Chapter 7 Synopsis
Connectors Do the Difficult Work of Keeping It Simple
A few years ago, I was being interviewed on a television talk show. The host held up a couple of my books and said, “John, I’ve read several of your books and they are all so simple.” His tone of voice, body language, and mannerisms made it clear to me and the audience that he did not mean it as a compliment!
My response was straightforward: “That’s true. The principles in my books are simple to understand. But they are not always simple to apply.” The audience applauded, and he conceded what I said was right.
I think a lot of people believe that if an individual, especially an author or speaker, bombards them with a lot of complex information or writes using big words in a style that is dense and difficult to understand, then he is somehow intelligent and credible. In the academic world, that seems to be especially true. When students can’t understand their professor, they often assume it’s because the professor is so smart and knows so much more than they do. I don’t think that’s always true. More often in such cases the teacher isn’t a good communicator. While educators often take something simple and make it complicated, communicators take something complicated and make it simple.
In his excellent book The Power of Little Words, author John Beckley, former business editor of Newsweek, observes: “The emphasis in education is rarely placed on communicating ideas simply and clearly. Instead, we’re encouraged to use more complicated words and sentence structures to show off our learning and literacy. . . . Instead of teaching us how to communicate as clearly as possible, our schooling in English teaches us how to fog things up. It even implants a fear that if we don’t make our writing complicated enough, we’ll be considered uneducated.”
I think everyone can agree that many of the issues we face in life can be complex. A professor may legitimately argue that his or her area of expertise is complicated. I won’t contest that. But as leaders and communicators, our job is to bring clarity to a subject, not complexity. It doesn’t take nearly as much skill to identify a problem as it does to find a good solution. The measure of a great teacher isn’t what he knows; it’s what his students know. Making things simple is a skill, and it’s a necessary one if you want to connect with people when you communicate.
Winston Churchill was perhaps the greatest communicator of the twentieth century. He was an excellent leader, inspiring communicator, and accomplished writer, having won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1953. He continually expressed the importance of keeping communication simple. He stated, “All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope,” and “Broadly speaking, the short words are the best, and the old words best of all.”
It may seem counterintuitive, but if you want to take your communication to the next level and connect with people, don’t try to impress them with your intellect or overpower them with too much information. Give them clarity and simplicity. People will relate to you, and they’ll want to invite you back to communicate with them again.
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97 responses so far ↓
1 Sue Cartun // Oct 19, 2009 at 1:01 am
It’s true. if you use lengthy or stilted language to try to impress, you cannot connect. The audience is simply waiting for the torture to end.
On the four, a suggestion: change the last one so we don’t have Help and help together. How about Help-something that will assist them in a tangible way
Humor—something that will make people laugh,
Heart—something that will captivate people’s emotions,
Hope—something that will inspire people, or
Help—something that will help people in a tangible way.
2 Ronnie // Oct 19, 2009 at 3:18 am
After the church service, the pastor shook hands with members and one of them commented on his sermon, “Pastor, you are smarter than Albert Einstein.” The pastor was surprised at that statement but did not respond immediately to the member. He coudn’t sleep properly for a week, so mystified with those words. The following sunday, he asked the member why he said what he said. “You see, Albert Einstein wrote something so difficult that only ten persons could understand him at that time. But when you preached, no one could understand you.”
3 Ronnie // Oct 19, 2009 at 3:19 am
After the church service, the pastor shook hands with members and one of them commented on his sermon, “Pastor, you are smarter than Albert Einstein.” The pastor was surprised at that statement but did not respond immediately to the member. He coudn’t sleep properly for a week, so mystified with those words. The following sunday, he asked the member why he said what he said. “You see, Albert Einstein wrote something so difficult that only ten persons could understand him at that time. But when you preached, no one could understand you.”
John, Tks for such simple yet great chapter!
4 Becca Chen // Oct 19, 2009 at 3:36 am
Hi, I’m from Singapore !
And I enjoy every book of yours truly! ; Was practically nodding throughout while reading this chapter.
Indeed, it is difficult to KISS (keep it simple and sweet)
I’d like to share a short incident I have just this weekend.
There was a gathering and my church mate’s son was playing by the pool and he was watering the surrounding plants with the water from the pool Then my friend (whom is a pre-school teacher) told him “Jayden, please stop watering the plants, there’s something inside the water that is bad to the plants. Really I’m not kidding” then, he stopped.
For a moment, I was wondering “why won’t my friend just tell him that it’s chlorine instead of ‘something’ without even hesitating?”
Then I realized that why would a three year old know about chlorine?
My friend has really grasped the meaning to speak ‘simple’.
However, often, she finds it difficult to use those ‘big’ words when communicating with us, and she’s rather bothered by it.
We don’t really know how to comfort her. But I guess I’ll just get her this book!
Looking forward!
Loves,
Becca
5 Lindsay Fawcett // Oct 19, 2009 at 3:58 am
As I have said previous weeks I am an ESL teacher who is living as a missionary in Japan. Never before have I seen how true it is for miscommunication. With the billboards and prints on the clothes I need to remind myself to hold in the laugh sometimes. I have a funny story about a “stove” here in Japan.
I was talking to my Japanese teacher and we were working on the vocabulary (by picture) of a kitchen. I kept asking “And what is the stove called in Japanese?” She would say, stove. Ok, simple enough. However, then I would proceed to talk about the stove and she kept correcting me. So we would start over again and her answer would be the same. Obviously her English is not the best, but to her a stove is a heater and the thing in the kitchen is something else.
This is one of many miscommunications I have had here. It is so important to not only keep it slow and simple, but to make sure that there are no other preconceived notions about what you might be referring to.
Engrish can get in the way of your English.
Thanks again for such a blessing!
Lindsay
6 Barb Giglio // Oct 19, 2009 at 9:14 am
“Pastor, I understand everything you said, and it made sense!”
Good reminder to me to stay humble and thoughtful and simple. Just as in decorating, sometimes less is more. I really am enjoying this book. Thank you for allowing us to participate.
Barb Giglio
7 Jr Davis // Oct 19, 2009 at 10:11 am
Great information and keep up the great work.
8 Sandy Gorman // Oct 19, 2009 at 10:25 am
My husband comments a lot that the directions are not written clearly. When he is installing or putting something together, he reads the directions. Most of the time he states that the project is taking longer than it should because the directions are not clear.
I do have a question about starting sentences with conjunctions. This rule may be different for books. I teach my students not to start a sentence with a conjunction. One sentence started with But and the other with And. Also, the sentence that reads: Begin, and end on time. There is no need for the comma after Begin.
I can connect easly with your chapters. Becca wrote KISS. Keep it Simple and Sweet. I have heard Keep It Simple Stupid.
