How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie

1. A person’s name is the sweetest and most important sound in any language

Remember names and pictures! People's name is the most important thing in the world. Learn how to spell it and pronounce it! Always call people by their full name. Why do we build donor walls for nonprofit? Why do we mention names on memorial walls? The power of being acknowledged and recognized! By using someone's name, they will give you total attention. By using a person’s name, you are telling them how important they are to you. It makes them more engaged in the conversation, and also makes you more invested in that person. People are often really proud of their names! Using a person’s name is a bridge to making an impact in their life.

2. Become genuinely interested in other people

“A man without a smiling face, must not open a shop!” Don't talk, listen to others and focus on them! Ask them questions. Praise a lot! Exclusive focus on the other person. Listen carefully. Encourage others to talk about themselves and talk in terms of the other person’s interests. Make the other person feel important and do it sincerely!

3. Talk about your own mistakes first

Remember your own shortcomings and mistakes before criticizing another person. Make allowances for the person's age and experience level; you can't expect beginners to perform at the same level as experts. When you must criticize someone, admitting your own mistakes humbly can help the person feel more comfortable and less judged. It shows you are human, too, and make mistakes like anyone else. Offer honest praise as well: "Humility and praise ... rightfully used ... will work veritable miracles in human relations."