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                                     Preface

This research began as a personal quest for self-improvement, not to be shared with others. I had
always noticed how easy it was for some people to work with others. They had a special way about
them and always left others better off than before they found them. They gave people energy instead
of taking it.

As I interviewed more and more top communicators, I began to realize that they were all successful,
regardless of occupation, what they sold, or for which company they worked. Each had a unique
ability to connect, communicate and work extraordinarily well with others. And equally important, each
was genuinely happy in life.

Soon the correlation between their ability to effectively communicate and their extraordinary success
in life, both personally and professionally, was obvious. This book is the collection of thoughts, ideas,
research, and conversations I’ve had with these people–the six-figure communicators.

I have learned a great deal from them. They have exponentially helped me in my personal and
professional life to become more successful. As I learned their valuable secrets, the world suddenly
became simpler to me and made so much more sense. I began to see the world like I had never
done before. I then decided to share their secrets with others.

Will this book help turn a light on for people? Absolutely. Will it change their lives? Maybe. But if this
book does nothing more than make life just a little easier for others, it will have certainly been worth it.

As strange as it sounds, this book really isn’t about earning more money, it is about becoming a
better communicator and better understanding, talking to and working with others. The money and a
higher quality of life are only natural by-products of highly effective communication.
This book is specifically designed for two types of people: (1) those with average communication
skills who want to dramatically improve them, and (2) those who want to significantly improve the
quality of their own lives. I focused on communications between individuals and small groups
because this is where most of our communication takes place.

In writing this book, I researched human communication extensively, and much of this research is
primary, meaning firsthand, not rehashed from others. I drew on 10 years of my journal notes,
observations, and key anecdotes, and interviewed scores of six-figure communicators in the real
world, not Ph.D. theorists. It is practical information for practical people.

While developing this book, one question intrigued me: Are six-figure communicators using
hundreds of little communication tips or are they simply applying two or three fundamentals
consistently? Most natural-born communicators would tell me simply to “be yourself,” “treat others as
you would want to be treated,” and “just be natural.” For them, understanding, talking to, and working
with people is simple. They are intuitive with people and build rapport effortlessly. Self-taught
communicators, on the other hand, would tell me they learned to be six-figure communicators little by
little over many years of trial and error.

I wrote this book to bridge the mysterious gap between what natural-born six-figure communicators
know and do and what self-taught six-figure communicators have discovered. It has been my
privilege to cross industry lines and learn from talented professionals in a wide range of fields. Each
had a different area of expertise and life experience, and each shared with me his or her
communication secrets.

Here are a few reasons you will benefit from developing extraordinary communication skills:

•        Communication is a highly rewarded skill—professionally and personally.
•        You use it everywhere, not just at work.
•        You can use improved skills right now!
•        Good communication skills help you become more accomplished.
•        Good communicators enjoy respect and admiration from others.
•        Your improved communication skills will last a lifetime!

As you read these pages, look for the communications concepts that work for you. Experiment with
them and have fun. Let this book expand your horizons and open your mind. You will begin to notice
the close relationship between good communication skills and good people skills, and how they
overlap. It’s exciting to know that just one new concept or idea can dramatically change your
communication style, thereby improving your life forever.

I believe all of us have a natural gift or talent inside us that makes us special or unique. I have always
admired people who share their talent in a way that improves the lives of others. I believe my own
talent has always been having a genuine interest in others and the ability to watch and learn from
them. I hope you benefit from what I have learned from the six-figure communicators.

Best of luck in all your endeavors, and happy learning!

Peter Stankovich