9 Jasman Hazly // Oct 19, 2009 at 10:37 am
Hi,
Im from Malaysian.
I really enjoying your book. Even some of the book that i read need more than 3 month…it just worth it.
For every single words that you quote inspired me.
I cant wait for this book to come out.
p/s: i RSS u in my Google Reader…easy to me to know when u update this site.
10 Jennifer Schwilling // Oct 19, 2009 at 11:35 am
This is a great chapter. Us teachers do need to work on more clear and concise communication sometimes. I just finished up a teaching class (as a student) and wish they had this chapter of your book! I’m sure going to use it as I prepare for my classes, especially Idea Four – Say it Clearly.
On another note, a funny warning from our food processor that was made in China: “not for the other use”. We’ve spent years speculating on what the “other use” could be.
11 Alison C. // Oct 19, 2009 at 12:23 pm
I enjoy the difference between the ‘apple’ story and Becca Chen’s story about her friend’s son watering the plants with ‘something’! Thank you for sharing, Becca!
I also appreciate this reminder, John. We should all be more precise and clear in our communication… if we want to connect. The most impact this chapter had on me was the two questions I’ll begin to ask myself before communicating with others…
1. What do I want them to know?
2. What do I want them to do?
Everything does rise and fall on leadership. Leadership is also influence. One could say that Everything rises and falls on influence and this seems the best way to influence and lead people!
12 Barb Giglio // Oct 19, 2009 at 12:25 pm
just saw your tweet, so on illustrate: how about a picture of you standing infront of an audience and blowing a KISS (Keep It Simple + Sweet) out to your audience. lol, that’s what i saw when i thought of an illustration!
OR an illustration taken behind you of you looking at your notes (if you have them when you speak?) and K I S S as the header and in the picture you can see the audience in front of you? i’m actually having fun with this, thanks again for letting me share the vision! 
barb giglio
13 Deanne Tillman // Oct 19, 2009 at 12:44 pm
I have the honor of teaching children at my church (Church on the Rock, St. Peters, MO) on a weekly basis and I can’t agree with you more how difficult it can be to communicate, especially to little children in a way that they will understand. One day, I was asked by our Childrens Director to teach our interns “How to Communicate to Children” and I couldn’t help but think of something everyone has encountered at one point in their life… McDonald’s drive thru… Communication IS preparation, you can’t “communicate” anything to the drive thru worker without first preparing in your mind what you want. If we don’t, I’m sure some can say they have experienced the long awkward silence between you & the drive thru that soon is broken up by a polite blare of the horn behind you or the worker piping up with, “I’ll take your order as soon as you’re ready.” Without preparing in your mind what you’d like to order, and than spitting it out thru your words, communication would be impossible. Not to mention, could you imagine if we had the freedom to rename what it was we wanted to eat? There’s a reason why the BIG MAC is simply named the BIG MAC. “Id like the burger, well actually it has 2 burger patties, with the 3 buns that has that delicious tartar sauce or is it mayonnaise, and let’s not forget the cheese, lettuce, and tomatoe”. I’d hate to continue by adding fries and a drink. McDonalds keeps it so simple to be sure the drive thru worker understands, they’ve placed numbers by the different meals you can order! To end this short novel, communication IS preparation. Next time you’re in the McDonalds drive thru, remember, decide what you want and kindly just say the number that sits next to the burger you want
And that’s the example I used in communicating to children. I’m excited for this book!!! I need so much help and wisdom in not just saying, but making sure that those I communicate to, understand.
14 Yvonne Green // Oct 19, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Communication is a part od every day life. Once again its nugget on top of nugget. What really stuck out in my mind was you can’t go wrong by keeping it simple. However when its long a million things can happen. Thank you for stretching me spiritually but not all at once
For those who want to improve in the way the Communicate this is a must read book. There is no doubt it will be in the top 10 right beside Joel Osteen books “How to Become a better You”
15 `Femi FORTUNE-IDOWU // Oct 19, 2009 at 1:25 pm
For without effective communication nothing is achievable. It is a connection between you and the people around you. Every success we have today is as a result of communication for it is by a single word; earth was created. Every good thing will become the best if we coomunicate what we have. You have touched the point of my needs. I cant wait for this book to be out. I appreciate you.
16 Cyndi Toombs // Oct 19, 2009 at 1:40 pm
John,
After as many times as I’ve heard you say, “My name is John and I’m your friend”, I feel invited to address you this way even though we’ve never met. Thank you for the invitation to participate in the massaging of your latest work. This is the first chapter I’ve engaged in and I’m excited by the process.
In Section 2 Get to the Point, I was left hanging by the part about bad employee recommendations. It was sandwiched between instruction on effectively getting to the point and the example didn’t resolve for me in that context. If it remains, however, I think the reference should be “selected from the book, Lexicon of . . .”.
On a more general note concerning the topic of this book, I’m reminded of my pastor quoting St. Francis of Asisi: “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” I don’t know if it has a home in this work but find it a compelling charge. Walking the talk is one thing but walking so loudly and clearly that you don’t need to talk is a whole other level of influencing.
Thanks again for engaging your audience in this project and continuing to develop fresh ways to add value to leaders. I look forward to Chapter 8.
Cyndi
17 Candace Sargent // Oct 19, 2009 at 3:00 pm
I’m starting the run-thru, John, giving first impressions as I go. If a quote is merely listed, I just liked it!:)
I liked the opener: the interview, your comeback.
“The measure of a great teacher isn’t what he knows; it’s what his students know. Making things simple is a skill, and it’s a necessary one if you want to connect with people when you communicate.” The old adage comes to mind: ‘You are what you assimilate.’
What’s Wrong With Simple? section:
“Stacks of research that wouldn’t connect with people would not help me.”
Much like your ‘“3 S” strategy,’ you have your ‘“4 H” strategy’: Humor, Heart, Hope, Help. It catchy to label both; we recall catchy more easily.
Communicating Across Cultures section:
Shorten the list of signs to thee funniest..my 13 choices are: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 18, 20, 21, 22. You might want to reduce it to 10 choices.
The Art of Simplicity…
1. Talk To People, Not Above Them section:
Apple interchange between father and son is perrrfect!
“…it means that shooting above people’s heads doesn’t mean you have superior ammunition—it means you are a lousy shot.” I like this sentence but I like one-liners to be said exactly as we most often hear them: “..you’re a lousy shot!” That way, it’s instant recognition of a punch line! That pops for us so give it an exclamation!
“I went from a speaker who wanted to impress others, to one who wanted to impact them!” Words “impact them” pop so give them an exclamation!
