Looking for the best public speaking books? I’ve got you covered.
The list below includes the best books for overcoming your fear of public speaking and becoming a successful speaker.
Top 5 Public Speaking Books
1. Public Speaking for Success by Dale Carnegie
One of the most acclaimed public speaking books of all time, this book offers practical suggestions for improving your public speaking skills.
Clear and concise, the book provides several exercises and strategies you can implement immediately.
What’s in it for you:
- Easy to read and understand
- Speech and diction exercises to improve your confidence and skill
2. Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds by Carmine Gallo
Many people are afraid of speaking in public or giving a presentation.
In this public speaking book, Carmine Gallo explores TED talks to explain what makes a successful presentation.
Gallo has examined hundreds of TED talks and interviewed the most successful speakers to find out the nine secrets of successful TED presentations.
What’s in it for you:
- A step-by-step method for delivering persuasive, engaging, and memorable talks
- How to communicate the ideas that matter most to you, develop the confidence to deliver the talk of your life, and convince others
3. Ted Talks: The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking by Chris Anderson
Done right, a talk can change an audience’s worldview and perspective.
This public speaking guide explores the mechanics of successful public speaking and provides tools to empower you to give it your best shot.
In the book, Chris Anderson draws from his experience working with the most inspiring TED speakers and shares insights from his favorites.
What’s in it for you:
- An insider’s guide to delivering memorable speeches and changing people’s minds
- How to craft your talk’s content and be most effective on stage
4. How to Tell a Story by The Moth
In the past 25 years, The Moth has helped individuals from all walks of life develop true personal stories that have delighted and moved audiences.
In How to Tell a Story, The Moth will help you uncover and develop your own story.
This book will help you connect with your audience and unleash story’s power in your life.
What’s in it for you:
- An invaluable guide to telling an unforgettable story in any setting
- Secrets of the Moth’s time-tested storytelling process
- How to mine your memories for the best stories
- How to deliver your stories with confidence and tailor them for any occasion
5. TED Talks Storytelling by Akash Karia
After studying more than 200 of the top TED talks, Akash Karia discovered the one thing that was common in all of them: story.
The best TED speakers mastered the art of storytelling, delivering their messages in a way that didn’t make it seem like they were lecturing their audience.
In this public speaking book, Karia teaches how to use stories to make your presentations more entertaining and engaging.
Drawing on case studies from the best TED talks, Karia will teach you to mesmerize your audience with compelling stories.
What’s in it for you:
- How to use advanced storytelling strategies to inject life into your presentations
- 23 secrets of storytelling from the best TED talks
- Ideas you can put into practice immediately
Other Best Public Speaking Books
6. Speak with No Fear by Mike Acker
Speak with No Fear offers seven strategies for conquering your fear of public speaking.
The book provides relatable anecdotes, practical tips, and plenty of humor to help you find your inner presenter and get into the public speaking game with confidence.
What’s in it for you:
- How to overcome your fear and speak with confidence
David Nihill learned to overcome his deathly fear of public speaking by learning from some of the best public speakers globally: stand-up comedians.
In Do You Talk Funny? Nihill shows how you can use the key techniques of stand-comedy to make your presentations and talks more funny and interesting.
What’s in it for you:
- How to craft a presentation your audience will want to listen to
- How to deal with stage fright and master timing and delivery on stage
- How to quickly find and get to the funniest parts of your material
8. Steal the Show by Michael Port
Interaction is performance, and the majority of our success depends on our ability to inspire and influence our audience.
Confident communication is a skill that can be learned.
And in Steal the Show, Michael Port teaches you to make the most of your time in the spotlight.
Port helps you give your presentation a clear focus, manage your nerves, engage your listeners, and play the right role in every situation.
What’s in it for you:
- A powerful guide to mastering every performance in your life and career
- A proven system for ensuring your voice is heard when it matters the most
9. A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking by Dan O’Hair et al.
This public-speaking book is a concise guide that offers practical tips and advice for mastering the basics of public speaking.
What’s in it for you:
- Short and easy to read, with actionable advice
- Speeches and examples from people like Emma Watson and Will Ferrell
10. Long Story Short by Margot Leitman
Using a fun approach, Margot Leitman examines the concrete components of storytelling.
She guides you through the entire storytelling process and provides a clear roadmap to narrating your own stories.
What’s in it for you:
- How to leave your audience spellbound through powerful storytelling
- Practical exercises and relatable examples
11. The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen Lucas
This book provides a time-proven framework for successful public speaking.
Geared toward classroom teaching, the book covers the foundation of public speaking.
What’s in it for you:
- An excellent textbook for teaching or learning public speaking
12. How to Develop Self-Confidence and Improve Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie
Drawing on Dale Carnegie’s extensive business trainer experience, this public speaking book will help you build your self-confidence and conquer your fear of public speaking.
It discusses the methods of opening and closing talks and keeping the audience engaged, helping you become a successful speaker and even enjoying it.
What’s in it for you:
- A timeless classic for building lasting self-confidence