Participants in my public speaking workshops frequently ask me to recommend some great books that they can read to advance their public speaking skills. Reading is an excellent way to gain new ideas and perspectives on speech delivery.
Here are five books that I highly recommend for improving your public speaking skills.
Scott Berkun’s Confessions of a Public Speaker is the first book in the series.
A book that reveals the secrets of what great speakers and communicators do and how you can emulate their success through efficient tips.
Carmine Gallo’s Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds is the second book.
The concepts presented in this book are up to date and cutting-edge. This book is for you if you want to learn how to sell yourself and your ideas on stage.
Book #3: James C. Humes’ Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln: 21 Powerful Secrets of History’s Greatest Speakers.
Great leaders like Churchill and Lincoln are remembered for their heroic leadership and their enthralling speeches. Pick up this book right away if you want to learn how to deliver inspirational speeches that capture the hearts and souls of your audience!
Garr Reynolds’s Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery is the fourth book in the series.
Garr Reynolds will revolutionise the way you deliver presentations with PowerPoint and Keynote. This book contains notable ideas that will change how you prepare, design and deliver presentations.
Dale Carnegie’s Book #5: The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking
A classic book on public speaking by Dale Carnegie, the communication guru. This book explains the fundamentals of influencing minds and winning hearts through effective speaking. Another book that should not be overlooked!
Conclusion
While I believe that the best way to learn how to deliver exceptional speeches is to do them (yes, keep getting stage time to practise your speeches and hone your craft), reading books for new ideas and novel perspectives can put you on the road to success and accomplishments in this arena. So go out and get a book right away!
Author Biography
Kwan Hong assists professionals, business executives, and young people gain rapid mastery of communication skills, personal peak performance, and career advancement. He has synthesised knowledge from 8 degrees and diplomas, over 100 certifications, and 1000 books to bring his clients the best tips, tricks, and techniques for personal success.
His speaking engagements have benefited 120,000 participants from over 100 organisations and events.