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.

TED Talks Storytelling: 23 Storytelling Techniques from the Best TED Talks

In this short but powerful guide, you’re going to learn how to use stories to make your presentations engaging and entertaining. Using case studies drawn from TED talks by Sir Ken Robinson, Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, Susan Cain, Leslie Morgan Steiner, Mike Rowe and Malcom Gladwell, you’ll learn how to craft stories that keep your audience mesmerized. By the time you’ve finished reading this storyt…

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The Naked Presenter: Delivering Powerful Presentations with Or Without Slides

The Naked Presenter teaches readers how they can reach an audience by stripping away all that is unnecessary to get at the essence of the message. The naked presenter approaches the presentation task embracing the ideas of simplicity, clarity, honesty, integrity, and passion.

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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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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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Talk Like TED

Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo provides insights from the world's top TED speakers, highlighting the qualities that make a great talk memorable and engaging. This book provides practical tips to help anyone deliver a compelling talk that captivates and inspires their audience.

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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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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.

Speak With No Fear: Go from a Nervous, Nauseated, and Sweaty Speaker to an Excited, Energized, and Passionate Presenter

Full of personal anecdotes, executable tips, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this book teaches you 7 unconventional strategies to help you find your inner presenter. Don't wait any longer. Today is the day you take charge of your anxiety, calm your nerves, and – most importantly – speak with no fear.

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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 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication: Apply Them and Make the Most of Your Message

The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication is a guidebook by John C. Maxwell, teaching readers how to improve their communication skills through mastering 16 fundamental principles. It emphasizes the importance of effective communication in all aspects of life, from professional to personal.

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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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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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How to win friends and influence people. How to stop worrying and start living

Some key points include showing genuine interest in others, remembering people's names, encouraging others to talk about themselves, and making the other person feel important. These principles can be applied when other methods of influence or persuasion seem to fail.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

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 …

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

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

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