laconic1

I'm thinking about taking the Dale Carnegie Course to work on my communication skills, since they flat out suck right now. It was something recommended to me by a previous employer on a performance review about five years ago, but I never got around to taking it. Now that my lack of interpersonal skills really is negatively affecting my desired career path I need to make improvements. But before I shell out $1900 for the course I wanted to hear from people that may have taken this course already or are a little more familiar with it. Was it worthwhile, or a waste of time like so many other seminars. I realize I would have to apply myself pretty hard to make anything I try work, but I'm willing to do it, because I'm tired of holding myself back.

ratbastid

I don't know a lot about Cargenie, but I've got a suggestion for a course you might take instead. Consider <a href="http://www.landmarkeducation.com">The Landmark Forum</a>. I am a great big fan of it--it made a HUGE difference for me and my communication and interpersonal skills, and only costs $425. I vouch for it completely.

This is technically a threadjack of course. PM me if you'd like to hear more.

maleficent

A few years back, I took a public speaking course at Dale Carnegie... and it was excruciating to take... I have an intense fear of public speaking because of my perception that it's just one of the many things I suck at...but Ineed to do it for my job... As part of the class, we were taped speaking before the class and after the class to see a change in our style... And then given an assessment by our classmates... Every single person said I was more relaxed and performed better BEFORE taking the class-- after the class They said I came across as very stilted and displayed no personality...

Took another class a year or so later, on public speaking for actors that did help a lot -_ I still hate public speaking - I still think I suck at it (other's will disagree) I still get nervous - but the tips I learned in the class for actors taught me a lot about voice control and staying calm when you don't feel calm.

I've read the Dale Carnegie books on how to win friends and influence people -- and I'm sure it's the bible to some - but to me it seemed all about manipulating people to get what you want... I've had people try to apply those tactics to me and it just pisses me off..

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Jackebear

I took the course about 15 years ago and I loved it. I used to get so nervous just standing up in front of a group, let alone speak in front of one, that my stomach would wretch with pain. My confidence increase dramatically, so much so that I was asked to be a group leader during the next 2 courses, which was free of course and an honour to asked.

You will meet a lot of great people, get some good connections (I got a job with someone there who had his own company...worked there for 5 years) and feel better about yourself. I have given speeches at weddings, funerals, reunions and a couple TV interviews since I have taken the course. I've also met a lot of women whom I would never have approached before I took the Dale Carnegie course. My confidence during job interviews shows through, so much more today than before the course.

Of course it wasn't $1900 back then but whatever it was, it was definately worth every penny and in the long run, the money you spend on the course will be returned in more ways than one.

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Life's jounney is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn-out shouting, "Holy sh*t! What a ride!" - unknown

Sultana

As an aside, can you talk to your company about paying for whatever course you do end up taking? Just a thought...

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At night, the ice weasels come." -

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My goal? To fulfill my potential.

laconic1

I know my company does do some tuition reimbursement based upon the grades earned for regular college courses, but I'm not sure of professional development type stuff. Plus I'd be taking this class to improve my skills so I can leave this company, so I dunno.

Kind of mixed reactions so far. I'm still leaning towards it. I currently work in a call center for an extended warranty company and the thing that really kicks my ass is dealing with, and diffusing angry, upset, ignorant customers. I just am not good with it, and I'm hoping that one of the side benefits of doing this course is to get better at dealing with these people while I look for a better job.

maleficent

Pick up a copy of How to Win Friends and Influence People - read thru it and see how much you can pick up and apply what you learned on your own...

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keyshawn

I read this book over the summer, and to be honest; I think it's slightly outdated, but still can be effective.
While reading it, I realized how the techniques he proposes are used SO often in marketing and by other people in general; my friends and I [and possibly many in my generation/age area] have been so exposed to these techniques to the point that we often find the techniques very jaded and view the person employing them to be phony and/or trying very hard to be likable (to the point of being annoying).

I tried employing them at work, in the summer, at the movie theater. The amount of techniques' effectiveness (at making the customers more happy and being able to pursuade them at what you want them to do) ranged completely from perfect success, to negative reactions from some customers ; Or for the majority of people, no [visible] effect at all. Although this is a very rough stereotype, I recalled that they worked more on senior citizens than younger generations.

My recommendation would be to borrow some carnegie books from the library; or more importantly; go to the local college [or community college] and take a couple courses on communications, public speaking, or oral interpretation. I took one of those in high school and although I did not immediately realize then, my public speaking has improved and college presentations don't seem too daunting for me now

Catcha back on the flipside,
will.

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flat5

A company I worked for in 1982 made me take a D C course.
We focused on public speaking. I enjoyed it (I'm very shy in groups)
and am comfortable speaking to audiences, but it almost never happens.

Suave

What about that Toastmasters crap? I'm not sure about your situation, but some people at my university have formed a "chapter" of it I suppose, and it doesn't cost anything. Practice makes better (I refuse to believe anyone is perfect at anything ), so I imagine it would work quite well.

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"Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are even incapable of forming such opinions." - Albert Einstein

"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something." - Plato

snowy

Actually, that book helped me get over my shyness. It taught me some basic ground rules for operating in social situations, helped me to see what I might moderate about my personality, and introduced me to some tactics I still use today (remembering a person's name being the one I always remember). Of course, along with the skills you have to have a willingness to put yourself out there, and if you're not willing to do that, it doesn't work. Also, it has to seem natural, not forced. You can't act like you're following a bunch of rules. I should also note when I've worked retail I've been regarded well by customers and peers--I've won sales contests and had coworkers bring me their customers for service. No joke.

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If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau