20+ Books to Transform Your Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
Looking to captivate your audience, command the stage, and speak with confidence?
Whether you’re gearing up for a big presentation or just want to sharpen your public speaking prowess, here are books you should definitely read!
It’s about time to overcome stage fright, master the art of persuasion, and take your skills from good to show-stopping.
Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo
There are two books that come to my mind among many I have read on public speaking. The first one is “Talk Like TED” by Carmine Gallo, which provides great examples of successful TED talks.
This was by far the best book I have read when it came to giving the best tips to increase your impact and influence on stage. I still use many of his tips.
Pinar Akkaya, Managing Director, Signature Communication
Speak With Confidence by Mike Acker
Reading “Speak With Confidence” by Mike Acker offers practical advice and actionable techniques that boosted my public-speaking skills.
His insights on overcoming fear and connecting authentically with the audience were particularly impactful, and I learned to present with clarity and confidence, which has been helpful even in networking events and business presentations.
Gabriela Statie, Founder, Makenstitch
Winning at Public Speaking by Shane Read
I really liked “Winning at Public Speaking” by Shane Read, which teaches methods used by great lawyers to give powerful presentations and speeches.
It’s definitely helped me a lot as a lawyer to get better at speaking, but it’s not just for lawyers.
It covers important ideas like overcoming fear, telling stories, and using visuals effectively. All these practical tools help you connect with your audience and speak confidently.
Riley Beam, Managing Attorney, Douglas R. Beam, P.A.
Resonate by Nancy Duarte
Nancy Duarte’s emphasis on the importance of contrast in storytelling has greatly influenced how I structure my presentations.
“Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences” shows how juxtaposing the “what is” with the “what could be” can create a compelling narrative that captures the audience’s attention.
I’ve incorporated this technique by first presenting the current situation or problem and then contrasting it with the potential benefits of my proposed solution.
Axel Lavergne, Founder, reviewflowz
The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs by Carmine Gallo
When you’re navigating the minefield of cannabis conferences, you need more than just product knowledge — you need to captivate an audience.
That’s why “The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs” by Carmine Gallo has been my bible.
It’s helped me in my public addresses with both the seasoned stoner and the CBD-curious by speaking from the heart when I’m trying to convey the untapped potential of this misunderstood plant.
Dennis Sanders, Founder, Burning Daily
Improv Wisdom by Patricia Ryan Madson
“Improv Wisdom: Don’t Prepare, Just Show Up” by Patricia Ryan Madson has been a game-changer for me.
The book emphasizes the importance of authenticity and spontaneity in over-rehearsed speeches, which has helped me connect better with my audience.
Matt Little, Founder & Managing Director, Festoon House
Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln by James C. Humes
The book “Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln: 21 Powerful Secrets of History’s Greatest Speakers” by James C. Humes has been instrumental in developing my public-speaking and presentation skills.
The book is packed with anecdotes, quotes, and practical exercises. It teaches you to use strategic pauses, powerful openings, and compelling closings.
Alex LaDouceur, Co-Founder, Webineering
The Exceptional Presenter by Timothy J. Koegel
One book that significantly helped me develop effective public speaking and presentation skills is “The Exceptional Presenter” by Timothy J. Koegel.
It offers practical advice on how to captivate an audience, handle nerves, and deliver presentations with clarity and impact.
Nitin Khanna, President, N3 Business Advisors Inc.
The Elements of Eloquence by Mark Forsyth
“The Elements of Eloquence” by Mark Forsyth breaks down rhetorical techniques that can transform ordinary speech into something memorable and impactful.
One standout chapter focused on “anaphora,” the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, which adds a dramatic rhythm to your delivery.
Fameez Haroon, Co-Founder, OTAA
Speak with No Fear by Mike Acker
“Speak with No Fear” by Mike Acker helped me transform my body language by teaching me the importance of grounding myself before speaking.
Acker emphasizes the power of a strong, confident stance as the foundation of effective non-verbal communication.
Chris Aubeeluck, Head of Sales and Marketing, Osbornes Law
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Dale Carnegie, a potential GOAT candidate in the realm of public speaking and presentations, wrote “How to Win Friends and Influence People” back in 1936, but its core tenets of empathy, active listening, and understanding others’ perspectives can make everyone a better public speaker.
Reading this book has taught me how to connect with my audience, whether it’s one person or 1,000 people.
Layton Cox, Sr. Director of Business Services, Sedulo Group
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
Brené Brown’s “Dare to Lead” changed my life.
It taught me that being more vulnerable, authentic, and open when speaking in public and giving presentations can help me build more meaningful connections with my audience.
