PMO | How to become a great communicator from John Maxwell

​John Maxwell is a well-known leadership author and speaker. Today, we'll talk about his new book, The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication: Apply Them and Make the Most of Your Message (2023), and learn from him how to become a great communicator. We cannot overstate how important communication is for advancing your career, influencing people, and bringing ideas into reality. But how do we communicate effectively?  

First, look at the 16 principles discussed in the book.  

• The law of credibility speaks with authenticity and transparency. Focus on the audience: What do they care about? What do they want to know? How can we help them? How can we make them feel comfortable? It's all about valuing the listeners.  
• The law of observation says, "To know the road ahead, ask those coming back." This principle emphasizes learning from great speakers while adapting communication styles to align with your personality, knowledge, and character.  
• The law of conviction encourages talking about something you genuinely believe in. Passion and conviction make your words more impactful. 
• The law of preparation states that effective communication requires thorough preparation. A well-prepared message resonates more with the audience and leaves a lasting impression.  
• The law of collaboration highlights that great communication is not just about speaking; it's about engaging with others. Work with your audience, involve them, and foster meaningful dialogue.  
• The law of content emphasizes that strong content is the foundation of effective communication. Ensure your message is clear, valuable, and structured to keep the audience engaged. 
• The law of connecting explains that communication is about building relationships. Find common ground with your audience and create a personal connection to make your message more memorable. 
• The law of leveraging suggests using your strengths to communicate effectively. Whether humor, storytelling, or personal experiences, leverage what makes your communication style unique.  
• The law of anticipation advises pauses and pacing changes to emphasize key points. Communication is not just about content but also about timing and delivery.  
• The law of simplicity stresses that keeping a message simple and easy to understand is crucial. Avoid unnecessary complexity and focus on clarity.  
• The law of visual expression reminds us that nonverbal communication, including facial expressions and body language, plays a significant role in how a message is received.  
• The law of storytelling explains that people remember stories more than facts. Use storytelling to illustrate your points and make your message more relatable and impactful.  
  
• The law of the thermostat states that a great communicator sets the tone of the conversation rather than merely responding to it. Be in control of the energy in the room.  
  
• The law of change-up encourages paying attention to the rhythm and variation of your words to create energy and excitement. Monotone speech can make even the best message ineffective.  
  
• The law of adding value stresses that every time you communicate, you aim to provide something valuable to your audience. Whether it's new information, inspiration, or clarity, ensure they leave with more than they came.  
  
• The law of results reminds us that the ultimate test of communication is the outcome it produces. Are people inspired? Are they taking action? A great communicator measures success by the impact of their message.  ​

No one becomes a great communicator overnight. To truly master communication, practice is essential. When you speak, you want people to listen, stay engaged, and feel that your message is relevant and helpful. By refining your communication skills, you can become a trusted advisor and gain the support of others.  

In today's world, communication is more valuable than ever. Even with thousands of hours of practice, there is always room to grow. But the journey is worth every step.

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