“As my sentences got smaller, my congregation got larger.” Maybe the smaller sentences also made it more like a conversation? It reminded me of this comment I made in Chapter 4: ‘Your colleague Dan Reiland was right on-the-money; Dan not only expresses it succinctly but also, pleasing which may be his rhythm, maybe his alternating between short and long sentences…whatever it is, it keeps your momentum going and your absorption high.’ Well Dan’s alternating between short and long sentences seems to be more like the rhythm of conversation. When I draft a document, I pretend I’m talking to a person; I type the simple conversation. Editing is minimal. The result has a simple clear freshness about it that is well received.
2. Get To The Point section: (This section seems a bit wordy.)
It’s funny: Winston Churchill’s quote makes your point but actually, the quote itself is hard to follow.
I’d remove “Of course, to do that, one must start out already knowing what the point is. Greek playwright Euripides observed, “A bad beginning makes a bad ending.” Obviously, the time to starting thinking about the reason for your communication is before you begin speaking.” And go straight into “Whenever I am preparing to communicate with others, whether to an audience of hundreds or with a single person, I ask myself two questions:…”
On confrontation, I’m not a fan of ‘Do you want to keep your job?’ and ‘Do you want me to help you?’ I agree that direct & brief is best, but softened a little—I prefer the confrontation sandwich: positive specifics, negative filling, positive step-to-better-future statement . I make sure the negative filling is simple, clear, accurate and COMPLETE, and I watch my body language; I often wish people had a mirror to see their reflection when they deliver negatives in general.
I’m not a fan of the Sam-sign-the-papers story or the purposely-obscure-their-meaning section including the list of examples; however, I like the 2 paragraphs that follow.
3. Say It Over and Over and Over… section:
The title of this section makes me think “bor-ing!” right off, unless… as Mary Poppins put it, “A spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down!”
Seriously though, this is where my favorite speakers shine with their talent for being truly effective: how to take repetition, which in and of itself is bor-ing, and turn it into MAGIC! This is where word pictures, humor, wit, timing, rhythm…the WHOLE SHOOTIN MATCH comes into play, exciting the senses, erupting the laughter, stirring the soul…ALL THE GOOD STUFF!:)
I loved the Jim-Blanchard paragraph where Daniel is quoted, “Three words…”
4. Say It Clearly section:
The puzzle-pieces example was good. Wish he added something to the affect of: when the puzzle has many colors and contrasts, it’s even faster and more fun to put together!
5. Say Less section:
“However, at the same time, I’ve also discovered that when I speak for less time and do so more succinctly, people remember it better and longer. Isn’t that ironic?” In my work, I’ve had to hone my skills at getting thee highest assimilation of information. While doing so, I’ve found that you have to steer clear of having people “hit the wall” where their eyes start to glaze over, their brain gets overloaded and goes blank; you’ll be lucky if they walk any with one thought to do something with. When I prep, I shoot for ¾ of the way to “hit the wall.” I start with the puzzle boxtop, and make sure nothing detracts from the momentum all the way through the puzzle boxtop points. I enhance with the WHOLE SHOOTIN MATCH and send them home with ALL THE GOOD STUFF, including the puzzle boxtop:)
Love the Winston Churchill quote.
Looking forward to the next chapter, John!
Candace
18 Kimberly Tucker // Oct 19, 2009 at 4:06 pm
John,
As before, I have enjoyed reading the chapter.
In the section on communicating across cultures, I found the list too long. My eyes wanted to graze over the list. I would shorten to 3 or 4 examples.
I truly value the concept of keeping it simple, and clear. I was reminded of a book club discussion where one of the participants never returned for the remaining discussions because the facilitator assumed that participant was a”new convert” because the participant liked an author who was known for her simplicity and clarity in writing and speaking. As you can imagine the book club dwindled very quickly.
long and complicated isn’t always best.
Thanks Kim
Looking forward to chapter 8
19 Cathie Heath // Oct 19, 2009 at 6:01 pm
I was the opposite of Kim…I wanted to read each and every one thoroughly.
Maybe cut the number in half, then?
Cathie
20 Franisz Ginting // Oct 19, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Best illustration for KISS right now is Twitter. And also the abbreviation for KISS I ever heard is ‘Keep it simple, student.’
21 John Gallagher // Oct 19, 2009 at 10:03 pm
John,
Great stuff. the First part of the chapter was LOADED with nuggets for me. I do believe the cultural list is too long. Not ‘simple’. I can’t wait for the book to come out!!
John Gallagher
22 Carol Shannon // Oct 19, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Your Good! Simple. Thats the making of good if not great communications and relationships.
23 Amanda Kasper // Oct 20, 2009 at 12:14 am
I’ve recently become one of your readers. And you have become one of my favorite authors. Shortening the section of communicating across cultures would help it to be more concise. Thank-you for allowing us to participate it is truly a marvelous endeavor.
Amanda Kasper
24 Dan Black // Oct 20, 2009 at 2:28 am
I love the book so far, cant wait to hear and see you back stage when you teach it to WWDB.
25 George Thimiou // Oct 20, 2009 at 2:57 am
John,
You are simply ..great !
Thank you for words of wisdom and inspiration !
The book will be great !
George Thimiou
26 Annabelle // Oct 20, 2009 at 3:13 am
Dear John,
You are inspired by God through wisdom.
Thanks you for your leadership and your books.
The book will be glorified for His kingdom.
I am a student of your leadership training of MLM lessons . The bool will be glorified .God be with you all.
Annabelle
from Myanmar (Burma)
27 Keith // Oct 20, 2009 at 10:47 am
Heard a Pastor say that 30 minutes is long enough for a good sermon and way too long for a bad one.
28 Jim Smith // Oct 20, 2009 at 11:45 am
As the operations officer in a flight training squadron, one of my duties was to fly with students who were failing. It was euphemistically called an “elimination flight.” Only one student ever passed, so the hard part was debriefing the numerous students that failed and were to be eliminated from the program. At the debriefing, rather than a detailed explanation of every aspect of the flight I tried to get right to the point as kindly as possible by telling the student, “I’d rather tell you that you can’t fly than tell your widow that you couldn’t fly.” Was this effective communications or did I blow it?
29 Bryon Ownby // Oct 20, 2009 at 12:02 pm
This is an excellent chapter for communication John. I have read many many of your books and truly you do have a gift of communicating things simple (which has made my life simple). Yes, I will have to agree, the hardest thing, implementing those “simple things”.
I have been personally involved in many unique challenges with speaking and leading people. Two main challenges came with training international clients at my former employer. Various cultures have learning styles that many trainers and educators fail to evaluate before presenting the material. For this particular project, before training began, we took some time to know the individuals 1:1 to provide a better sense of connection (and to make sure they would understand our analogies and illustrations).
