7 Public Speaking Books You Need to Read

If you’re considering undertaking some professional development, look no further than compelling and informative public speaking books. Improving your public speaking skills can help you in all aspects of communication, whether you’re delivering a keynote speech to a crowded auditorium or asking your supervisor for a promotion at work.

As a freelancer, you should think about developing a strong public speaking ability. It’s a handy skill to have in your competency toolbox, no matter what your freelance niche is. Solid public speaking skills can help you communicate effectively with clients, make a lasting first impression, and expand your professional network.

In this guide, we’ve highlighted seven of the most effective books on public speaking. They’ll help you boost your confidence and captivate your audience (even if it’s an audience of one). Choose your favorite from the list or read all seven for a well-rounded, balanced perspective. 

1. The Art of Public Speaking

Originally published in 1983, Dale Carnegie’s The Art of Public Speaking is considered a classic and one of the best books on public speaking. Carnegie discusses the importance of developing yourself, choosing a subject you’re passionate about, and engaging in preparation and practice. He covers topics such as using gestures effectively, conquering stage fright, and organizing your content. Each chapter covers a different tenet of public speaking, including the importance of inspiring emotion in your audience and avoiding monotony.

2. Out With It: How Stuttering Helped Me Find My Voice

Katherine Preston’s Out with It: How Stuttering Helped Me Find My Voice is a memoir that explores Preston’s personal journey with stuttering and the way it shaped her life. Rather than being a step-by-step guide or a list of public speaking tips, this story offers several unique perspectives on the journey to self-acceptance and ways to turn adversity into strength. In her memoir, Preston interviews a variety of specialists and researchers as well as celebrities, writers, musicians, etc., about battling and overcoming speech difficulties. If you’re looking for an engaging story with an inspirational message, then this book is a valuable addition to your professional and personal development library.

3. Talk Like TED

Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds, by Carmine Gallo, discusses the key factors that make TED Talks so powerful and influential. By analyzing some of the most popular TED Talks, Gallo identifies nine secrets that anyone can apply to their own speeches and presentations to make them more persuasive and memorable. Gallo offers advice on what he considers the most effective elements of public speaking:

• Being passionate about your topic
• Mastering the art of storytelling
• Embracing concision (TED Talks are typically no longer than 18 minutes) 
• Providing a unique perspective on a topic
• Delivering memorable moments
• Implementing an informal, conversational tone of voice 
• Using a multisensory approach
• Injecting humor when appropriate
• Staying authentic

If you’re a fan of TED Talks and want your presentations to leave a lasting impression, consider adding this book to your collection.

4. Presentation Zen

Presentation Zen, by Garr Reynolds, focuses on the visual and design aspects of public speaking. Reynolds advocates for a mindful and minimalist approach to presentations, emphasizing simplicity, clarity, and a focus on the audience. Storytelling is also a central theme in Presentation Zen – Reynolds stresses structuring presentations as stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

5. Do You Talk Funny?: 7 Comedy Habits to Become a Better (and Funnier) Public Speaker

David Nihill’s Do You Talk Funny?: 7 Comedy Habits to Become a Better (and Funnier) Public Speaker shares techniques from the world of stand-up comedy that help improve your public speaking skills. Nihill outlines seven key habits: creating an opening hook, using stories, adding humor, practicing delivery, editing ruthlessly, engaging with the audience, and closing strong. He also provides practical exercises and tips for incorporating these habits into presentations.

6. Communication Skills Training

In Communication Skills Training, Ian Tuhovsky offers a comprehensive guide to improving various aspects of communication, from verbal and nonverbal cues to active listening and empathy. He underscores the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in effective communication and provides practical exercises throughout the book. Tuhovsky also explores techniques for tackling tricky social interactions. For example, handling difficult conversations, giving and receiving feedback, and avoiding misunderstandings. This book is a great choice for anyone interested in developing their everyday social skills as a way to become a better communicator in their personal and professional lives. 

7. Speak With No Fear

In Speak With No Fear, Mike Acker provides practical strategies to overcome the fear of public speaking and build confidence. This includes acknowledging and embracing your fear, preparing thoroughly, and focusing on your message rather than yourself. Acker also emphasizes the importance of practicing regularly to reduce the stress and fear surrounding public speaking. He describes how to accept constructive feedback to improve. If fear of public speaking is holding you back from achieving your goals, this is a great guide to improving your mindset and becoming more comfortable in front of an audience. 

Becoming A Public Speaker

If you want to sharpen your presentation skills and learn how to better engage your audience, check out our comprehensive Becoming A Public Speaker course. It’ll help you conquer your nerves and ensure you’re ready for any public speaking scenario, from presentations to job interviews. Claim your free lessons to get started today!