“Develop Self Confidence, Improve Public Speaking” by Dale Carnegie
The last book of the 5 Dale Carnegie books that I have in my possession. And I’m reading it snap bang in the middle of relaxing summer, which for me no reading soothes more than his books.
And this particular book is the stuff that Warren Buffett highly attributed as one of key factors for his success, Carnegie’s bread and butter, his wisdom on public speaking.
Along with the usual Carnegie-esque stories to make his excellent points (that are delightfully old school from his time), the book also provides famous people’s good habit, from Abraham Lincoln’s memory retention to Mark Twain’s note-less speeches to Teddy Roosevelt’s fiery passion on stage.
Here are the key points of the book:
- Preparation is key.
- Do your research.
- Know your audience.
- Keep it clear and consized.
- Provide a clear conclusion.
- The natural law of remembering: vivid impressions, repetition, association.
- Stress important words, subordinate unimportant ones.
- Vary your pitch. Talk like a human and not a monotone robot.
- Vary your rate of speaking.
- Pause before and after important ideas.
- Dress meticulously, even have a winning smile if you can (everything about out appearance will be examined under the microscope).
- Good lighting can go a long way.
- Clear up distractions on the stage that can take away attention from you.
- Avoid technical terms when necessary, especially when talking to outsiders.
- Picture your points, visualised your ideas.
- Take command over your language. Speak meticulously and with class.
- Be well-read so that you can add multiple contexts into your speech.
There’s never a dull moment when it comes to Dale Carnegie books, and this one is no exception.
EDWIN SETIADI 