List of Public Speaking Resources

Hello Fellow Toastmasters! 

As VP Ed, I've taken the liberty of compiling a list of public speaking educational resources that you may find useful for furthering your skills. I will try to update and post reviews when I find time.


Public Speaking Tips and Advice

Title:  The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking

Author: Dale Carnegie

What is it About?

Practical and plain public speaking advice. Covers a wide breadth of topics. This book contains the foundation for the Dale Carnegie speaking courses which have been completed by millions of people.

Who Should Read it?

Novice speakers or anyone whose fear of speaking leads them to believe that they cannot excel as a speaker.

 

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

Author: James Humes

What is it About?

21 chapters averaging about 10 pages each. Each chapter introduces one simple speaking technique. Historical and contemporary examples are used throughout.

Who Should Read it?

Speakers looking to elevate their speechwriting and delivery from good to great.

Title:  Better Beginnings: How to Capture Your Audience in 30 Seconds

Author: Carmen Taran

What is it About?

One-of-a-kind!  An engaging and thorough treatment for one of the most essential public speaking skills -- how to open your speech.

Who Should Read it?

Every speaker will benefit from this book, whether you speak with visuals or off the cuff, to investors or children.

 

Title:  Thank You For Arguing

Author: Jay Heinrichs

What is it About?

Reveals a collection of time-tested tools which will make you a better speechwriter and a better speaker.

Who Should Read it?

All speakers will benefit from understanding the simple, yet not-so-obvious techniques for persuasion and persuasive speech writing.



Presentation Design

Title:  Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery

Author: Garr Reynolds

What is it About?

Bestseller which teaches presentation design. Emphasizes designing around the message rather than designing around the slides. Includes numerous full-color examples of slides, both good and bad.

Who Should Read it?

Every speaker, particularly those who want to break free from the "Death by Powerpoint" mold.

 

Title: Universal Principles of Design

Author: William Lidwell, Kritina Holden, and Jill Butler

What is it About?

Elegantly written and thought-provoking. Packed with creative ideas for improving your presentations. A classic reference!

Who Should Read it?

Speakers who want to learn from related disciplines of design, psychology, and usability, and anyone fascinated to understand the world around them.

 

Title: slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations

Author: Nance Duarte

What is it About?

The book on effective visual presentations from the expert whose design firm created the graphics for Al Gore's Oscar-winning film, An Inconvenient Truth.

Who Should Read it?

Everyone who wants a classic reference text for presentation design. You'll read this again and again.

 

Title: Multimedia Learning

Author: Richard E. Mayer

What is it About?

An academic review of cognitive research which provides guidelines for the design of visual presentation aids.

Who Should Read it?

Teachers, trainers, instructors, and speaking coaches who want to understand the cognitive theory behind modern slide design.



Title: Clear and to The Point: 8 Psychological Principles for Compelling PowerPoint Presentations

Author: Stephen Kosslyn

What is it About?

Well-written book full of practical tips and techniques that can be applied immediately to design your slides more effectively.

Who Should Read it?

All speakers who want their visuals to complement and reinforce their message.


 
Speaking as a Business, Business Speeches
Title:  The Wealthy Speaker: The Proven Formula for Building Your Successful Speaking Business

Author: Jane Atkinson

What is it About?

An insider's view of professional speaking with loads of tips and insights for positioning yourself in the industry.

Who Should Read it?

Established speakers ready to take the next step professionally and new speakers who are curious about the possibilities.

 

Title:  Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die
Author: Chip Heath and Dan Heath

What is it About?

Best-selling business book delivers on its promise to show how to communicate your ideas so that they will be remembered.

Who Should Read it?

All speakers with a message that they want the audience to remember. In short, everyone.