Expert Series: What Are You Reading?

Expert Series: What Are You Reading?

March 21, 2011 by

Despite the onset of blog posts and tweets, the old printed volume still holds the power to change our thinking. Our expert series continues with some book recommendations.

What’s one book that’s changed how you communicate?

Brian Gaffney: The book that has had the greatest impact on my overall communication style is Edith Poor’s The Executive Writer: A Guide to Managing Words, Ideas, and People. I was introduced to the book more than 13 years ago, while working in corporate America; but, not a year goes by without me refreshing myself by reviewing at least a couple of chapters. It helps to keep my writing focused. I highly recommend it to communicators of all levels.

Katie Strandlund: Less Clutter. Less Noise. by Kem Meyer

Paul Armstrong: That’s tough, because communication runs several parallel lines. Communicating visually and verbally are obviously different. But when I think of communicating, one has to think of order. I’d say what changed my perspective the most was Edward Tufte’s Visual Explanations. I also couple that heady work with Seth Godin’s Purple Cow which is really a pep-rally for thinking differently and why it works.

Danielle Hartland: Less Clutter. Less Noise. by Kem Meyer is the obvious choice because the girl knows what she’s talking about. Church communications is a different beast than regular corporate communications, and she tackles it well. I have to say, though, that Relational Intelligence by Steve Saccone really changed the game for me. It’s about developing relational skills and seeing people as more than a means to an end, but really placing value on the person. Sounds like a no-brainer, but it’s worth your time.

Cleve Persinger: Branding Faith by Phil Cooke

Shawn Wood: Less Clutter. Less Noise. by Kem Meyer should be required reading by any church communications volunteer or staff.  It is the handbook of why this position even exists.  Changed the game for me (even prior to the book through my friendship with Kem) and set me on a course that shaped how I communicate in total.

Photo by Mr. T in DC
Post By:

Kevin D. Hendricks


When Kevin isn't busy as the editor of Church Marketing Sucks, he runs his own writing and editing company, Monkey Outta Nowhere. Kevin has been blogging since 1998, runs the hyperlocal site West St. Paul Reader, and has published several books, including 137 Books in One Year: How to Fall in Love With Reading, The Stephanies and all of our church communication books.
Read more posts by | Want to write for us?

5 Responses to “Expert Series: What Are You Reading?”

  • Craig Yoshihara
    March 21, 2011

    I’d have to say the two that have helped my communication the most are Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley and another Stanley book, Communicating for a Change. Both are excellent in different ways. The first is great from a visioning and leadership communication standpoint and the other great for preaching.


     | Permalink
  • Lance Marshall
    March 21, 2011

    I had been kicking around the idea of getting Kem’s book, and these endorsements pushed me over the edge on getting that and “Branding Faith.” Great post, and I look forward to reading them both!


     | Permalink
  • Maria
    March 21, 2011

    Heart of the Artist by Rory Noland


     | Permalink
  • David Edmisten
    March 23, 2011

    An unlikely source, but some great wisdom on communicating the gospel is found in The Autobiography of George Muller. Although the book itself is required reading for anyone who wants to truly live by faith in Christ, Muller recommends keeping all preaching as simple as possible. And that’s the beauty of God’s word – its simple, non-refutable, heart moving truth. The lesson covers so much of how we communicate.


     | Permalink
  • Drew Mehta
    March 25, 2011

    I just finished Seth Godin’s Poke the Box and Lynchpin. Highly recommended!


     | Permalink