📖 The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication by John Maxwell

David Guerrero -

Topic: Communication | Medium: Audible | Rating: 5

3 Note Summary:

  • The Law of Credibility: The most powerful message is the one you live. Before speaking, connect with your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Ask yourself: Is this something I know? Feel? Do? You are the message you speak.
  • The Law of Connecting: The most important rule is to serve others. Focus on the audience—you’re there to connect, not to impress.
  • The Law of Adding Value: Most people start each day asking, “What will I get today?” instead of “What can I give today?” Aim to be someone of value, not just successful.

Notes:

Law 1: The Law of Credibility

The most important message is the one you live. Knowing yourself impacts how you communicate and relate with others.

Being Authentic:

  • Be transparent: be liked for who you are, not for a phony version; share highs and lows; be direct yet empathetic.
  • Consistency: requires time and consistent action. Good work needs to "store up before it shows up."
  • Be a good example: teach only what you strive to live.
  • Be competent.

Levels of Communication:

  1. Title Role: People listen because they have to.
  2. Relationship: People listen because they like you.
  3. Remarkable: People listen because they want to (requires time, learning, and dedication).
  4. Reason: People listen because you add value to their lives.
  5. Return: People listen because of who you are and who you’ve been over time.

Connect with thoughts, feelings, and actions. Before speaking, ask: Is this something I know? Feel? Do? You are the message you speak.

Law 2: The Law of Observation

Watch and learn from effective speakers. Choose mentors whose spirit you admire. Ask questions and seek out individuals who inspire you.

Law 3: The Law of Conviction

What you believe in, others will believe. Your conviction inspires belief in others. Focus on helping others, as people feel what you believe more strongly the more you believe it.

Law 4: The Law of Preparation

  1. What do you want people to see?
    • Possibilities arise from how we view things.
    • Embrace an abundance mindset.
  2. What do you want people to know?
    • Their value.
    • Tell people you value them, and respect yourself.
  3. What do you want them to feel?
    • Empowered, valued, and accountable.
  4. What do you want them to do?
    • Apply and multiply what they learn.

Preparation questions: How can I make it special, practical, and personal? Am I prepared to speak from knowledge, feeling, and experience?

Law 5: The Law of Collaboration

The group is smarter than the individual. Success often depends more on the people you choose to collaborate with than the problem itself.

Who to Collaborate With:

  1. Those with an abundance mindset.
  2. People who think in options.

Law 6: The Law of Content

If content is king, communication is queen.

Steps:

  1. Know your audience and their needs.
  2. Stick to your strengths.
  3. Develop a clear thesis.
  4. Research thoroughly.
  5. Outline for flow and memorability.
  6. Focus on learning, doing, emotion, and connection.

Use inclusive language, create warmth, and ensure you say something memorable.

Law 7: The Law of Connecting

The most important rule: it’s all about others. The audience is your focus; you’re there to connect, not impress.

Law 8: The Law of Leverage

Use your strengths. Start with what you know best, share your story, and focus on helping others. Working on strengths can make you exceptional.

Law 9: The Law of Anticipation

Build excitement and meet expectations. Anticipate success and believe in your message. Remember: you’re either a fountain or a drain—be a fountain!

Law 10: The Law of Simplicity

  1. Clarity: Make sure even an 8-year-old could understand.
  2. Brevity: Say a lot with few words.
  3. Focus: Subtract the obvious, add the meaningful.

Law 11: The Law of Visual Expression

Use expressions, gestures, props, and visuals to enhance your message.

Law 12: The Law of Storytelling

Stories help us live, remember, and feel. Stories are powerful tools for connecting.

Law 13: The Law of the Thermostat

Read the room, be present, and interact with your audience. People will like you because you make them feel understood.

Law 14: The Law of the Change-Up

Use tempo, pauses, and movement to keep your audience engaged.

Law 15: The Law of Adding Value

Start each day with the question, “What can I give today?” Aim to be someone of value, not just success.

Law 16: The Law of Results

Always measure your effectiveness through results, aiming to inspire and impact others in a meaningful way.