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Public Speaking, Powerpoint, and Presentation Book Reviews

More Gift Ideas for Speakers

There are thousands of public speaking books available.

Some are good. Some are great. Some are horrible.

Our goal is to provide a detailed synopsis to help you decide which books meet your needs to boost your speaking and presentation skills so that you can add them to your personal reading list.

Reviewed Books

Book reviews are a regular feature on Six Minutes. Subscribe to Six Minutes to receive future reviews.

Title: Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences
Author: Nancy Duarte
What is it About: Deliciously beautiful writing and visuals. Superb treatment of audience analysis, message formation, and storytelling.
Who Should Read It: Every speaker should read this book... twice!; Read our complete review of this book

Title: slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations
Author: Nancy 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.; Read our complete review of this book

Title: Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer
Author: Roy Peter Clark
What is it About: Best book I've ever read about writing. Applicable to all genres: speech writing, fiction, non-fiction.
Who Should Read It: Everyone who writes, whether speeches, novels, or articles.; Read our complete review of this book

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.; Read our complete review of this book

Title: Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History
Author: William Safire (Ed.)
What is it About: Definitive speech compendium covering 233 speeches spanning the period between ancient Rome and the present-day.
Who Should Read It: Every speaker who wants to connect with great speeches from history.; Read our complete review of this book

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.; Read our complete review of this book

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.; Read our complete review of this book

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.; Read our complete review of this book

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.; Read our complete review of this book

Title: Telling Ain't Training
Author: Harold Stolovitch and Erica Keeps
What is it About: Fantastic resource for trainers with a wealth of theoretical and practical advice. Published by the American Society for Training and Development, this is a best-seller among training professionals.
Who Should Read It: Everyone who trains, educates, or instructs.; Read our complete review of this book

Title: 101 Ways to Make Training Active
Author: Mel Silberman
What is it About: Compendium of activities and strategies that trainers, presenters, and discussion leaders can use to improve audience engagement.
Who Should Read It: All trainers -- from those with decades of experience to novices who are creating a training course for their company or organization for the first time.; Read our complete review of this book

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 speechwriting.; Read our complete review of this book

Title: The Naked Presenter: Delivering Powerful Presentations With or Without Slides
Author: Garr Reynolds
What is it About: Packed with excellent advice, particularly on delivery skills and audience-centered presenting.
Who Should Read It: Everyone who wants to present more naturally and more effectively.; Read our complete review of this book

Title: Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures
Author: Dan Roam
What is it About: Insightful and essential lessons for all communicators. Everyone can benefit by improving their visual thinking skills with the help of this book.
Who Should Read It: Smart people who want to improve their visual thinking skills.; Read our complete review of this book

Title: Presentation Patterns: Techniques for Crafting Better Presentations
Author: Neal Ford, Matthew McCullough, Nathaniel Schutta
What is it About: Covers presentation design and delivery with a focus on slide design. Organized according to patterns (i.e. building blocks), both positive and negative, which confront speakers.
Who Should Read It: All speakers will learn, but the pattern format will resonate particularly for technical speakers.; Read our complete review of this book

Title: Boring to Bravo: Proven Presentation Techniques to Engage, Involve, and Inspire Your Audience to Action
Author: Kristin Arnold
What is it About: Non-stop gems for engaging your audience and keeping your presentations alive.
Who Should Read It: Speakers, trainers, facilitators, coaches, and managers.; Read our complete review of this book

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.; Read our complete review of this book

Title: Confessions of a Public Speaker
Author: Scott Berkun
What is it About: An irreverent insider's view of public speaking. You'll be both entertained and educated.
Who Should Read It: Any aspiring speaker who seeks honest insights about public speaking.; Read our complete review of this book

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.; Read our complete review of this book

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.; Read our complete review of this book

Title: Advanced Presentations by Design: Creating Communication that Drives Action
Author: Andrew Abela
What is it About: A comprehensive approach to planning and designing presentations focused on selling ideas and persuading your audience.
Who Should Read It: All presenters, particularly those who present in a business or scientific context. You will love this book if you like an interactive, workshop-style format.; Read our complete review of this book

Title: You've Got to Be Believed to Be Heard
Author: Bert Decker
What is it About: A comprehensive, general-purpose, introductory public speaking guide.
Who Should Read It: Any novice or intermediate speaker will benefit greatly by reading this book.; Read our complete review of this book

Title: The Story Factor: Inspiration, Influence, and Persuasion Through the Art of Storytelling
Author: Annette Simmons
What is it About: Makes a strong case of the power of storytelling to influence and inspire, in both public speaking and business communications.
Discusses the different types of stories that every speaker must be able to tell. Weaves numerous stories through the book.
Who Should Read It: (1) Anyone who is not yet convinced how powerful storytelling can be.
(2) Speakers looking to enhance their story repertoire.; Read our complete review of this book

