Communication Archives

How to Approach Someone: 3 Simple Steps for Breaking the Ice

When you’re in a social situation, do you typically wait for people to come and talk to you? Do you let opportunities pass by because you’re uncomfortable initiating a conversation? Approaching others can be intimidating. You might prefer to keep to yourself or talk to people you already know rather than risk rejection or awkwardness. But, in reality, rejection isn’t a likely outcome. You’ll probably end up being glad that you walked across the room. Continue reading to learn how to approach someone with confidence.

The Benefits of Public Speaking: Why It’s Life’s Most Important Skill

What careers entail communicating to an audience, either in a conference room or an auditorium? In your personal life, when could you be called upon to speak in front of others? Legendary author and lecturer Dale Carnegie believes that the most important skill in life is public speaking. It provides fulfillment, and it opens countless doors of opportunity. In Public Speaking for Success, he discusses the benefits of public speaking, including influence and confidence-building. Read more to discover why Carnegie says that public speaking is such a valuable skill.

Get Out There: How to Overcome Social Anxiety and Shyness

Do you feel uneasy about attending social events? Do you lack confidence when talking to people outside of your social circle? It’s easy to think that you need to change something about yourself before you can boldly meet new people. But, communication experts say that the solution entails looking outward at others rather than inward at yourself. Also, some strategic preparation can go a long way. Continue reading to learn how to overcome social anxiety and shyness by focusing on others and coming prepared.

How to Build Confidence in Speaking: 4 Tips From Dale Carnegie

Does even just the idea of speaking in public make you nervous? What if you could build confidence, not just in your speaking abilities, but in your general abilities? Most people fear speaking in public. Dale Carnegie’s time-tested lessons help you overcome that fear, take the stage, and speak with assurance and poise. He shares four tactics that will give you the courage to speak and, in turn, provide you with the confidence to do just about anything. Keep reading for Carnegie’s fourfold advice on how to build confidence in speaking.

The 4 Main Objectives of Public Speaking (Dale Carnegie)

What are the various ways that public speaking can be used? How can you get clarity on what your next speech aims to accomplish? Public speaking has the power to affect audiences in different ways. A presentation can provoke thought, motivate action, or elicit a lot of laughs. In Public Speaking for Success, Dale Carnegie identifies four main objectives of public speaking. Keep reading to learn about these public speaking objectives and how each one wields its own kind of power.

How to Structure a Speech: 3 Templates From Dale Carnegie

What are the various ways a speech can be organized? How does Dale Carnegie recommend you end a talk, regardless of its structure? Once you have a topic and some excellent ideas around it, you need to organize your ideas in a way that will reach your audience effectively. In Public Speaking for Success, Dale Carnegie provides three templates and shares some general guidelines that apply to any speech structure. Continue reading to learn how to structure a speech with classic advice from Carnegie.

Tips for Memorizing a Speech Without Sounding Scripted

How can you remember what you want to say—but avoid stiffly reciting it word-for-word? Is it possible to speak extemporaneously—but not aimlessly? Dale Carnegie says that, when you know your speech well enough, you can deliver it with conviction, feeling, and authenticity. Knowing it well enough, though, doesn’t mean memorizing every word. He shares three strategies for leveraging your memory for effective public speaking. Read more to learn his three tips for memorizing a speech in a way that allows you to speak naturally.

What to Do Before a Presentation: Dale Carnegie’s Timely Advice

What should (and shouldn’t) you eat before a presentation? How should you prepare the stage? If you have a presentation coming up, you know you must figure out what to say and how to say it. But, that’s not the only preparation you should do. Dale Carnegie suggests that, in the hours and moments leading up to your talk, you must turn your attention to several external and last-minute elements. Read more to learn what to do before a presentation, according to Carnegie’s classic book Public Speaking for Success.

How to Begin a Speech: Dale Carnegie’s Timeless Strategies

What common mistakes do people make when beginning a presentation? What must you do well before your speech to help it get off to a strong start? How you begin your speech sets the tone for the entire presentation. In Public Speaking for Success, author and lecturer Dale Carnegie shares practical strategies you can use to grab your audience’s attention and make them want to hear more. Keep reading to learn how to begin a speech in a way that people won’t soon forget.

How to Get the Attention of Your Audience (and Keep It)

Should you use humor to open a speech? What are some ways to appeal to people’s needs and desires? Dale Carnegie’s public speaking advice has helped countless people reach their audiences. In Public Speaking for Success, he shares several recommendations for speaking in ways that make people want to hear more. Continue reading to learn how to get the attention of your audience and keep it throughout your speech.