Communication Archives

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.

Female Networking Is Hard—Here Are 3 Tips for Success

Do you need more friends as a woman? What’s the key to mastering female networking? Having a close network of women is great for support and inspiration. You can learn a lot just by observing or talking to other successful women who’ve been in your position. Below we’ve compiled tips on female networking from Rachel Rodgers’ helpful book We Should All Be Millionaires.

Seth Godin on Freebie Marketing: Break the Ice With Customers

Is freebie marketing a smart approach? If so, how and when should it be done? In Permission Marketing, Seth Godin recommends opening a line of communication with consumers by offering them valuable freebies in exchange for their contact information. This is the first step in his three-part permission marketing strategy. Continue reading to learn how to break the ice with prospective customers by giving out freebies.

Closing Your Speech Effectively: How to Leave Them Wanting More

How detailed should you be when you plan the ending of your speech? Is it ever a good idea to close with a quote? In his classic book Public Speaking for Success, Dale Carnegie shares his essential teachings about crafting and delivering a memorable speech. He includes some guidelines on closing your speech effectively. Read more to learn how to close your speech in a way that leaves your audience wanting more.

How to Choose a Topic & Develop Ideas for Maximum Impact

Have you been asked to give a speech or write an article? How should select the subject matter and flesh out what you’re going to say? In Public Speaking for Success, Dale Carnegie shares advice on how to choose a topic and develop ideas. While his tips are provided in the context of public speaking, they’re applicable to essays, books, and more. Continue reading to learn how to figure out what topic and ideas you should present.

How to Deliver a Speech: Classic Advice From Dale Carnegie

What message do you send when you open a speech with an apology? Should you speak conversationally, or is that too informal? In Public Speaking for Success, Dale Carnegie shares practical tips on how to deliver a powerful speech. Specifically, he discusses how to start strong, get and hold your audience’s attention, and close in a memorable way without dragging things out. Keep reading to learn how to deliver a speech that will leave an impact.

The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication (Overview)

How can you involve other people in preparing for a presentation you’re giving? What are your particular speaking strengths? Speaking is a skill that’s in demand in every field. In The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication, internationally renowned speaker John C. Maxwell shares his secrets to becoming a confident and effective communicator capable of delivering any message to any audience. Read more for an overview of this practical book.

How to Connect With Your Audience: Tips From John C. Maxwell

When you speak, do people tune out? How does your audience know that you care about them? According to John Maxwell, your primary goal when communicating should be to connect with your audience and to provide them with valuable and meaningful content. He explains why connection matters and how to build it. Keep reading for Maxwell’s advice on how to connect with your audience when you speak.