My most recent communication challenge was creating a young adult ministry for a large (but not mega) church in my area. I am thankful for the growth from 7 to 30 within a year (and we’re still growing). Everyone in the group has been asking how are we going to grow? As the coordinator, my clear simple communication line was connecting to others on a 1:1 basis. Publicity does help, and even reaching out and performing fundraising for other events, however, valuing every individual that comes in via 1:1 connection has been the greatest success in any start-up adventure that I have managed. Truly your book confirmed that my thinking has been on the right track.
I also am a corporate instructor at our site location specializing in soft skill development. Before each of our small seminars (30 or less participating), I try to make an attempt to connect with the individuals based upon the class topic. In our anonymous surveys after the class, nearly 80% of the people walk away feeling that they have made a positive worth while investment stating that this will aid them to be more productive on the job (or at home) by at least 60% or greater. It’s truly amazing that taking a few minutes of class time to connect will have such a rewarding impact on the students.
John you are truly blessed, keep up the great work!
30 Satinder Manju // Oct 20, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Hi John, I am an associate in Ron Puryear’s organization. We as an organization are very thankful and great admirers of you.
This is a great chapter. I just thought of an illustration, how about adding a page with a summarize note saying ” Here is an illustration on how to make the simplicity work. This whole chapter can be shorten and simplizied to one sentence” keep your communications Simple and Short for maximum effetiveness of your message.” Or something along those lines.
Best,
31 Johnson Obamehinti // Oct 20, 2009 at 7:44 pm
John,
Great chapter filled with excellent nuggets on communication, just like all of your books I’ve read. Simplicity equates to quality. You’re right on about communicating across cultures. To effectively communicate to a diverse audience without losing anyone in the process, takes simplicity. “Smile” in the 3 S strategy many times speaks more than words.
You’re an inspiration! Keep up the good work.
32 Franisz Ginting // Oct 21, 2009 at 6:30 am
If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.
―Albert Einstein
33 Aaron // Oct 21, 2009 at 8:46 am
Hey guys, I did a review on one of John’s books and am giving it away free.
34 Angela Chrysler // Oct 21, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Great content very helpful to all. In the part about the church example I would expand on it slightly a lot of people can relate to an experience where a pastor talked over their head versus giving them information they could leave church with and implement. I think a good test is a simple one – what did i learn today we left a church years ago because we left the service saying what did I learn and didn’t know. We found a church home we love because we leave the service knowing the lesson and being able to pass it on and implement it. Also, love the info on vision with bill and andy – both teach great stuff on it. Thanks!
35 Angela Chrysler // Oct 21, 2009 at 1:05 pm
P.S. I thought the communication in culture list was a little long too, if you don’t want to shorten it, them maybe move some throughout instead of in a list since they are good.
36 Delbert Ray // Oct 22, 2009 at 2:19 am
Everything I’ve read of yours resonates with me. I have read most of your books. Here is a story you might be able to use that has to do with keeping things simple. There was a train engineer named Flanagan that ran a steady route everyday. At the end of the day they had to provide a log of their daily activities. Flanagan left a daily list that was so detailed that his supervisor finally had a talk with him about reducing the length of his report. The very next day Flanagan’s train derailed. The supervisor could only imagine what the report was going to look like when Flanagan returned. The next day the supervisor opened his report and was shocked! This is what it said…”Off again. On again. Gone again. Flanagan.”
37 Kim // Oct 22, 2009 at 3:31 am
3rd para Under……. What’s Wrong with Simple?
I think everyone WILL (WILL IS A BETTER WORD) agree that many of the issues we face in life can be complex.
2nd last para Under…… What’s Wrong with Simple?
….Today, fifteen years later, he knows what I want before I do. He practically reads my mind. He writes in my style. He knows my intentions, idiosyncrasies, and passions. He takes my material and makes it better. He rewrites my writing and improves what I want to say. Most importantly, we work hard at keeping things simple.
I FOUND THE ABOVE SENTENCES CLUTTERED, LENGHTY AND REPITITIVE. BELOW IS A SUGGESTION:
Today, fifteen years later, he practically reads my mind and knows what i want. He understands my intentions, idiosyncrasies and passions and fine-tunes my written work without losing the essence of what i want to say. Most importantly, we work hard at keeping things simple.
1st para Under………. Communicating Across Cultures Keeping communication………. to comical results.
Here are some INTERESTING (HOW ABOUT ADDING THIS ADJECTIVE HERE?)signs in English that have been observed in various parts of the world:
38 Franisz Ginting // Oct 22, 2009 at 4:44 am
PLEASE READ THIS:
39 Franisz Ginting // Oct 22, 2009 at 4:47 am
PLEASE READ THIS:
Dear Dr. John, perhaps a book by George Otis Jr, “God’s Trademarks”, could be a valuable source, especially on Chapter 2 of the book.
Thank you.
40 Nona W. Kumah // Oct 22, 2009 at 11:31 am
Mr. Maxwell,
Excellent material, well written, simple and to the point. Also, we are taught at Toasmasters that staying within our time contact makes it easier for the speaker and the audience.
The Art of Communication, is almost a lost Art….thanks for rediscovering it and teaching us.
The culture list is great but a bit long. Choose the best ones and use them. Thanks for the opportunity to share your story.
God Bless,
41 Marie // Oct 22, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Hello John, thank you so much, this chapter is perfect in every way. I will use this approach with my husband of 40 years – - -simple and to the point. Afer 40 years he no longetr hears me and I really think I use to many words. I will get to the point and I will remember your 2 questions.
1. What do I want them to know?
2. What do I want them to do?
Again thank you so much, Marie
42 Bridget Haymond // Oct 22, 2009 at 9:56 pm
This chapter is a great reminder about the gift of simplicity which is truly about being authentic. Perhaps it is the genesis of that which is simply elegant.
It may sound cliché, but it is true that less is more!
Thanks for another great chapter.
43 Gary Haist // Oct 22, 2009 at 11:05 pm
John,
I listened to you many times and you are a superb communicator. The style point that makes the biggest impact on me (other than the topic which has already raised my interest) is your genuine smile and your authentic laugh. You like what you do and it shows. You smile and laugh freely and naturally and it connects with me more than anything else.
44 Lyn // Oct 23, 2009 at 4:40 am
Dear Sir John,
MABUHAY!
Greetings from Kidapawan City, The Philippines. May you are in the best of health and disposition as you read this.
As always, I do not only learn so much from your articles and books, but enjoy reading them to the max, as well. They are light to read, easy to understand, witty, with humor, and yes, inspiring and evoking the spirits of hope and love.
Thanks for the hearty laugh I got while reading this chapter very early in the morning today, especially the funny “E-n-g-l-i-s-h” signages posted in hotels, restaurants and other locations in many countries.
