Michigan

Frequently Asked Questions

Dale Carnegie Training has been proven effective in helping people like you to develop valuable skills, increase self-confidence, advance professionally, and have a more rewarding life. We are excited that you are looking into Dale Carnegie Training and would like to help you reach your objectives in any way we can.

Here are the answers to some questions you may have.

Q. Where are the classes held?

A: We have classrooms in Novi, Troy, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Windsor and London, Ontario. If you would like to hold the training at your facility - that can be done too!

Q: Will there be homework?

A: Yes. There will be talks that you need to prepare each week but since they are short and about events that you have experienced - they usually require less than an hour to prepare. There is also some reading. If you don't get a chance to do the readings, don't worry; come to class anyway expecting to have a terrific session. You will find the reading assignments very enjoyable and valuable, but you will not be tested on them. If you find it challenging to stick to the suggested reading schedule, just go at your own pace. Keep in mind that people tend to get so much more out of the class if they do the reading assignments. Most people find that sixty to ninety minutes per week is sufficient to complete the readings. The books are also available on audio cassette tapes at an additional cost should you so desire. Call the office for details.

Q: What if I'm not prepared for the class?

A: Come to class anyway! We know there may be times when the person can't fit in the time to prepare. If you can get to class early, we'll help you before class. If you can't come early, we'll allow you to sit in and get a "feel" for the session before you have to participate...just tell us.

Q: What if I'm not feeling well?

A: Come anyway! (Unless, of course, you have a contagious disease). Many class members find that they feel better when the class gets going. If you don't, feel free to leave.

Q: What if I have to arrive after the start of class or leave before it ends?

A: We realize that things may come up that you must attend to. If you come to class anyway, we'll see to it that you have the opportunity to participate so that you'll get credit for the entire session.

Q: What if I miss a session?

A: We hold all of classes in several locations, several times per year. If you have to miss a session, we can find a way for you to make up that session with another class (within 1 year). Please notify us if you know in advance that you will have to miss a session. We can help you with what we will be covering in the next week's class. The assignments for all sessions are in the Course Manual. Please feel free to contact the instructor or the office if you have any questions. If you do have to miss a session, you will not be made to feel left out or behind when you come back to class the next week.

If you attend and/or make up all sessions by the graduation date, you will receive special recognition for 100% attendance on your diploma.

Q: How do I go about making up a session?

A: We will have a list of the make-up dates and locations in class each week, so check with me or one of the graduate assistants. If you need this information during the week, you can contact our main office at 800-342-7787. You will feel very welcome if you go to another class to make up a session. Make sure you sign in with the instructor so that we know that you made up the session there.

Q: What should I bring to class?

A: Your Course Manual and a pen or pencil. You do not need to bring the textbooks to class.

Q: What should I wear?

A: Whatever you're comfortable wearing! We suggest you be casual, if possible.

Q: What if I feel nervous or anxious about coming to class?

A: Most people experience this. It is important to keep in mind that developing additional confidence is one of the major objectives of the class, so those feelings will subside as the course progresses. Please refrain from alcoholic beverages or mood-altering drugs the day of class, as these substances give us a false sense of self-confidence.

Q: What is the format of Dale Carnegie Courses?

A: There are no lectures given in the class. Each week the class members will have the opportunity to practice the principles and techniques introduced in the classroom in an atmosphere of support and encouragement. There is no critiquing or criticism given in the class; instead positive feedback and reinforcement are used.

Q: Is the Teen/Adult class referred to as Teen/Adult because there will be both teens and adults in the class? For an adult, how does the content differ from a class that is just for adults? Would it be appropriate for a parent and teen to take the class together, or does it put too much pressure on the teen?

A: Teens and adults are combined into one class. The content of the class remains the same; they get the same books and manual. The assignments are basically the same. However, teens focus their assignments and classroom talks on their own needs and issues, as do the adults. It turns out to be a great blend (we've been combining teens and adults for over 10 years with great success)! Each generation learns from the other and broadens their life perspective. It's amazing! Again, the content does not differ from all-adult classes.

Yes, it is appropriate for family members to take the class together and it happens frequently. BUT, the teen needs to be comfortable with it. Some teens love having a parent in the class, others shy away from it. You would need to discuss this with your own teen, using your judgement to "read between the lines". Actually, we recently had a mother/son combination who were among the graduate assistants in a Troy class. They took the course together and absolutely loved it. They volunteered to assist in the next class together.

What I would recommend is that you and your teen attend the Orientation session (no cost or obligation). You can then make a decision as to whether one or both of you choose to remain in the course. At this session you will learn about the content, requirements and objectives of the course and you'll be able to make a rational decision at that time. You'll also get to meet the other classmembers and the instruction team!

Contact Main Office: 800-342-7787