Book Review: Everyone Communicates Few Connect

John Maxwell has done an outstanding job in his latest book in Everyone Communicates Few Connect



This book is not for everyone because some do not have a desire to connect. This book is only for those who wish to improve his or her connecting skills and abilities. The book is practical and the language of the book echo's Maxwell's writing style. There are numerous quotes that he uses to frame a chapter or a section around that one quote. Neither good or bad that is how Maxwell writes. Occasionally Maxwell seems to "bragging" about his success or possibly he is being relational and showing how he has used the principles in the book to connect with others.

Here are a few practical tips that may seem like common sense to most, but unfortunately common sense does not mean we implement these traits into our daily life. Three questions that we long to know when connecting;

• Do you care for me?
• Can you help me?
• Can I trust you?

Finding common ground in relationships is important and overlooked. To overcome this one needs to ask questions and explore the other person's interest. This can be done by what some would say "playing ignorant" in your conversations. Once you approach someone as a "know it all" or arrogant walls are built and connection is lost. Asking questions allows you to be in a place of humility  and sometimes this may be achieved best by playing ignorant. This principle has to do with simplicity in speech or what Maxwell said as "talk to, not above." People are longing for conversations not debates. Practice humility by asking genuine questions. Here are a few questions to help you connect;

• What do you dream about?
• What do you sing about?
• What do you cry about?

A highlight from the book is the guide at the end of each chapter that explores connecting one-on-one, in a group, and in a audience. This is a book that everyone needs to practice, but the reality is only a few will implement these practices in his or her daily life.

One area he did not address is the need to disconnect from our media, cell phones, TV,  Facebook, Twitter and the numerous other outlets that are causing us to lose this idea of presence and how that helps us connect with others.

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Another book review from Thomas Nelson and Booksneeze.com