As I read this chapter, the more I wonder at your extensive experiences in different countries, each with its unique culture. Yet, you have presented the varied expressions in English language through a manner that is light, humane and inclusive.
May I respectfully give my own opinions as follow:
The sentence, “Obviously, the time to starting thinking about the reason for your communication is before you begin speaking” may be revised to: “Obviously the time to start thinking about the reason for your communication is before you begin to speak.”
The sentence, “Honestly, I think most people would rather others get to the point with them” may be revised to: “Honestly, I think most people would rather want others to get to the point with them.”
I did not quite understand the paragraph about the Cunard Officer and King George V’s mistake. I had to think what was the mistake on the King’s remarks. So, I researched information about King George V in our Grolier Encyclopedia. I discovered that King George V was the king of England, Scotland and Ireland from 1910 to 1936. He was described as the king of Great Britain who was held in deep affection by the British people because of his visits to the troops during World War I and Christmas radio broadcasts. Queen Victoria was his grandmother and Queen Mary was his wife. Maybe it would be better if information about King George V and his relationship to Queen Victoria and Queen Mary be mentioned.
The sentence, “If you were playing with a puzzle and you had only an hour to finish, would you want the person with the puzzle to hide the boxtop from you?” may be revised to: “If you are playing with a puzzle and you have only an hour to finish, would you want the person with the puzzle to hide the boxtop from you?”
May I also share some ideas on simplicity taken from my notes during our seminar on Transformational Leadership Facilitators’ Course.
To be simple is to be free from pretentiousness and guile.
Simplicity is the bride of purity, a kin of candor and a cousin of restraint.
Simplicity is a sign of taste in beauty and a mark of greatness in a true artist.
When truth is shared with simplicity, others can experience truth directly.
It is a great paradox that simplicity comes from passing through many stages of learning. It is a complex landscape before reaching a calm, straight simple sea.
Simplicity is a sign of inner beauty – the beauty of one’s spirit. One who is simple is natural and honest.
Simplicity is endearing.
The great quality of simplicity is that the thoughts, speech and actions are identical.
Thank you, again, Sir John, for being there and being open to our comments.
God bless.
Lyn
45 Henry Will // Oct 23, 2009 at 11:57 am
I stand in awe. Thank you for the wisdom you are sharing. What more can I add.
46 A. Maroun // Oct 23, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Dr. John Maxwell.
I would like to share with you two things
1-In Arabic culture there is a litreary style if reached by the author,that author has reached the peak of litreature accomplishement, and mastery on a broad cultural level.The style is called “the forbidden simplistic style”.ie philosophical ideas, intellectual findings and wisdom are handed to the reader in a very simplistic general way. And this kind of work lasts beyond the author’s life.
2-Coming from a dry intellectual region, I came to Toronto as immigrant. Before finding a job, social connection or even actualy settling down, I saw your books in a bookstore.So I had a big urge to buy all your available books at that shelf.I felt that, later on, I am going to need these books to my next step in my personal growth .
Regards
Your disciple
A. Maroun
47 Yousuf Siddiqui // Oct 23, 2009 at 1:29 pm
Hello there,
I am Yousuf Siddiqui and I provide coaching to leaders and organizations.
I refer to my work as Business Performance Coaching. I increase my clients’ effectiveness by thinking through their most burning issues with them and creating plans to get tangible, measurable and specific results.
I want to connect with you and follow you on your blog. I hope to learn from you and exchange thoughts with you.
48 becca @Sandy Gorman // Oct 23, 2009 at 1:35 pm
hi!
KISS = Keep it Simple & Sweet
is the less crude way of saying it; otherwise, your version *winks*
-becca
49 becca @Alison C. // Oct 23, 2009 at 1:36 pm
hi!
No problem Alison! Glad my little story ‘connected’
50 becca @johncmaxwell // Oct 23, 2009 at 1:40 pm
RT @2ibecks i don’t why. but i keep remembering your book as ‘many communicates, few connects’ instead of ‘everyone’
51 Raul dela Rosa // Oct 23, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Great information in keeping it simple and short. Most audience don’t have an attention span of more than 20 minutes.
52 Polly Scott // Oct 24, 2009 at 12:08 am
I found it interesting that a person who teaches their students was saying to you to not start a sentence with a conjunction, and that they taught their students the same thing. It was what I was also taught.
However, I’ve since read several books on grammar that state that it’s fine to do it as long as you don’t overdo it.
One reason it’s hard to communicate & keep it simple is because not even those who are supposed to know the rules agree on them.
53 Mr. White // Oct 24, 2009 at 12:35 am
Simply Wonderful!!
Whoever takes these words off the pages and translates them into tangible action; will truly be drunk with lasting knowledge!
Thanks for sharing your insight!!
54 david seow sin khaing // Oct 24, 2009 at 1:55 am
simplicity is the best.
A lot of writers had written on this topic. I could recall Mr Edward Demonor had written
on this topic as well.
To highlite the advantages of simplicity such as:
1. it saves time and money. (in business world, time means money)
2. it makes it effective and efficiency.
3. it prevents misunderstanding
etc…
I would like to use a 3 S for simplicity:
s – short (say less, get to the point)
s – sharp (outstanding, effective, foucs)
s – sweet (beautiful, pleasing)
short:
When you are short in the sentences, people will be easily to read it and easily to
understand it. Look into those good sentences, it is always the short sentences that make
people to remember it better.
sharp:
it can means that it is to the point, as point is always sharper than a line or area.
Sharp is like focus point. We knew that using a magnifying glass, with small amout of sun
light, we could light up the matches.
sweet:
when you make it simple, you must not neglect the beautiful part of the content
We all know that many points will form a line, and many lines will form an area.
Sharp is like the point, short is like the line, and sweet is like the area.
In your content:
Get to the point is like the point
say it clearly, say it less is like the line
Say it over and over again is like the area
(note: pls correct if there is typo error)
55 Sean Willard // Oct 24, 2009 at 5:52 am
What I now know: Don’t use long complicated words to impress – Engage with the audience and be authentic and fun
What I will now do: Keep it brief, fun and light, and repeat the main message at least 3 times throughout the message.
Thanks John
Mission Accomplished
56 septi suwandi Putra // Oct 24, 2009 at 7:33 am
dear john,
I’m a pharmacist form Indonesia. and all your books is my source for my leadership (in church, work n office).
communicate with simple n clear is very important. we communicate each other do tell them something, when we said that with complexity, & they didn’t get the point, our effort is useless, waste of energy time, and sometime as you mention above can be danger.
in Indonesia, the prescription from physician is usually write in bad hand writing (and they do that intentionally). the reason why the patient can’t read the prescription, is to avoid miss use medicine, and if the patient get the same ill in the future, they need go to the doctor again and again hahaha.
but, in 80′s there is a case when a doctor write a prescribe for a child with diarrhea but the pharmacist read the prescribe as a medicine for diabetes . so the child consume the diabetes medicine (which is for adult diabetes), and her blood sugar decrease, fever and inflicting damage to the brain. so the 5 years old child became like an infant.
same like communication, if we cant deliver it with clear and simple it can be danger & misunderstanding. and a lot of energy will be use to fix it.
