Top Public Speaking books recommended by experts

At MentorCruise, we are all about making the most out of the experience of others. As part of that, we've connected and asked dozens of experts and professionals about their favourite Public Speaking books – and here are the answers.

Table of Contents

Fundamentals of Public Speaking

Understanding the concepts of Public Speaking starts with understanding the fundamentals. On your way to mastery, it's crucial for you to understand how certain concepts were derived, and why things work like they do. Starting with these resources is the best way to do so.

Eloquence: The Hidden Secret of Words that Change the World

Eloquence doesn't have to be a mystery. You don't have to face uncertainty or anxiety when you present your ideas. You don’t have to constantly question if you’re “saying it right.” Millennia ago, Ancient Greeks found hidden patterns in powerful language. Recent scientific studies prove these patterns impact and influence people. History’s great speeches rely on them.

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Presentation Zen

Presentation Zen challenges the conventional wisdom of making "slide presentations" in today's world and encourages you to think differently and more creatively about the preparation, design, and delivery of your presentations.

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Win Every Argument

Win Every Argument' by Mehdi Hasan is a guide on how to become a better debater through logically valid arguments, avoiding fallacies, and mastering rhetorical skills. It's a useful tool for anyone interested in improving their communication and persuasive abilities.

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

Ideas are the currency of the 21st century. In order to succeed, you need to be able to sell your ideas persuasively. This ability is the single greatest skill that will help you accomplish your dreams.
Many people have a fear of public speaking or are insecure about their ability to give a successful presentation. Now public speaking coach and best-selling author Carmine Gallo explores wha…

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How To Develop Self-Confidence & Influence People By Public Speaking

Develop poise Gain self-confidence Improve your memory Make your meaning clear Begin and end a talk Interest and charm your audience Improve your diction Win and argument without making enemiesHow to Develop Self-Confidence and Influence People by Public Speaking also offers hundreds of practical and valuable tips on influencing the important people in your life: your friends, your customers, …

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The Art of Public Speaking

Public speaking is the act of presenting an idea to the public, using your voice. The 'public' can range from a very small group of people to a huge audience. For most people, a bigger audience equates to more fear, but some people are just as terrified as presenting to a small group.

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Additional Public Speaking Reading

These books are not required for you to learn Public Speaking, but they are highly recommended for you to deepen your knowledge.

Public Speaking for Success

In Public Speaking for Success, Dale Carnegie argues that anyone can learn to speak with confidence and poise regardless of prior experience or the all-too-common fear of speaking in public. By following his lessons, Carnegie says, you'll be well on your way to owning your voice and the stage.

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Confessions of a Public Speaker

In this hilarious and highly practical book, author and professional speaker Scott Berkun reveals the techniques behind what great communicators do, and shows how anyone can learn to use them well.

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The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking

In The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking, you can acquire and perfect your public speaking skills. Featuring accessible step-by-step instructions, you will learn how to build confidence, courage, and enthusiasm in every situation, including the boardroom and beyond.

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Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln: 21 Powerful Secrets of History's Greatest Speakers

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.

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Talk Like Ted

Ideas are the currency of the twenty-first century. In order to succeed, you need to be able to sell your ideas persuasively. This ability is the single greatest skill that will help you accomplish your dreams. TED Talks have redefined the elements of a successful presentation and become the gold standard for public speaking. TED―which stands for technology, entertainment, and design―brings to…

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Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences

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.

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Specializations and Deeper Public Speaking Knowledge

You've got your basics in order – time to move on to some advanced and specialized concepts. Public Speaking is evolving every day, these books can help you master it.

You Got This: Everything You Need to Master Authentic Public Speaking

Which of these phrases best describe your speech presentations? Lisa Kleiman is a speaking consultant with a passion for communication. She has coached hundreds of individuals and facilitated classes, workshops, and seminars across the globe. In You Got This , she shares her secrets about stepping out in front of any group and successfully delivering your message with clarity, confidence, and …

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This list is curated by MentorCruise and can include Amazon affiliate links. Have any other suggestions? Add here.

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