The best 37 Presentations & Public Speaking books

The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs (2009) explains how any presenter can be as convincing and inspiring as the legendary Steve Jobs. From planning to rehearsal and delivery, Carmine Gallo details the anatomy of a great presentation.

Pitch Anything (2011) introduces a unique, new method for pitching ideas. Through psychology, neuroscience and personal anecdotes, Klaff explains the tactics and techniques needed to successfully pitch anything to anyone.

Never has clear, convincing communication been as important as in today’s information-cluttered environment. The Pyramid Principle (1978) explains in detail how written documents and presentations can be logically structured, and the methods described in the book are used by almost every major management consultancy on the planet.

The Charisma Myth (2013) defies the popular notion that charisma is inherited, arguing instead that everyone can cultivate their own charisma, and in doing so can have a more positive attitude, find more success, and handle obstacles more successfully.

Using wide-ranging examples of charismatic people, from state leaders to CEOs to employees, the book also outlines the different styles of charisma and how to practice demonstrating each, and offers some useful tools and exercises with which to improve their psychological well-being.

Pitch Perfect presents advice and principles that can help anyone to communicate more effectively. It teaches you how to present an argument or story with confidence, in a memorable way, and how to make your points with more precision. The author introduces seven principles that will help you to use exactly the right tone in both your professional and private life.

Lead with a Story (2012) teaches you how to enhance your skills as a great leader by harnessing the power of storytelling. By taking examples from one of the most successful companies in the world, you’ll learn how to craft a great story that motivates people and modifies their behavior.

In Talk like TED (2014), you’ll learn about presentation strategies used by the world’s most influential public speakers. Author Carmine Gallo analyzed more than 500 TED talks to identify common features that make these talks so influential and appealing.

Brief (2014) is a guide to having more impact and influence by saying less. These blinks show the reader the power of brevity in the information age, explain the barriers to being brief and give helpful instructions on how to improve your communication while saving your own time and everybody else’s.

How To Talk to Anyone (1998) is an indispensable guide to improving your conversations and becoming more graceful and effective in your social interactions – no matter the situation. Leil Lowndes offers readers a treasure trove of techniques and tips that will help any socially awkward individual gain more confidence in workplace environments, meetings, their private lives and at parties.

Storyworthy (2018) explains how to craft a story for maximum impact. From intriguing beginnings to satisfying endings and everything in between, these blinks provide simple and effective tips and techniques for engaging your audience and bringing entertainment, authenticity and immediacy to your storytelling.

Don’t Take Yes for an Answer (2020) identifies why some people consistently achieve career breakthroughs, while others struggle to reach their potential. By adopting an attitude of continual self-improvement and learning three crucial communication skills, you can achieve exceptional results, regardless of your field.

Communicate with Mastery (2020) is a practical guide for senior leaders wishing to improve their communication skills. It provides actionable advice and useful strategies to become an influential speaker and a compelling writer.

Get Hired Now! (2021) provides a step-by-step guide to finding a job and getting hired. It covers how to find the right job vacancies, write a first-class résumé that gets past the robots, dress and perform well at interviews, and how to negotiate that job offer!

The Art of Rhetoric (4th century BCE) is a practical manual on the art of public speaking and persuasion. Written almost 2,500 years ago, The Art of Rhetoric remains one of the most incisive and comprehensive studies on rhetoric ever written.

Win Every Argument (2023) is a guide to the art of argument by one of the world’s most combative debaters: journalist, anchor, and writer Mehdi Hasan. Drawing on ancient theories of persuasion, neuroscientific theories of cognition, and the rhetorical tricks of contemporary politicians, Hasan reveals the secrets to winning arguments in today’s post-factual world.

Pitch Like Hollywood (2022) uncovers the secret ingredients behind the successful techniques used to pitch films and TV shows in Hollywood. Luckily, it doesn’t matter what industry you work in – the principles behind the Hollywood pitch can be universally applied. By harnessing the power of storytelling and the psychology of persuasion, you can pitch literally anything to anyone.

Good Arguments (2022) is one part memoir, one part guide to the art of speaking. It introduces us to the thrilling and eccentric subculture of competitive debate and distills its secrets into timeless principles for effective communication. If we can only learn to disagree better, it argues, we can improve our relationships and revitalize our democracies.

The Presentation Advantage (2015) gives you the strategies you need to connect with your audience and get the results you want. Presentation happens everywhere from the boardroom to a first date. How you present yourself has everything to do with how much success you’ll achieve.

