Although this book was written in the 1930’s Dale Carnegie book how to win friends and influence people is a masterpiece on human relations. The key points in his book still hold sway today.
 
If you are a shy person, or even someone that is out going you will find great nuggets of wisdom in this book. After reading the book, I have tried to implement some of his key techniques, with varied success. I consider the key points in his book common sense, but very few people use these techniques consistently, if at all.
 
Here are the key points from his book.

Fundamental Techniques in Handling People

• Don’t criticize, condemn or complain
• “Give honest and sincere appreciation.”
• “Arouse in the other person an eager want.”

Six Ways to Make People Like You

• “Become genuinely interested in other people.”
• “Smile.”
• “Remember that a man’s name is to him the sweetest and most important sound in any language.”
• “Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.”
• “Talk in the terms of the other man’s interest.”
• “Make the other person feel important and do it sincerely.”

Twelve Ways to Win People to Your Way of Thinking

• “Avoid arguments.”
• “Show respect for the other person’s opinions. Never tell someone they are wrong.”
• “If you’re wrong, admit it quickly and emphatically.”
• “Begin in a friendly way.”
• “Start with questions the other person will answer yes to.”
• “Let the other person do the talking.”
• “Let the other person feel the idea is his/hers.”
• “Try honestly to see things from the other person’s point of view.”
• “Sympathize with the other person.”
• “Appeal to noble motives.”
• “Dramatize your ideas.”
• “Throw down a challenge.”

Nine Ways to Change People Without Giving Offense or Arousing Resentment

• “Begin with praise and honest appreciation.”
• “Call attention to other people’s mistakes indirectly.”
• “Talk about your own mistakes first.”
• “Ask questions instead of giving direct orders.”
• “Let the other person save face.”
• “Praise every improvement.”
• “Give them a fine reputation to live up to.”
• “Encourage them by making their faults seem easy to correct.”
• “Make the other person happy about doing what you suggest.”