God bless.
Septi
57 Susan Wright-Boucher // Oct 24, 2009 at 9:22 am
John,
One of the most powerful actions I take on as leader seeking to connect with others is during problem solving. In my estimation a true leader will listen and probe to reveal all the elements of a complex problem and then distill it into its simplest elements. You know you’ve connected well and hit clarity when shoulders leave their tense position (seemingly pinned to the ears) and ideas begin to flow.
Thank you for including your readers in this book. Great demonstration of web 2.0 leadership!
58 Isabelle Alpert // Oct 24, 2009 at 10:15 am
A great orator/writer will be able to captivate, motivate and inspire her audience successfully if she is able to incorporate the following into her communication with others:
Sensory Learning: is essentially the ability to incorporate different senses either alone or in combination to heighten and reinforce the learning process.
Visual Learners : Learn best by seeing and processing information in a visual way. They literally learn and see in pictures.
Auditory Learners : They learn best through verbal communication or listening with their ears. Auditory learning is the overwhelmingly dominant basis for much of the learning that we do in school.
Kinesthetic Learners : Learn best with the hands on full experience learning. They learn by moving, touching and experiencing things in the first person. They frequently are very physically expressive and active – not the method most frequently appreciated in most school settings.
59 Terry Smith // Oct 24, 2009 at 11:22 am
Dear John, loved this chapter! I could not help but smile through all of it and laughed out loud when I read about being a lousy shot and the story about Sam. Great job John, please do not change a thing, I appreciate you, Terry Smith
60 Twitted by ussterrydsmith // Oct 24, 2009 at 11:33 am
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61 Monica // Oct 24, 2009 at 12:18 pm
How true it is that our words project us in the middle of an either excellent or a less spectacular situation! Connecting with others is to mean what we say in a clear manner. The academical language fails to give insight and purpose in most cases. I am grateful to know that you stand for the direct communication in all areas. I am too.
62 Rhonda Williams // Oct 24, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Forgive me Mr. Maxwell. I have not read all this book material so maybe you have said this already, but I feel led to share some thoughts with you. I have only recently learned about you and I definitely learn from your writings and am inspired by you.
I did read chapter seven, and I loved when you said “The measure of a great teacher isn’t what he knows; it’s what his students know.” I could not agree with you more because God has shown me that truth. As a mother it was(is) critical for me to understand that because my children are my primary students and I (along with my husband) have been called by God to train them up. God also revealed to me that HE is the revealer to all. Whether we realize it or not, when we learn Truth it is God who has revealed it to us, but he OFTEN uses other people to communicate that Truth. So, the most important aspect of a “good communicator” is that he/she hears God. God (through His Holy Spirit) will reveal to the “teacher” what and how to say a thing. In the same way, He will give you the patients and perseverance to continue to grow inwardly so that you can become the effective communicator He has called you to be.
God knows what He is doing. The problem is that WE don’t necessarily know what He is doing. So, we must be FOCUSED on identifying with Him. When we do that, we will effectively communicate because we will be better able to say what GOD WANTS people to hear.
My prayer is that every believer will FOCUS on hearing God because we are (whether we realize it or not) called to be leaders of men, ambassadors for Christ, and the enemy will try his best to make us lose FOCUS and separate from His Holiness. The CHOICE IS OURS and the work is INWARD.
Thank you, Mr. Maxwell for sharing wisdom. May God bless you always. Rhonda
63 Ralph Guzman // Oct 24, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Hi, John.
Great work. This is very all useful.
In order to connect to people, clear communication is a must. But communication is not only about sending messages. It is also about receiving messages. It is about understanding the people you wish to connect to.
Therefore, a critical part of communication is listening. I’d even say that listening is half of communication. Listening allows us to respond to people correctly.
It is unfortunate that many overlook the importance of listening. We have classes on reading, writing, and speech. But why not listening, which is very critical?
We listen to understand.
We need to listen too in giving instructions. Oftentimes, we only look at the receivers of the instruction to see if they have been able to get our message. But as clear communicators, it is also our task to make sure that we verify if our instructions are received correctly — to make sure that: MESSAGE SENT = MESSAGE RECEIVED.
And by applying listening, we get to uncover more information we can use to connect to people more efficiently. With listening, we can probe and clarify for more information.
One just needs to practice the right skills in listening: 1) Listening attentively; 2) Setting aside emotional, psychological, and even cultural barriers; 3) Being able to clarify for information that is unclear. 4) And of course, also “listening” to the feelings and body language of the person we wish to connect to.
Listening is critical in connecting to people. And as I teach in training — that is why we have two ears, and only one mouth.
Thanks.
Ralph Guzman
Manila, Philippines
64 Tony L Jones // Oct 24, 2009 at 2:09 pm
It’s amazing that Dr Maxwell has included us in writing this book. That’s leadership lived-out-loud. The message of simplicity in connecting with others helps me greatly. Keeps me from trying to impress others, but rather just give the necessary information, in an easy way. Thank you so much!
65 ani victor // Oct 24, 2009 at 2:20 pm
thank u so much for given me the previllage of been part of this new book. sir, can u please send me chapter 2 to 6 i dnt get it. thanks
66 Ken Anderson // Oct 24, 2009 at 3:17 pm
The beginning of the chapter was great. I enjoyed the signs in English but they took me away from the momentum of the chapter. Consider less or eliminating. As an alternative consider:
a) Sample Tweets- 140 characters
b) License plates- vanity plates
In our culture of over saturation and stimulation,brevity is making a comeback. The new gold standard will be “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Pr. 25:11
Rick Warren does a good job of packing a great deal into a Tweet.
Consider a chapter or even a book that assembles Tweets to paint word pictures. These get passed along and remembered.
Consider working in Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. Great, short, memorable, written and delivered in adversity.
Thanks for the opportunity to contribute. Keep up the good work.
67 Steve Payne // Oct 24, 2009 at 5:20 pm
John,
I really like this chapter, great teaching.
I have experienced that audience feedback is critical. The non-verbal response helps to either continue on track, say it differently, backtrack a bit and start again, or ask simple questions along the way to see if the audience is understanding. Also, if a question is asked by the speaker along the way, the speaker needs to show focused listening skills so the audience mirrors that behavior.
