to them) Thanks on behalf of the many Sherrill fans!!
I first heard John Maxwell speak about 15 years ago. I've read many of his books and always find them
useful and challenging. I promise to read this book and then I will pass it on to someone else.
Thanks,
Jim
Thank you !!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!! I found out this weekend I was one of the winners of the autographed copy of Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently. I've been interviewing for a new job and I know the wisdom I will glean from the pages of the book will make a tremendous difference for the next steps. Thank you again. I am truly blessed this weekend with the news. Sylvia Scott
My recent post Valerie Torelli's blog on her interview with Kelly Trinhh
Read it? Oh I would read it and not only read it but study it. The Highlighter would be going crazy! I would put it to use as I communicate as a Pastor. I believe that I need to improve connecting and this would be a helpful tool!
John, this book sounds like just what I need. There are so many books out on the market, but one never knows which one to buy, or what will suit your business/communication needs. Since this review states it is simple, logical and applicable, sounds like it hits the spot for me, and I would love to read and critique it. Please consider me for 1 of the 100 free signed copies I can add to my ever expanding, years old collection of special autographed books. I just signed up with you on Twitter, Facebook, RSS feed and blog. Thank you so much for allowing us into your world and share your great knowledge and guidance to business and life!!
I have never read a John Maxwell book that not well developed, practical, and great for group discussions.
At Grace Lutheran we have used some of his books and tapes and found them to well attended.. Righyt
now we have fewer people in leadership roles and looking at the outline I think it would be perfect for a
beginning a NEW LEADERSHIP GROUP AT GRACE.
Is there a group price?
Ann Jacobson
I am constantly searching for ways to increase my own knowledge and understanding of leadership, improving my communication skills and abilities and just learning in general. If I was fortunate enough to receive a copy I know I wouldn't put it down until it was finished, as I could not wait to apply newly learned concepts and share with everyone. I don't know why I am so drawn to the subject, but I know its for a purpose…. for something grand. God has put big dreams in me and continues to lead me to those who inspire and motivate me to do great things ! Can't wait for the Spur Leadership Conference !
My recent post The Leadership Secrets of Paul Revere (and a Book Giveaway)
Love writing and reading!
Communication is the foundational Blueprint for success! I am looking for 5 points to help me grow into a fabulous communicator.
IN life what we read make us up,only when the word become life to us as we read it,well i will like to have it,because i need it to move on,so please know it that those who know the use of what is made up of will not waste it,it will add to them for the purpose of the future,because the future is here for us as sons of the eagle in life.
thank you sir,
for the book.
I didn't know you earlier unil my guardian bought your book. I had a lot of inspiration when I read it, and I took notes on every other pages based on your wisdom words. I am very glad that your book is influence not only people's life but their mind.
i HAVE BEING LONGING ON A CAREER AS COMMUNICTOR AND BEING AN ENGLISH LITERARY STUDENTS. I KNOW ‘Everyone Communicates, Few Connect’ WILL IMPROVE MY SKILL AND TEACH ME PRINCIPLES THAT WILL GUIDE MY CHOSEN CAREER
i teach the adult sunday school class. even though i communicate well. i need to learn how to connect with them, so they in turn will find the word of god as challenging as i do.