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The Art of Public Speaking summary
Dale Carnegie
J.B. Esenwein
Become a confident, effective public speaker
23 mins
Brief summary
"The Art of Public Speaking" by Dale Carnegie and J.B. Esenwein is a guidebook for improving public speaking skills. It provides practical tips for overcoming nervousness, engaging the audience, and delivering effective speeches.
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The Art of Public Speaking
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Key idea 1 of 8
Becoming a skilled speech-giver is a matter of practice, and stage fright can be conquered.
Do you remember how you learned to swim? Did you go to the library, study a manual on the art of swimming and then, brimming with hard-won knowledge, confidently don your swimming gear and plunge fearlessly into the nearest body of water?
Probably not. Whether you remember it or not, you learned to swim by, well, swimming – and there was likely a lot of awkward thrashing about and water up the nose before you felt at home in a pool.
Why dwell on your introduction to the aquatic realm? Well, mastering the art of public speaking is much like learning to swim. Giving speeches is the only way to become a skilled orator. And that means jumping into the proverbial deep end.
At first, you’ll probably be filled with apprehension when standing before an audience. But don’t fret. Many great speakers, from the British statesman William Gladstone to the American clergyman Henry Ward Beecher, never ceased to suffer from stage fright.
But speech-giving isn’t a matter of becoming fearless; it’s a matter of mastering your fear. Here are three ways to do that.
The first is to banish feelings of self-consciousness by letting yourself be absorbed by the subject of your speech. If you’re utterly focused on the idea or message that you’re trying to communicate, there’ll be little room for idle worries about your appearance or how the audience perceives you. Subordinate yourself to the content of your speech, and all undue concerns about self-presentation will vanish.
It’s equally important to have something to say. Many speakers fail because they approach the podium unprepared. If you haven’t prepared your material and practiced your speech, doubts and misgivings are sure to assail you the minute you open your mouth. To avoid this, the author advises memorizing at least the first few sentences of your speech.
Then, after preparing for success, expect it. Expecting success doesn’t mean you should be overconfident and complacent. Rather, maintain your humility – not a cowering, servile humility, but a sort of vibrant humbleness, an eternal openness to improvement. Cast aside your self-involved fears, and be willing to succeed.
Your first few speeches may feel like a sort of drowning – but keep practicing, and they’ll soon be going swimmingly.
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What is The Art of Public Speaking about?
The Art of Public Speaking (1915) remains one of the most popular and widely-read guides to making effective public speeches. Its approachable language and applicable tips have been turning would-be speech-givers into master orators for more than a century.
The Art of Public Speaking Review
The Art of Public Speaking (1915) is a valuable resource for anyone looking to master the art of public speaking. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its practical tips and strategies, it equips readers with the necessary tools to confidently deliver speeches and presentations.
- Providing insight into effective communication techniques, the book helps individuals connect with their audience and make a lasting impact.
- Through engaging examples and anecdotes, the book keeps readers engaged and interested, making the process of learning public speaking enjoyable.
Best quote from The Art of Public Speaking
If you believe you will fail, there is no hope for you. You will.
—Dale Carnegie, with J.B. Esenwein
Who should read The Art of Public Speaking?
- Aspiring public speakers
- People who’ve experienced stage fright
- Anyone trying to increase their influence
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The Art of Public Speaking FAQs
What is the main message of The Art of Public Speaking?
The main message of The Art of Public Speaking is mastering the art of effective communication and public speaking.
How long does it take to read The Art of Public Speaking?
The reading time for The Art of Public Speaking varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Art of Public Speaking a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Art of Public Speaking is a valuable read for anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills. It provides practical tips and techniques for delivering powerful speeches.
Who is the author of The Art of Public Speaking?
The authors of The Art of Public Speaking are Dale Carnegie and J.B. Esenwein.
What to read after The Art of Public Speaking?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Art of Public Speaking, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- TED Talks by Chris Anderson
- Speaker, Leader, Champion by Jeremy Donovan and Ryan Avery
- The Leader In You by Dale Carnegie
- Win Every Argument by Mehdi Hasan
- Human Hacking by Christopher Hadnagy with Seth Schulman
- How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
- Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership by Jim Dethmer
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill