The 10 Best Public Speaking Books
Editor's Notes
November 05, 2019:
Anyone who has trouble articulating their ideas in public knows how much it can adversely affect everything from your professional life to your personal relationships. From board meetings and wedding toasts, there are a surprising number of times you'll find yourself in the spotlight speaking to others. The books on this list were written to help people of all stripes tackle public speaking issues, from anxiety and stage fright to simply knowing how to pace and organize a speech.
For those who need help in professional settings, books like The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking or Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences are ideal. Because there are so many ins and outs when it comes to conversing in the workplace, it's also worth checking out a business communication textbook if you feel truly lost.
If you struggle with timing and delivery, then consider tomes like Do You Talk Funny? and Confessions of a Public Speaker, which utilize humor and comedy to ease tension and warm audiences.
Those who deal with stage fright and anxiety will find Speaking Up Without Freaking Out especially useful. It uses science-based methods and human psychology in lieu of platitudes to help readers iron out what exactly has them on edge when they get in front of a crowd.
Joining the ranks today is Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln, an inspiring and informative selection that covers how things like pregnant pauses, use of props, and well-timed wit can win over crowds and get them on your side. We also decided to drop Give Your Speech, Change the World, which is a great book for speech-making in particular but doesn't cover many other aspects of public speaking.