Matt Bennett

In his latest book, Everyone Communicates Few Connect, John Maxwell effectively addresses the under-appreciated art of connecting with others. The book is divided into two sections. In the first section the author explores five principles of connecting and in the second section he explores five practices of connecting. Each chapter concludes with a discussion of how to apply the principle or practice either one-on-one, in a group or with an audience. Throughout the book it is shown how the one thing that stands between you and success is not experience or talent. Rather, it is the ability to meaningfully connect with others.

This is a very interesting and compelling book that challenged me to take my communication to a higher level. I was initially suspicious of how helpful this book would be. After all, what it means to connect with someone is very subjective. Maxwell takes this subjective, abstract concept of connecting with people and provides simple, practical and actionable steps I can implement immediately. Over and over again i said to myself while reading this book, “I wish I had learned these things ten years ago!” I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone who works with people and desires to communicate with them in an effective fashion.

The Language of Love and Respect is Dr. Emerson Eggerichs’ follow up to the breakthrough book, Love and Respect. The communication tendencies of men and women are compared, contrasted and examined thoroughly throughout this volume. Eggerichs is careful to include many practical examples of how to apply the principles of communication he writes about.

This book was a challenging read in a variety of ways. I alternatively found myself thankful for how thorough the author was in examining certain facets of communication between spouses and wondering at other times if he was not beating a dead horse. If you enjoyed the author’s first book, Love and Respect, and want to dive more deeply into the nuts and bolts of how to communicate in marriage within the Love and Respect paradigm, this book is for you. If you were not captivated by the first book, this one will not hold your attention.

This book presents a thoroughly Scriptural, practical and well examined approach to healthy communication in marriage. If you are hungry to learn how to apply Love and Respect principles to the way you speak to your spouse then this book is for you.

Recent events have taught me a priceless piece of wisdom. Something that does not start out right will never finish right. Whenever I start a project I must assume responsibility for asking all relevant questions and make sure not to assume I know the intent of other parties involved. Always seek to be among people that value questions more than silence.