The Best Books on Public Speaking for Confident and Engaging Presentations

Communicating effectively is paramount whether facing a boardroom presentation, a wedding toast, or a keynote speech. That's why I've compiled this list of the best books on public speaking—a curated selection designed to transform your fear into confidence and your speeches into captivating experiences.

These books offer a wealth of practical advice, proven techniques, and inspiring insights to help you master the art of public speaking. From overcoming anxiety to crafting persuasive messages, you'll find the resources here to elevate your skills and leave a lasting impression on any audience.

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Become a better public speaker by reading:

Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds by Carmine Gallo

Carmine Gallo's ‘Talk Like TED' is a modern guide to crafting and delivering presentations that captivate and inspire, drawing on the proven techniques used by the world's most successful TED speakers. This book dissects the key elements that make TED talks so effective, revealing nine secrets centered around emotional connection, storytelling, and delivering novel experiences. Gallo breaks down these secrets into actionable strategies, providing practical advice on how to craft a compelling narrative, use powerful visuals, and deliver your message with passion and authenticity.

I recommend this book because it offers a fresh and relevant perspective on public speaking, particularly in today's digital age. The focus on storytelling and emotional connection is crucial for engaging audiences, and Gallo's insights are reflected in real-world examples from successful TED talks. It's an excellent resource for anyone looking to move beyond traditional public speaking techniques and create presentations that truly resonate.

This book is ideally suited for:

• Professionals: Who need to deliver impactful presentations in business or corporate settings.
• Entrepreneurs: Who want to pitch their ideas with passion and persuasion.
• Anyone looking to improve their communication skills and become a more engaging speaker.

Discover the secrets to delivering TED-worthy presentations.

“TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking” by Chris Anderson

Chris Anderson has worked with all the TED speakers who have inspired us the most, and here he shares insights from such favorites as Sir Ken Robinson, Salman Khan, Monica Lewinsky, and more — everything from how to craft your talk's content to how you can be most effective on stage. This is a must-read for anyone ready to create an impact with their ideas.

The Storyteller’s Secret: From TED Speakers to Business Legends, Why Some Ideas Catch On and Others Don’t by Carmine Gallo

In The Storyteller's Secret, Gallo explains why the brain is hardwired to love stories – especially rags-to-riches stories – and how the latest science can help you craft a persuasive narrative that wins hearts and minds. “The art of storytelling can be used to drive change,” says billionaire entrepreneur Richard Branson. And since the next decade will see the most change our civilization has ever known, your story will radically transform your business, your life, and those you touch. Ideas that catch on are wrapped in story.

Five Stars: The Communication Secrets to Get from Good to Great by Carmine Gallo

In Five Stars, Carmine Gallo, bestselling author of Talk Like TED, uses Aristotle's persuasion formula to inspire contemporary audiences. As the nature of work changes and technology carries things across the globe in a moment, communication skills become more valuable―not less. Gallo interviews neuroscientists, economists, historians, billionaires, and business leaders of companies like Google, Nike, and Airbnb to show first-hand how they use their words to captivate your imagination and ignite your dreams. You can't go wrong with any of Carmine Gallo's books.

The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs: How to Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience by Carmine Gallo

This is as close as you'll ever get to having the master presenter himself speak directly in your ear. Communications expert Carmine Gallo has studied and analyzed the very best of Jobs's performances, offering point-by-point examples, tried-and-true techniques, and proven presentation secrets that anyone can master. You'll learn how to take charge of a room, create an inspiring brand story, deliver unforgettable moments—and do it powerfully, effortlessly, and effectively.

Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln: 21 Powerful Secrets of History’s Greatest Speakers by James C. Humes

Author, historian, and world-renowned speaker James C. Humes—who wrote speeches for five American presidents—shows you how great leaders through the ages used simple yet incredibly effective tricks to speak, persuade, and win throngs of fans and followers. Inside, you'll discover how Napoleon Bonaparte mastered the use of the pregnant pause to grab attention, how Lady Margaret Thatcher punctuated her most serious speeches with the help of subtle props, how Ronald Reagan could win even the most hostile crowd with carefully timed wit, and much, much more.

The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie

Published in 1915, Dale Carnegie's The Art of Public Speaking has stood the test of time as the definitive guide for mastering the spoken word.

