I discovered Andrew Carnegie after reading Sean Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens and Harrison M's Self Power for Teens, since then i've read many books in the field including this one. This book's as helpful now as it was when the man himself still drew breath, his strong and clear message still resenates with young and old today ... my son and i have both benefitted tremendously from this book.
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