The book provides practical advice on communicating effectively, including the importance of having a clear message and dealing with discomfort when speaking in public.
Mark McShane, Founder, Cupid PR
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
The book “Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss is one that has been incredibly helpful to me when it comes to public speaking and presentations.
It’s all about negotiating strategies, but Voss also gives some excellent speaking and presentation strategies.
Making a good impression depends on your ability to communicate effectively, which is something that this book will teach you.
Kartik Ahuja, Digital Marketer, kartikahuja.com
Presence by Amy Cuddy
I stumbled upon “Presence” by Amy Cuddy by sheer accident, and boy, am I glad.
To sum up, the book explores the psychology behind confidence and how our body language affects our presence.
Cuddy’s research on “power posing” is particularly intriguing. It taught me that how I carry myself can influence not just how others see me but also how I feel about myself.
I’ve found that adopting a confident posture really helps me deliver my message more effectively.
Mike Roberts, Co-Founder, City Creek Mortgage
Body Language for Public Speaking by Christopher Fox
As a marketing consultant and public speaker, I’ve found Christopher Fox’s “Body Language for Public Speaking” to be an invaluable resource.
This book goes beyond traditional public-speaking advice by focusing on the crucial aspect of non-verbal communication.
The author’s approach of breaking down body language into five key techniques makes the content easily digestible and immediately applicable.
Greg Davis, Owner, Azola Creative
Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
I found “Made to Stick” by Chip Heath and Dan Heath particularly helpful in refining my presentation skills.
The book’s principles of crafting memorable and impactful messages have been essential in developing our marketing pitches.
The emphasis on simplicity, unexpectedness, and storytelling has greatly improved how I connect with and persuade audiences.
Laia Quintana, Head of Marketing and Sales, TeamUp
How Your Story Sets You Free by Heather Box and Julian Mocine-McQueen
“How Your Story Sets You Free” by Heather Box and Julian Mocine-McQueen has been transformative for my public speaking and presentation skills.
The book emphasizes the power of personal storytelling. It helped me realize that being genuine and vulnerable connects more deeply with people than polished rhetoric ever could.
Jordan Adair, CEO, ShirtMax
Confessions of a Public Speaker by Scott Berkun
Reading “Confessions of a Public Speaker” by Scott Berkun has been amazing for my public speaking and presentation skills.
The book’s honest advice and practical tips helped me overcome my fear of speaking in front of large audiences.
One important lesson I applied was the value of preparation and practice.
By rehearsing thoroughly and thinking about potential questions, I gained confidence and delivered more polished presentations.
Randal Hung, CEO, Vimos
The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking by Dale Carnegie
“The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking” by Dale Carnegie has helped me develop effective speaking and communication skills.
Carnegie’s classic provides a foundation for building confidence and overcoming imposter syndrome.
It offers practical advice on essential presentation skills, such as introducing yourself in meetings and conferences and speaking for business owners.
Winning Body Language by Mark Bowden
“Winning Body Language” by Mark Bowden really sharpened my public speaking edge. His insights on nonverbal communication transformed how I approach presentations.
Using powerful gestures and maintaining open body language helps keep audiences engaged and builds trust quickly.
Implementing these techniques has been crucial for connecting meaningfully, whether in a courtroom or during a client consultation.
Andy Gillin, Attorney & Managing Partner, GJEL Accident Attorneys
Steal the Show by Michael Port
“Steal the Show” by Michael Port has changed how I approach public speaking.
This book has great techniques for handling different situations, whether a big presentation or just a chat in a small meeting.
Michael Port makes everything relatable with simple tips and exercises that are easy to follow.
Since I started using his advice, I’ve been able to give presentations that are way more engaging and memorable.
Brief by Joseph McCormack
“Brief” by Joseph McCormack has a very insightful take on what makes for good presentation skills in today’s world.
It’s all about lean communication, trimming it down to the essentials.
We live in a world of short attention spans and information being delivered in very condensed formats: social media posts, short videos, and captions.
Great public speaking is about sharing information in the way the audience wants to receive it, and that’s where this book excels.
Alexandru Samoila, Head of Operations, Connect Vending
Presentation Zen by Garr Reynolds
The book “Presentation Zen” by Garr Reynolds opened my eyes to the idea that practicing public speaking is about building confidence and presence, not just avoiding mistakes.
Reynolds argues that when you practice enough, you gain the confidence to take risks and be fully present with your audience.
As I practiced more, I noticed that I became less anxious and more focused on delivering value to my listeners.
Brandy Hastings, SEO Strategist, SmartSites
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