Public speaking and influencing men in business

This classic work by Dale Carnegie focuses on the following: One time a young man who aspired to study the law, wrote to Lincoln for advice, and Lincoln replied: "If you are resolute determined to make a lawyer of yourself, the thing is more than half done already... Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing." This advice is true in any profession. Decide a course of action and you will be half way there. These timeless pieces of sage advice are capture in the seminal work of Dale Carnegie, 'Public Speaking and Influencing Men in Business'. First published in 1926, Dale Carnegie spent a life in pursuit of man's potential. More than mere positive thinking, it is a book of ideas. Specifically, Carnegie states that "only an ignoramus is positive about everything". However putting positive energy behind what you say will make anyone shine. This book centers on the importance of public speaking. You may say that you already are a good speaker or don't like to speak at all. This may be true but the art of influencing other is in sharing ideas through speaking. Good speakers continuously harness the power of communication and presentation. These communicators often "speak with such intensified and exalted naturalness that you auditors will never dream that they had been trained. For instance, "a good window does not call attention to itself. It merely lets in the light. A good speaker is like that. He is so natural that the hearers never notice his manner of speaking; they are conscious only of his matter." What are some good pointers that Carnegie points to in giving a good presentation? Practice, practice, and practice while sharing a good story and exude confidence.