Magic Words (2023) teaches you how to use the power of language to achieve your goals. Want to win an argument, nail a job interview, or get your child to clean up after themselves? This guide reveals the magical yet scientifically proven words that may make all the difference.

The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication (2023) addresses the fear of public speaking. It offers tried-and-true techniques that can transform any beginner or average speaker into a trusted and effective communicator.

Smart Brevity (2022) offers a guide to effective communication in an age of information overload. It emphasizes the importance of conveying ideas succinctly and clearly and provides practical strategies to streamline communication across various platforms, from emails and meetings to presentations and social media.

Areopagitica (1644) details Milton's passionate appeal for freedom of the press and against censorship. Arguing for the right to freely express and circulate ideas, it erects a crucial pillar of democratic society.

Writing for Busy Readers (2023) is a guide to writing effectively in the digital age. Based on research in behavioral science, it provides you with six principles for writing messages that are clear, concise, and engaging – even for busy readers.

Sales Pitch (2024) emphasizes the importance of distinctive marketing in a competitive marketplace. It offers guidance for entrepreneurs, salespeople, and business leaders on crafting compelling sales narratives – and provides a step-by-step method to help build a sales pitch structure that supports confident customer decisions and solid market positioning. 

How to Tell a Story (2022) is a unique guidebook that unlocks the secrets to delivering narratives that captivate audiences and resonate with authenticity and emotion. From finding the perfect beginning and ending to mastering the art of delivery, it equips storytellers of all levels with the tools they need to leave a lasting impression. 

Smart, Not Loud (2024) addresses why “loud” people often get noticed and promoted at work – and how quieter individuals can succeed without compromising their values. It offers practical strategies such as tactful self-advocacy, building strategic relationships, and mastering voice elements to enhance communication.

Economical Writing (1986) offers a concise guide to crafting clear and effective prose, particularly in the field of economics. Through thirty-five practical rules, it provides strategies for improving writing at every level, from overall structure to individual word choice, making it a valuable resource for writers looking to elevate their work.

The Art of Explanation (2023) explores techniques and strategies for effectively crafting clear and impactful explanations. Through practical insights and tools for improving clarity, storytelling, and structure, it's an essential guide for anyone looking to become a clear communicator in any scenario.

The Art of the Tale (2022) offers practical strategies to enhance storytelling for presentations, helping speakers connect with and inspire their audience. It emphasizes the importance of authenticity, adaptability, and avoiding rote memorization to craft memorable and engaging stories, while also boosting confidence and creativity.

Speak Like a CEO (2005) offers practical advice for developing a commanding presence, handling various speaking situations, and creating effective self-improvement plans. It includes real-world examples and actionable strategies to help individuals at all levels become compelling communicators.

Say it Well (2024) offers a guide to delivering speeches that will both captivate and inspire action. With practical tips on crafting engaging openings, connecting emotionally with your audience, and using the power of storytelling, it helps you make every word count. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just getting started, this advice will leave you feeling confident and ready to address any audience. 

Language, Truth, and Logic (1936) introduced the ideas of logical positivism to the UK and the English speaking world. It argues for principles of verification as a foundation for meaning, and logic for the expression of meaningful statements about the world. 

Cold Calling Sucks (And That’s Why It Works) (2024) equips you with practical strategies to conquer your fear of cold calling and thrive in sales. Through a step-by-step breakdown, industry-specific examples, and real-world data, you’ll learn how to master the first 60 seconds, overcome objections, and book more meetings. Embrace the challenge, and you might just find yourself among the top performers who succeed where others give up.

Say What They Can’t Unhear (2024) provides a fresh approach to driving lasting change by leveraging ethical persuasion and behavioral insights. It explores nine “persuasion principles” that help transform passive agreement into passionate buy-in, inspiring long-term shifts in thinking and behavior.

Simply Said (2016) presents powerful principles for crafting and delivering messages that resonate deeply with your audience, whether in writing, speaking, or leadership roles. The book reveals how focusing on audience impact, mastering delivery techniques, and creating psychologically safe communication environments can transform workplace interactions and drive meaningful results.

Storytelling with Data (2015) is your guide to transforming data into clear and compelling visual narratives. Through actionable tips and examples, it shows how to simplify complex information, select the right visual elements, and design with intent so you can effectively communicate your insights. 

Interact and Engage! by Kassy Laborie provides practical strategies for creating interactive and engaging virtual training sessions. From icebreakers to group activities, this book offers a range of ideas to keep participants actively involved and learning. Whether you're new to virtual training or looking to enhance your existing skills, this book will help you deliver impactful and memorable online sessions.