El poder de las relaciones

Author, speaker, and leadership expert Maxwell seeks to catalyze readers' latent potential to become highly effective and influential leaders and expert communicators who deftly establish connection with their listeners. He refutes the idea that identifying with others is an innate ability, arguing instead that it is a skill one can develop by directing one's attention toward others and connecting enthusiastically with what they see, hear, feel, and understand. Maxwell also identifies the various practices, from self-deprecating humor to projecting confidence, exhibited by those who are adept at socializing and public speaking. The result is a pithy, practical manual with grounded examples and folksy anecdotes and quotations. Each chapter ends with bullet-point advice about how to employ the particular principle in three contexts: one to one, in a group, and in an auditorium. While much of this material is basic ("Find common ground," "Speak more about the other than yourself") and has been covered more extensively elsewhere (e.g., in Sonya Hamlin's essential How To Talk So People Listen), Maxwell is adept at drawing the reader in and maintaining attention. This is an excellent starting point for public speaking neophytes but would be of much use to those who are more seasoned. Recommended for bookstores and public libraries where motivational books are popular.—Carolyn Kost, Stevenson Sch. Lib., Pebble Beach, CA