A Book Review of Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People

Punctuated with stories, this key book spawned an entire training philosophy for executives. Perfect for teenagers as a supplement to school reading, it is easy to read, and timeless in its application. Although written in the 1930s this book is the basis for Dale Carnegie courses are still heavily relied upon by major corporations in every significant city in the U.S.

Below is a short synopsis of this valuable book meant for review for busy executives and teenagers. Thorough understanding will put anyone 20-years ahead of others. If you have never read it, consider reviewing it. The fundamentals will increase earnings potential, acceptance by others and improve anyone’s outlook on life! Here’s some principles you can find in How To Win Friends and Influence People!

Fundamentals in Handling People

  1. Never criticize anyone – especially immediately.
  2. Be hearty in your approval and lavish in your praise.
  3. Arouse in the other person an eager want – or – discover his eager want!

6 Ways to Gain Friends and Make People Like You

  1. Be interested in other people – genuinely!
  2. Smile.
  3. Remember a person’s name.
  4. Be a good listener.
  5. Talk in terms of the other person’s interests
  6. Make other people feel important.

12 Ways to Win People over to Your Way of Thinking

  1. Avoid arguments like the plague.
  2. Never tell a person they are wrong.
  3. If you’re wrong admit it quickly.
  4. Begin in a friendly way. “The Sun told the Wind that gentleness and friendliness are always stronger than fury and force.”
  5. Get a Yes, Yes, Yes response.
  6. Let the other person do a great deal of talking.
  7. Let the other person feel the idea is theirs. “Let them sell themselves.”
  8. Try honestly to see things from the other person’s point of view.
  9. Be sympathetic with the other person’s ideas and desires. “I don’t blame you one iota for feeling the way you do. If I were you, I should undoubtedly feel the same way.”
  10. Appeal to their nobler motives.
  11. Dramatize your ideas.
  12. Throw down a challenge giving them the chance to excel.

9 Ways to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment

  1. Begin with praise and honest appreciation.
  2. Call attention to people’s mistakes indirectly.
  3. Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing.
  4. Ask questions instead of giving direct orders.
  5. Let the other person save face.
  6. Praise the slightest improvement and every improvement.
  7. Give a person a fine reputation to live up to.
  8. Make the fault seem easy to correct.
  9. Praise the things they do right and MINIMIZE the wrong.
  10. Make the person happy about doing the thing you suggest.

If you or your student could incorporate these into your life, wouldn’t it result in a happier and more productive life? YES!

For additional books (and reviews) every student should read before graduating from high school, see http://everydaychristianfamily.com/10-must-read-books-for-teenagers/

Short Book Summaries

Like a review of See You at the Top click here

Like a review of the One Minute Manager click here

Like to learn the 10 Must Read Books For Teenagers? click here

 

 

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