Dale Carnegie

Dale Breckenridge Carnegie was an American writer, publicist, educator-psychologist, and teacher. He was one of the pioneers in the development of communication theory, translating the scientific work of psychologists of his time into the practical sphere and developing his own concept of conflict-free, successful communication.

Carnegie was born on November 24, 1888, on a farm near Maryville, Missouri. He was born into a farmer’s family in the American heartland. Although his family lived in deep poverty, he was nevertheless able, through his own persistence, to receive a good education. He became interested in public speaking while still in school, actively taking part in all kinds of debates, and even then teachers noted his exceptional sociability. In school, teachers already remarked on Dale’s exceptional sociability. After graduating, Carnegie began working as a messenger in Nebraska, then as an actor in New York, and finally decided to study public speaking. His studies were very successful, and Dale decided to begin his own practice. While studying at the teachers’ college in Warrensburg, his family could not afford his board, and Dale rode a horse back and forth every day, covering six miles. He could study only in the intervals between various jobs on the farm. Moreover, he did not take part in many events held at the college because he had neither the time nor suitable clothing: he had only one good suit. He tried to make the football team, but the coach rejected him, citing his light weight. He might have developed an inferiority complex, but his mother, understanding this, advised him to join the debating club, where, after several attempts, he was admitted. This event in the autumn of 1906, when he was a student in the next-to-last year, proved to be a turning point in his life.

His performances in the club really helped him gain the necessary self-confidence, obtain the practice he needed in public speaking, and excel in all related subjects. Over the course of a year, Dale won all the top prizes in public speaking competitions. As he worked, Carnegie gradually developed a unique system for teaching communication skills. This system was so unique that he decided to copyright it, publishing several booklets that were later included in the books Public Speaking: A Practical Course for Business Men and Public Speaking and Influencing Men in