Top Communication books curated by experts

Communications expert Luntz offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the tactical use of words and phrases affects what we buy, who we vote for, and even what we believe in.

Talking to Strangers (2019) is a powerful exploration of how little we know about the people we don't know. It explores how we misjudge and misunderstand strangers, sometimes with terrible consequences, making a powerful case for more tolerance and patience in our dealings with others.

An expanded version of Allen Pease's Body Language (1981), The Definitive Book of Body Language outlines the basics of body language, including expressions, gestures, and physical movements, and offers supporting scientific data to explain what body language telegraphs in everyday exchanges.

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a framework for interacting with other people and ourselves with empathy and compassion. The author, Marshall B. Rosenberg, was drawn to the idea of encouraging compassion after witnessing the deadly 1943 Detroit race riots as a child

Bo Seo's Good Arguments translates the wisdom of competitive debate so you can learn to disagree more productively. You'll discover some of the core principles of debate – as well as which exercises professional debaters use to improve the way they think and speak.

From Joost Elffers, the packaging genius behind the huge New York Times bestsellers The 48 Laws of Power, The 33 Strategies of War, and The Art of Seduction, comes this invaluable manual that teaches seventeen fundamentals for turning any conflict into an opportunity for growth. Beautifully pack…

Just as the author's first book helped presenters become visual communicators, Resonate helps you make a strong connection 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.

How to Listen with Intention is ultimately a book about relationships. A relationship must be give-and-take - are you taking more than you are giving? Are you making people feel comfortable opening up to you? Are you listening well, or unwittingly being a conversational/relationship narcissist?<…

This book gets “down and dirty.” It gives you detailed strategies—including talking points—that work in the real world even when the other side is hostile, unethical, or more powerful. When you finish it, you will already have an action plan for your next negotiation. You will know what to do an…

What Every BODY is Saying by Joe Navarro is a fascinating read on nonverbal communication. Navarro, a former FBI agent, provides insights on body language, facial expressions, and behavior interpretation to help you better understand people and situations.

"Surrounded by Idiots" by Thomas Erikson is a guide to understanding the four major personality types and learning how to communicate effectively with them. It provides practical insights and real-life examples to help improve relationships and reduce misunderstandings.

Made to Stick distills years of research and communication science into an easy-to-remember mnemonic and blueprint for creating 'sticky ideas'; ideas that get understood, remembered and that change something – minds or behaviours.