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.

Do You Talk Funny? 7 Comedy Habits to Become a Better (and Funnier) Public Speaker

Public speaking can be terrifying. For David Nihill, the idea of

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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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How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth

Over the past twenty-five years, the directors of The Moth have worked with people from all walks of life—including astronauts, hairdressers, rock stars, a retired pickpocket, high school students, and Nobel Prize winners—to develop true personal stories that have moved and delighted live audiences and listeners of The Moth’s Peabody Award–winning radio hour and podcast. A leader in the modern…

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The Successful Speaker: Five Steps for Booking Gigs, Getting Paid, and Building Your Platform

The Successful Speaker is a proven, easy-to-follow guide to helping you do just that. Whether you want to speak at your next board meeting or community gathering, start making some extra money on the side, or become a full-time professional speaker, Grant Baldwin knows how to get you from here to there.

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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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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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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.

TED Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking

This book explains how the miracle of powerful public speaking is achieved, and equips you to give it your best shot. There is no set formula; no two talks should be the same. The goal is for you to give the talk that only you can give. But don't be intimidated.

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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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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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Public speaking and Influencing Men in Business

The main focus of this book is to present a thorough understanding of the principles of public speaking, as well as guidance into conquering the fears attributed to public speaking.

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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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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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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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