Top 6 Lessons from 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' Book

How to win friends and influence people is one of the best selling books of all time. Dale Carnegie wrote this book on personality development.

Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People is a perfect classic book on personality development. This book has the potential to transform the lives of millions. Published in 1936, the core principles of this remain as intact as today.

Top 6 Lessons from How to Win Friends and Influence People

How to win friends and influence people predominantly illustrates how to cope up with the people in this world that is driven by communication, networking, and relationships. 

You may be working in the corporate world, government offices, or managing your business. Dale Carnegie' s book can help you a lot to shape your career. You can easily grow your personality, relationship, or become more persuasive by applying the concepts mentioned in this book. 

1. Show Interest in Other People

You can easily make more friends in a short span of time by becoming more interested in others. This is a powerful but simple principle.

Most of the people are very eager to talk about themselves. If you see these types of people then take a sincere interest in them. Ask about their life, hobbies, experiences, and family. Having connected with them emotionally, you win over them.

How it works:

• Build trust and rapport.
• Helps the other people feel important and valued. 
• Have some memorable conversations.

2. Your Smile

“A smile says, ‘I like you. You make me happy. I am glad to see you.’”

A smile is such a thing that costs nothing but has the potential to return you much. Smile depicts the tone for a positive conversation and makes you more approachable. 

What are the benefits of Smile? 

• Smile builds emotional connection between you and the person whom you are communicating with
• Smile on your face encourages openness. 
• It can easily break a tense conversation. 

3. Remember and Use People Names

“A person’s name is to that person, the sweetest sound in any language.”

Every person feels important when they hear their name. So names are very crucial as they hold personal meaning. If you are calling someone by using his name then it means you are giving attention and respect to that person. 

Tips to Remember Names:

• Repeat the name of person in conversation 
• Link his or her name with a visual cue.
• If needed, write it down. 

4. Become a Good Listener

“Talk to someone about themselves and they’ll listen for hours.”

The world is full of talkers but megre of good and valuable Listeners. Dale emphasizes the art of good listening: don't interrupt, and show empathy. 

Listening Dos and Don'ts

Do’s	Don’ts
Nodding and showing interest	Interrupt frequently
Ask some clarifying questions	Looking at your smartphone or watch
Summarize what they said	Rush the conversation

5. Avoid Condemnation and Criticism 

“Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain—and most fools do.”

Criticism generally puts people on the defensive side and starts damaging the relationship. Dale Carnegie in his book has recommended encouragement and empathy. 

Suppose, if your familiar one makes some mistakes then instead of criticising him try to understand his perspective and then commute to constructive result. 

Instead of Criticism Apply the Below Tips: 

• Offer your praise before suggesting some changes.
• Use “I” sentences when you are conversing with someone.
• Always ask questions instead of accusing. 

6. Make Someone Feel Important

“Talk to people about themselves and they will be listening for hours.”

Due to human nature, we love to hear the positive things about ourselves. In this world, everybody wants to feel prominent. The moment you start giving respect and admiration to others, they will be fascinated to you. 

Ways to Make People Feel Important:

• Give sincere compliments
• Appreciate their contributions
• Ask for their advice or opinions
  
  

How to Win Friends and Influence People: Key Takeaways

• Your smile can influence others. Smile can make you seem friendly, trustworthy, and open.
• When you show some curiosity about others, you can easily create a lasting relationship. 
• Remember Names. If you call someone using his or her name then the other person would be fascinated by this gesture. 
• If you are an active listener then it can easily make people feel Heard and respected. 
• Empathy builds; criticism damages. Always be gentle when you offer feedback.
• Make others feel important, and in reciprocally they will remember how you made them feel. 

Conclusion

If you really want to read self-help books then the ‘How to win friends and Influence People’ book will definitely help you to improve your personality. This book is full of principles that can build meaningful and authentic relationships. 

Dale Carnegie’ book delves into empathy, understanding, and kindness. These qualities usually never go obsolete. 

So, in your personal life, at the office, or even online, these six key lessons from ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People' can help you a lot to connect better and deal with the people. 

So start today: listen, smile, and make others feel important. You will be astonished at how these small changes can make you better.