Download the full audio: www.WisdomOfSuccess.org CARNEGIE: The eighteenth trait of an attractive personality is —EFFECTIVE SPEECH. The person who cannot stand on his feet and speak with force and conviction, on any subject within the range of his knowledge, is under a great handicap as far as the attraction of people is concerned. The same applies to the man who cannot express himself forcefully in ordinary conversation and in small group gatherings, such as business conferences. There is a general acceptance of the belief that the ability to dramatize words and express them forcefully at all times, under all conditions, is among the greatest of human achievements. In fact, some people place this power at the head of the list of all personal achievements. Times without number, as we can see by examining the history of mankind, the entire trend of civilization has been influenced by men who could dramatize an idea with the spoken word. We have only to look around us to find men who have risen to great heights of personal achievement because of their ability to sell themselves to other people, through dramatized speech. Let it be remembered that in my use of the term speech, I have reference to man’s spoken words as a means of influencing others, whether he is speaking to one person or to many. HILL: It might be helpful, Mr. Carnegie, if you were to mention some of the steps one must take to prepare to give an effective speech. CARNEGIE: By far the most important factor of effective speech is a thorough knowledge of the subject on which one speaks. No amount of dramatic technique will ever take the place of the self-assurance a speaker feels when he knows his subject! Someone whose hobby was terseness of speech, once said that a whole course on public speaking could be taught in one sentence: “Know what you wish to say and say it with all the feeling you can command, and then sit down!” The last two words are important. The time to stop speaking is the exact moment at which you have conveyed the thought you wish to get over, and not one second beyond that time. Long-winded speakers generally are boresome; but the short speech will be no less so if it does not say something that people wish to hear, and say it effectively. HILL: Several times, Mr. Carnegie, you have used the word “dramatize” in connection with effective speech. Just how is the ability to dramatize acquired? CARNEGIE: The ability to dramatize speech comes through habit; therefore one should begin this habit by speaking forcefully in ordinary conversationI There is the place where great speakers learn the art of effective speech. They practice on every person with whom they converse. They never utter a word without placing back of it the necessary feeling to make it penetrate and affect the mind of the listener. This simple procedure will make an effective speaker of anyone who follows it as a matter of daily habit, and nothing else will! HILL: Mr. Carnegie, in our last discussion you stressed the importance of the proper choice of words. Will you tell me now, Sir, where the proper use of words fits into this business of effective speech? CARNEGIE: Words will not produce effective speech unless they are grouped so as to convey ideas through illustrations and similes that are well within the experience of all! Remember this, because it is of the utmost importance to all who aspire to become effective speakers. I have heard some well educated men make speeches which were masterpieces of English, but they failed to influence anyone because they were not properly attuned to the minds of the listeners, through the right sort of illustrations. People wish to hear about subjects that help to solve their daily problems, subjects that aid them in their struggle for the necessities and the luxuries of life. People will listen to the discussion of other subjects, but they will be more greatly influenced when discussions are made interesting by dramatization and illustration. All people resent the use of words which they do not understand, no matter how correctly they may be used. Remember, then, that the effective speaker must not only use illustrations within the range of his listeners, but he must describe them in words which anyone of ordinary educational advantages may understand.

• published: 18 Aug 2014
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