Thanks, Steve
68 Hydee Miguel VanHook // Oct 24, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Hello John-
Your books not only impacted my life but also made a difference. Your Leadership Promises for Everyday devotional and 360 Leaders are among my favorites. I gave these books to my manager and it was a success!
Two years ago you spoke in our church at Bayside, Granite Bay, California. That sets a record of all time in attendance. You are gifted and I’m blessed.
I love this book. Writing and public speaking are my weaknesses and is it so ironic that my profession requires tremendous writing and speaking. This book is complementing my skills already (and still learning). 3S strategy is so true. Recently, I was able to negotiate an 86K landscaping job offer down to 50K for the company I work for in just 1 minute of telephone conversations. How did I do it? By being intentional, direct and most importantly, I said it with a smile. You will be surprise how people know on the other end if you are sincerely intentional in a conversation. The gentleman said…”Hydee, I can tell from your voice that you are negotiating with big smile and I like that” The rest is history.
Thank you and be blessed!
-Hydee
69 david seow sin khaing // Oct 24, 2009 at 8:58 pm
How to do a simple explanation:
Some people while trying to keep it simple,
they had neglected the important point to explain. So bear in mind that,
for simple in explanation, you need to cover two ponts:
one is main points and the other is compliment to the main points.
examples of explaining in simple way:
1. explaining dog – a dog is a 4 legs animal, it had good sense of smelling and can
be used for work as guarding a house or hunting for animals.
a. main points:
-is an 4 legs animal
b. compliment points:
- it had very good sense of smelling
- it can be use for work as guarding a house or hunting for animals
2. explaining leadership- a state of being a leader, leader means a person who lead, and lead menas is in
front of a person or group of person. Of course, in front means leader is heading a direction,
and this direction have to be a good or best direction for other members of the group
to follow
a. main points: person who is in front of a person
b. compliment points: person who is heading a right and best (or good) direction
3. explaining tree – a plant that can live. Tree had main parts like root, stem, branches
and leaves. It can be used as food, or use as a cover to avoid sun light, or use to make
paper etc.
a. main point: a plant
b. compliment point: its usage
So main points is to explain what is it, and compiment points will explain what is/are
the usages, or advantages or disadvantages, it outstanding features, common and different
parts, etc..
70 Kathy // Oct 24, 2009 at 9:26 pm
I would strike: “I trust that you will not be disappointed by this chapter, because there’s not a lot to say about keeping things simple.”
This chapter does contain a lot of “simple” tips that will help leaders, managers, sales people, and anyone that speaks before an audience communicate better. I especially like the 3S strategy and will remember it.
It’s fun pre-reading your book. Thanks for the opportunity!
71 david seow sin khaing // Oct 24, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Hi, John if you find this interesting, pls include it in your book. Kinldy edit if there is
typo or error in the message. thank you. I may not good in my writing, but I may have good
ideas to contribute.
Story: Blind men describe an elephant
Few of the blind men were told to describe the elephant:
the first blind man touched the ear of the elephant, and said that elephant is like a fan
the second blind man touched the tail, and said that elephant is like a rope
the third blind man touched the leg, and said the elephant is like a trunk
So what is the meaning of the story? A clear explanation is to cover the whole picture
but not just part of it and creat confusion for the reader or audience.
Again, a clear and short explanation does not mean to neglect the main points of the
explanation. In simplicity is a skill, then come with artistic thinking and scientific
thinking. Scientific thinking here is to cover the main points or ideas, artistic
thinking is to cover the complimenting points or ideas.
72 R. Burt // Oct 24, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Dear John
Thank you for giving us an opportunity to read along as you develop your book
.
I look forward each week to sitting at my computer and learning from what you have written.
I read a book a long time ago by someone I thought was a great communicator, Corrie ten Boom. The book was called “Common Sense Not Needed”. It was a short book about communicating with folks who had problems with their thinking and communicating apparatus. The people had problems communicating in normal sentances or even remember things but yet they could remember and quote scripture and sing hymns. Jesus said, “the words that I speak to you are spirit and life” John 6:63 and these types of words seem to go past the regular methods of communication. I don’t know whether this fits in your book but you may like read “Common Sense Not Needed”. Maybe you will get some further ideas from her book and have an opportunity to give the approach a try some time. I tried it in the nursing home I worked at and was surprised at the success rate.
I have another phrase that came to mind recently about words since others have mentioned the “KISS”.
One is to make their words “sweet enough to eat”.
Perhaps not an exact quote but I think it came from either a book called Apples of Gold or Wings of Silver that had a multitude of wisdom
Thank you again for kindly sharing your wisdom with so many of us who readily acknowledge they need it. I am grateful that you were born when tv and internet is available for you to share with eager learners like me.
R, Burt
73 david seow sin khaing // Oct 24, 2009 at 11:07 pm
sorry typo error
Simplicity is a skill, it come with
scientific thinking and artistic thinking…..
74 david seow sin khaing // Oct 25, 2009 at 12:13 am
(simplicity 4)
Simplicity and Clearity:
Simplicity had resulted in popularity, but may cause unclearity:
examples are:
- the most popular song in the world ” happy birthday” is a simple song,
with simple sentences happy birthday repeated again and again.
- single word is not clear, e.g. I, or love, need a sentence to make the meaning clear.
However, simplicity may cause unclearity ( not clear), it is important for the
critic to join in and make it clear. Example: happy birthday to who? Love who?
To have simplicity and clear, is like a simple sentence need subject, verb and object.
e.g. I love you, subject is I, love is verb or action, you is the object.
A. In simple and clear sentence:
subject + verb + object
B. In explanation: ( action with 3 A )
Aim + Act + Assess
Aim to audience
Act to audience
Access to/from audience
An important of simplicity is to access whether your simplicity had make it clear to
audience!
You neeed audience to access you, and you access audience and you access yourself.
75 Catie Perschke // Oct 25, 2009 at 12:15 am
My favorite quote from the chapter is “The measure of a great teacher isn’t what he knows; it’s what his students know.”
Thank you for being a great teacher.
76 markie story // Oct 25, 2009 at 12:38 am
No wonder the word describing one who uses large words is “sesquipedalian”. Quite a mouthful…
77 david seow sin khaing // Oct 25, 2009 at 1:54 am
Great teacher
normal teachers explain to students,
good teachers demonstrate to students,
great teachers inspire students.
78 david seow sin khaing // Oct 25, 2009 at 1:56 am
hi, John
could you email your previous chapter to me?
tks
79 Alexander Polyakov // Oct 25, 2009 at 5:40 am
Hello, John!
Section 7 beautiful,:). I think this section should read every school teacher. It is especially important for the authors of school textbooks. Concentration in the expression of his thoughts in the time allotted! This quality has a direct impact on the quality of education.
