Dale Carnegie: Man of Influence

He wrote one of the most popular books in history, and taught millions how to achieve self-confidence and interpersonal social skills. Dale Carnegie became an icon of 20th century America through his book and his classes. His simple, yet effective, techniques for winning friends and influencing people have proven enduring and become part of the American culture. Biography examines the life and career of Dale Carnegie, from his humble beginngs to his national prominence. Dale Carnegie: Man of Influence would be useful for classes on American History, American Culture and Speech. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

• ambivalent
• charismatic
• cultivate
• dearth
• differentiate
• disciples
• eulogize
• gregarious
• incentive
• instinctive
• lampoon
• nonentity
• oratory
• phenomenon
• senility
• syndicated

1. Dale Carnegie is called "the father of the self-help movement." Why is he called this? What is the self-help movement?

2. Carnegie's book and courses focuses on his basic idea about the philosophy of human relations. What are some of these tenets?

3. Carnegie's mother exerted a tremendous influence on her son. How was Carnegie's mother a driving force in his life and his career?

4. Dale Carnegie was a man of his time. How did his philosophy fit into the burgeoning of big business and corporations in the 20th century?

5. Many people list public speaking as one of their most profound fears. Why are some people so terrified of speaking in public? Are you comfortable speaking in public? If so, why. If not, why not.

6. Carnegie's book, How to Win Friends and Influence People is still one of the most popular books published. Why was this book so popular and why does it continue to be so today?

7. Critical reviews of How to Win Friends and Influence People were scathing. Why did critics dislike this book so much, and why did the public like it so much?

8. How did the success of How to Win Friends and Influence People change Carnegie's life?

9. What is Alzheimer's disease? Why is it such a cruel disease?

1. Think about the ways in which people can enrich and improve their lives. Write a plan or outline that shows people how to apply your ideas so they can benefit from your insights.

2. Write an obituary for Dale Carnegie that explains his significance to America in the 20th century.