More than just a collection of tips, this book delves into the core principles of effective communication, teaching you how to connect with your audience, build confidence, and deliver persuasive speeches. Carnegie's timeless wisdom emphasizes the importance of preparation, practice, and understanding your audience. Learn how to overcome stage fright, craft compelling narratives, and use your voice and body language to captivate any room.

This book provides invaluable techniques and strategies for elevating your communication skills. Discover why it has been a go-to resource for over a century. Get your copy today.

How to Develop Self-Confidence and Influence People by Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie

Drawing on Dale Carnegie's years of experience as a business trainer, this book will show you how to overcome the natural fear of public speaking, to become a successful speaker, and even learn to enjoy it.

Public Speaking for Success: The Complete Program, Revised and Updated by Dale Carnegie

While up-to-date in its language and points of reference, Public Speaking for Success preserves the full range of ideas and methods that appeared in the original: including Carnegie's complete speech and diction exercises, which follow each chapter, as the author originally designated them.

The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking by Dale Carnegie

Business, social and personal satisfaction depend heavily upon a person's ability to communicate clearly. Public speaking is an important skill which anyone can acquire and develop. It is also the very best method of overcoming self-consciousness and building confidence, courage and enthusiasm. This book that has literally put millions on the highway to greater accomplishment and success can show you how to have maximum impact as a speaker. It will help you to acquire basic public speaking skills, building confidence, earning the right to talk, sharing the talk with the audience.

slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations by Nancy Duarte

Written by Nancy Duarte, President and CEO of Duarte Design, the firm that created the presentation for Al Gore's Oscar-winning film, An Inconvenient Truth, this book is full of practical approaches to visual story development that anyone can apply. The book combines conceptual thinking and inspirational design with insightful case studies from leading brands. Nancy Duarte has written various books on this subject; more of our favorites are below.

HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations by Nancy Duarte

Are you terrified of speaking in front of a group? Or are you simply looking to polish your skills? No matter where you are on the spectrum, this guide will give you the confidence and the tools you need to get results. Another excellent Nancy Duarte book on presentations.

Written by presentation expert Nancy Duarte, the HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations will help you:

• Win over tough crowds
• Organize a coherent narrative
• Create powerful messages and visuals
• Connect with and engage your audience
• Show people why your ideas matter to them
• Strike the right tone, in any situation

Illuminate: Ignite Change Through Speeches, Stories, Ceremonies, and Symbols by Nancy Duarte and Patti Sanchez

In Illuminate, acclaimed author Nancy Duarte and communications expert Patti Sanchez equip you with the same communication tools that great leaders like Jobs, Howard Schultz, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. used to move people. Duarte and Sanchez lay out a plan to help you lead people through the five stages of transformation using speeches, stories, ceremonies, and symbols. We love the content and visuals of these Nancy Duarte books.

Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences by Nancy Duarte

Presentations are meant to inform, inspire, and persuade audiences. So why do so many audiences feel like they've wasted their time? Often, presentations don't resonate with the audience and move them to transformative action.

Just as the author's first book helped presenters become visual communicators, Resonate helps you connect strongly with your audience and lead them to purposeful action. The author's approach is simple: building a presentation today is a bit like writing a documentary. Using this approach, you'll convey your content with passion, persuasion, and impact.

Steal the Show: From Speeches to Job Interviews to Deal-Closing Pitches, How to Guarantee a Standing Ovation for All the Performances in Your Life by Michael Port

In Steal the Show, New York Times best-selling author, top-rated corporate speaker, and former professional actor Michael Port teaches you how to make the most of your moments in the spotlight. He makes it easy to focus your presentations, engage your listeners, manage your nerves, play the proper role in every situation to give your message maximum impact, and much more. Drawing on his MFA training at the prestigious Graduate Acting Program at New York University, Port has engineered a system that the non-actor can use to ensure his or her voice is heard when it matters most.

I hope this collection of public speaking books provides you with the tools and inspiration you need to become a more confident and impactful speaker. Remember, practice and continuous learning are key to mastering this valuable skill. Take the time to explore these resources, apply the techniques, and discover your unique speaking style.

And now, I'd love to hear from you! What are your favorite public speaking books? Share your recommendations in the comments below and let's continue to build a community of effective communicators.

If you prefer to take a course, here are our favorite Public Speaking Online Courses.