There's no doubt about it; Confidence is the key to success in many aspects of life! And, How to Win Friends and Influence People is our favorite public speaking anxiety book. [Full disclosure: Best Speech Topics is a compensated affiliate of Amazon and may earn a commission from the purchase of this recommended book.]
Whether it's delivering a speech to an audience - or communicating with a manager at work - the confidence we bring to the situation tends to have a significant impact on the outcome.
But only a few of us are NATURALLY confident.
Our talents divide the rest of us into:
If you feel as if you belong in the second group, then it's also likely you feel limited - maybe even defeated - both professionally and personally.
The good news, though, is that it's possible for ANYONE to move from that second group and into the first!
If there's one tool I recommend for learning the techniques to build confidence and truly transform the way you face the world and deal with others, it's the classic book: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.
How To Win Friends and Influence People
It may look old (!), but this is a book has stood the test of time and is still a hugely popular bestseller on Amazon.
Written in the 1930s, the messages it conveys are still VERY relevant today. That's because its author had a very accurate insight into fundamental human nature. And human needs are surprisingly consistent through history!
In a nutshell, How to Win Friends and Influence People teaches you:
These techniques are useful in just about every situation we face in our daily lives.
And as we master these techniques, our confidence builds - giving us the skills to deal effectively with others, to communicate clearly - and yes, to speak well in public and deliver our ideas in a way that resonates with our audience.
How to Win Friends and Influence People is popular because it's a timeless guide to building relationships. Some say it should be required reading for high school students. I agree and strongly recommended the book!
I'm sure those who've read it would agree that the advice it provides - if put into practice - can be very transformative and have a wonderfully positive impact on your life.
How to Win Friends and Influence People is available in a range of formats, so whether you like to read on a device, read a 'real' book, or listen, then there's an option to suit you.