Best regards,
Alexander Polyakov
80 Mike Otis // Oct 25, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Hey John,
I haven’t read for 2 or 3 chapters, however, chapter (7) is another good one!……..When I first started reading it, a quote from the movie “Philadelphia” came to mind……Denzel Washington (Joe Miller) says, “Now, explain it to me like I’m a four year old”……….Well that may be a little too simplistic, however, it’s true, unless you’re speaking in technical terms to a technical crowd, it’s best to keep it short and simple (KISS)
I also liked your jigsaw puzzle analogy, and your pizza story………..Thumbs up for chapter 7!
81 Dale Hart // Oct 25, 2009 at 7:59 pm
While not everyone enjoys “tweeting”, it has taught me to be brief in communicating my point. I have been surprised how often I CAN say what I want to say in 140 characters. I suggest the exercise could be helpful for all communicators as they strive for brevity.
82 Bev A // Oct 25, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Dr. Maxwell,
As with all of your books, you have once again taken the complex task of communication and made it simple. You have a unique gift of pulling people in and helping them understand and evolve into a better person. I have always tried to live by The Golden Rule, and make people feel important by listening. These concepts are woven throughout your book. I cannot wait to read the finished product. Thank you for your commitment to excellence. Bev
83 Graham // Oct 25, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Simple communication, kids have perfected it, they use simple words and although they may not express themselve well we all know what they are saying. Let your yes be yes and no be no.
84 JANET COWAN // Oct 25, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Dr Maxwell
Thank you for your wisdom and simplicity in your books and talks.
At University I was taught that if I can easily and simply explain a theory to a child that is an indication of my own learning and understanding. This is simple communication.
Tweeting helps me to be brief and succinct.
Janet Beverley Cowan London 2009
85 Shelley Quinones // Oct 25, 2009 at 8:32 pm
I ‘ve noticed two things to help keep things simple. The first, is to look directly at the person, or people, you are trying to connect with. Eye contact is a great simplifier because you can see what the person is receiving.
The second is take a break from preparing your response. If you actually make the effort to listen, you will be able to develop a better response and both people are more likely to feel heard.
Thanks John for your simple insights. They are truly helpful.
86 Shiketa Morgan // Oct 25, 2009 at 8:58 pm
I can relate to this chapter. I had trouble connecting with my staff because I didn’t show humor, didn’t have an emotional attachment with my staff. I think I was afraid they would get to close. Now I have learned that if I connect with their heart, it was easier for me to lead them.
87 John Cattani // Oct 25, 2009 at 8:59 pm
All powerful communication seeks the answer to a single question: What does this situation require of me/us? This prompts unity, belief, trust and cohesivness – resulting in meaningful actions. By contrast, most ask: How can I/we get what I/we want out of this situation?
88 Janet George // Oct 25, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Here’s my random thoughts as I read this chapter:
Insecurity needs to impress. (i.e. An insecure communicator needs big words & lofty phrases in order to validate himself.)
Loved the apple question story!
Sam, being “forced” to sign the pension plan, made me think of government wanting to make us all buy healthcare.
A number of years ago, I accepted a different position and was training the lady who would be working in my old job. I showed her the form I had created for communicating with the field offices in regards to errors they had made and how to correct them. She commented (in a contemptuous tone) it sounded like it was written on an elementary reading level and she would definitely be re-writing it to a more adult sounding communication. I said that was fine with me, what ever worked for her since it was now her job. Since my new job was in another location, I didn’t see her for many months. She confided that her new form had been too hard for the field to understand and she had gone back to the form that I had been using. Too funny! This chapter made me recall that memory.
89 Vera L E Archilla // Oct 25, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Keep things simple, that’s the secret!
Another great chapter…..thank you John.
The true is ever simple, the human is that so complicated.
I’m waiting the next chapter anxiously.
90 Jenniffer Vielman // Oct 25, 2009 at 9:09 pm
This chapter was AWESOME! I agree with you that school teaches to be elaborate and simplicity is penalized. My first years in college, my instructors emphasized on being more elaborate and “creative” for simplicity was a sign of lack of creativity. However, when I went to grad school one of my professor taught me one of the best lessons “keep it simple”. At first he would take points off and penalize me for writing complex sentences and he would tell me “Jenniffer, there is nothing wrong with writing simple sentences”. Although the adjustment was hard, his advice has helped me so much.
Its good to hear from such a great communicator as yourself that keeping things simple is ok, if anything is encouraged. Thank you!
91 Laurinda // Oct 25, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Keeping it simple is so important. I love this chapter and wish every professor on every college/university campus would read it. I have found that it takes greater intelligence to take complex topics and break them down so anybody can understand it NOT JUST YOUR PEERS! Each field has it’s lingo. It’s easy to communicate to fellow engineers, my challenge always is in talking to high schoolers or college freshman about engineering. I love it because it forces me to take the complex and make it simple so they can understand.
92 Chaplain Steph // Oct 25, 2009 at 9:23 pm
I address this task daily… The KISS principle. May I humbly suggest a STEP on “Listening” to someone for 5-10 minutes to learn how they “hear”, then the task of simplifying is simple. Know your audience.
93 Trudy Metzger // Oct 25, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Dear Mr. Maxwell,
Each chapter captivates me, teaches me and makes me anticipate the next! So far I have read every chapter, though I wasn’t able to comment on Chapter six. (But it was also terrific!) I have returned to work full time, besides doing ministry at church and caring for my family, four of whom have been sick by turn for almost 2 weeks, so it takes more creativity to get here for this! On Sunday evenings, while my family watches the Amazing Race, I sneak up to the computer to read each chapter, and hopefully find a minute to comment! Thank you, again. I am looking forward to Chapter 8! This book will definitely be an added to my library to refer to again and again! God bless you!
Trudy
94 Lea Carey/winewithfriends // Oct 25, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Keeping it simple is keeping it real. It’s letting people see the “peeled back” version. Meaning that you care enough about your listener to give them the real stuff.
95 Melissa M. Frank // Oct 25, 2009 at 9:29 pm
Dear John,
Thank you for your insights on communication.
Simplicity is for understanding.
Complexity is for a challenge.
Effective marketing keeps it simple and makes an impression or impact in today’s busy world. More people are reached when the concept is simple:o)
Thank you.
96 Kevin Friedman // Oct 25, 2009 at 10:00 pm
One story: my son had golf practice one evening. The night before I asked him “If he had a ride to practice?”. He said “yes”. The following evening I receive a call from him asking if I was going to pick him up. “I thought you had a ride”, I said. He replied, “Yes, Dad, I did have a ride to practice, but not a ride home”. You also have to know your audience when communicating.
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