Customer Reviews

Public Speaking and Influencing Men in Business (From the author of 'How to Win Friends & Influence People')

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been a Toastmaster for several years. This book pulled my experiences together, and showed me how to make better use of preparation and presentation techniques. Carnegie addresses the whole person, and radiates an interest in people and their goals.

Two of the more valuable approaches of the book were its focus on the gradual development of a speech through the use of constant reflection, and its instruction for using imagery to recall the points of a speech when you are actually out on the floor.

Another strong point of the book is its use of examples, both from historical and comtemporary (for the author) sources. The examples not only strengthen the interest of the reader, but augment and reinforce the points Carnegie is emphasizing.

After having read HOW TO DEVELOP SELF-CONFIDENCE & INFLUENCE PEOPLE by PUBLIC SPEAKING by Dale Carnegie, I genuinely feel compelled to write a brief review.


First, I found this book to be useful and pratical. The author provides general principles regarding how to develop self-confidence and improve one's speaking peformance, then provides an illustration of that principle. In other words, the author is effectively instructing us on how to improve our public speaking peformance, which is critical in so many professions.


Second, this book contains brilliant depth. In fact, to be forward, I was skeptical I would even find this book useful. I have provided speeches with nearly 300 people in attendance. However, when it came to my performance before small groups --say, three to twelve people-- I tended to flounder. From this book, I learned that I must prepare for my short presentations as I prepare for my more lengthy presentations. A few quick pointers: memorize your opening and closing, which I was not doing for my small group presentations; I was often attempting to "wing" them. However, subsequently reading this book, my presentations are more effective and have more grace.


Third and in conclusion, the final chapter was somewhat astonishing for me. I was literally mispronouncing a few words, and I am very grateful for having received instruction and guidance from the author. For example, I was mispronouncing vIand, antIdote, amEnable, cUlinary, sUpine, lab-o-ra-tory, bev-er-age, Cath-o-lic, choc-o-late, di-a-mond, fo-li-age, gal-ler-y, et al.! I honestly state with confidence that this little treasure is a "must read" for professionals, particularly those required to speak before small and large audiences. On a final note, I only wish I had read this book earlier, my life would have been quite easier.


Sincerely,
Clovis

As one could expect from a expert in human interaction, Dale Carnegie wrote a clear and concise book on public speaking. The book is very readable, with loads of "practical" examples, and with a fantastic summary after each chapter. I am sure the book can be of help to the novice as for the expert speaker alike. I gave the book 4 stars, because in my view only mind blowing books like Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People" deserve the maximum of 5 stars.

I regularly give public talks, and am always looking for ways to improve my speaking and organizational abilities. On a lark, I picked this up from a friend's bookshelf, and simply couldn't put it down, eventually buying my own copy. It isn't only that the author offers highly useful, practical information regarding poise, confidence, and organization, but also writes with a level of skill that is truly rare. I recommend this book not only to burgeoning and expert public speakers alike, but also to writers interested in reading truly masterful prose.

Before I read this book some 10 years ago speaking in front of a crowd induced nightmares. I was terrified.
My friend advised me to read Dale Carnegie's book as it had helped him overcome his stage fright.

I knew that it couldn't hurt so I gave it a shot.
For the last 10 years it has been my constant companion as I now speak in front of large groups almost every week.
The lessons taught in it are ridiculously simple, but have changed my life.

I recommend that if you have a problem speaking in public, buy this book and read it cover to cover writing down every good tip you can and memorizing it.

If you want to read a more extensive review you can visit my profile and from there my blog.
Good luck.

Dale Carnegie's influence on how modern America does business is undeniable. Mastering the art of communication is probably the one of the most (if not the most) valuable asset to success. Given his reputation, Carnegie's take on the subject is a great start for anyone who plans on making public speaking part of their professional repertoire. His basic methodology, although a bit dated (the book was written more than half a century ago), is still applicable to today's business world.

I've taken a couple of public speaking classes and have read a few tomes on the subject. I've found some other, more modern writers to be better resources on the subject, but it doesn't take away from the fact that I still benefitted greatly from this read. The cover advertises "time-tested methods of persuasion" and although I agree that having organized thoughts, clear communication, and enjoyable mannerisms as necessary to state a point effectively, I don't think it guarantees you to be persuasive. The book is a relatively easy read although I found some of the language and examples dated and a few of the parts repeating the same points, making it a little tedious.

I would recommend this book to someone who wants a practical start to effective communicating.

It's a great read would rec amend it to any one that wants to succeed.

I read this book before I did a presentation of my book to THE LOS ANGELES ATAXIA SUPPORT GROUP. It helped me a lot, and gave me the confidence that I needed to display my book in an oral book presentation.
I will go over a few of the key points of this wonderful book by Dale Carnegie, Inc., and why the information was what I needed to hear.
-In order to be a good public speaker you must have a strong and persistant desire to relate this information. (Yes, there is a strong and urgent need to increase awareness of CEREBELLAR ATAXIA as well as all of the other varieties of ATAXIA-a neurological, progressive, physical disorder that impairs coordination. I have been becoming more and more physically handicapped with my genetic neurological disorder since I was 17.)
-Know thoroughly what you are going to talk about. Don't speak until you are sure that you have something to say, and then say it, and sit down. (I am already sitting in a wheelchair due to my progressive, genetic disorder. I related to my audience how I wrote the book, over years, the publication process, and then I recited three of the poems from my book.)
-Practice, Practice, Practice. Be prepared. State your facts, argue from them, and appeal for action. (I described how it is to live with a progressive, neurological handicap. I hope it will raise awareness of ATAXIA.)
Those are a few of the key point of this marvelous book by Dale Carnegie, Inc.
My book is called Dreams in August: Life, Love, and Cerebellar Ataxia

I do a fair amount of public speaking and just dealing with people. When you know what you want to say and are able to say it confidently and with conviction it makes a big difference in the way it is received.

Dale Carnegie's books are legendary! Every page of this one offers insights and hope. This is one red hot title that will help you build unstoppable self confidence which is something we all need.

Here's another great book to check out:
Self Esteem Secrets: 12 Steps to Success