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.; Read our complete review of this book

Title: Fire Them Up!
Author: Carmine Gallo
What is it About: Focuses not on short term steps (things to do), but on seven qualities of inspiring business communicators (things to embrace). Draws examples from many high-profile corporations, including Apple, Starbucks, Cranium, and many more.
Who Should Read It: Business leaders who want to inspire everyone around them to be successful.; Read our complete review of this book

Title: Rain Making: Attract New Clients No Matter What Your Field
Author: Ford Harding
What is it About: Practical advice teaching you the things you need to do to build your network, add clients, and increase your revenue.
Who Should Read It: [1] You are (or want to be) a professional speaker seeking to make more money or [2] You are a professional who would like to leverage your speaking skills to grow your business?; Read our complete review of this book

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Andrew Dlugan is the editor and founder of Six Minutes. He teaches courses, leads seminars, coaches speakers, and strives to avoid Suicide by PowerPoint. He is an award-winning public speaker and speech evaluator. Andrew is a father and husband who resides in British Columbia, Canada.

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Three Easy Ways To Improve Your Next Presentation « Phil Presents — Aug 24th, 2010

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Books We Recommend

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.
Book Review: Read our book review

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

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.
Book Review: Read our book review

The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking

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.
Book Review: Read our book review

Title: The Story Factor: Inspiration, Influence, and Persuasion Through the Art of Storytelling
Author: Annette Simmons
What is it About: Makes a strong case of the power of storytelling to influence and inspire, in both public speaking and business communications.
Discusses the different types of stories that every speaker must be able to tell. Weaves numerous stories through the book.
Who Should Read It: (1) Anyone who is not yet convinced how powerful storytelling can be.
(2) Speakers looking to enhance their story repertoire.
Book Review: Read our book review

The Story Factor: Inspiration, Influence, and Persuasion Through the Art of Storytelling

Title: Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures
Author: Dan Roam
What is it About: Insightful and essential lessons for all communicators. Everyone can benefit by improving their visual thinking skills with the help of this book.
Who Should Read It: Smart people who want to improve their visual thinking skills.
Book Review: Read our book review

Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures

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.
Book Review: Read our book review

Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die

Title: Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History
Author: William Safire (Ed.)
What is it About: Definitive speech compendium covering 233 speeches spanning the period between ancient Rome and the present-day.
Who Should Read It: Every speaker who wants to connect with great speeches from history.
Book Review: Read our book review

Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History

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.
Book Review: Read our book review

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

Title: Confessions of a Public Speaker
Author: Scott Berkun
What is it About: An irreverent insider's view of public speaking. You'll be both entertained and educated.
Who Should Read It: Any aspiring speaker who seeks honest insights about public speaking.
Book Review: Read our book review

Title: 101 Ways to Make Training Active
Author: Mel Silberman
What is it About: Compendium of activities and strategies that trainers, presenters, and discussion leaders can use to improve audience engagement.
Who Should Read It: All trainers -- from those with decades of experience to novices who are creating a training course for their company or organization for the first time.
Book Review: Read our book review

Title: Advanced Presentations by Design: Creating Communication that Drives Action
Author: Andrew Abela
What is it About: A comprehensive approach to planning and designing presentations focused on selling ideas and persuading your audience.
Who Should Read It: All presenters, particularly those who present in a business or scientific context. You will love this book if you like an interactive, workshop-style format.
Book Review: Read our book review

Advanced Presentations by Design: Creating Communication that Drives Action

Title: Telling Ain't Training
Author: Harold Stolovitch and Erica Keeps
What is it About: Fantastic resource for trainers with a wealth of theoretical and practical advice. Published by the American Society for Training and Development, this is a best-seller among training professionals.
Who Should Read It: Everyone who trains, educates, or instructs.
Book Review: Read our book review

Title: Presentation Patterns: Techniques for Crafting Better Presentations
Author: Neal Ford, Matthew McCullough, Nathaniel Schutta
What is it About: Covers presentation design and delivery with a focus on slide design. Organized according to patterns (i.e. building blocks), both positive and negative, which confront speakers.
Who Should Read It: All speakers will learn, but the pattern format will resonate particularly for technical speakers.
Book Review: Read our book review

Presentation Patterns: Techniques for Crafting Better Presentations

Title: The Naked Presenter: Delivering Powerful Presentations With or Without Slides
Author: Garr Reynolds
What is it About: Packed with excellent advice, particularly on delivery skills and audience-centered presenting.
Who Should Read It: Everyone who wants to present more naturally and more effectively.
Book Review: Read our book review

The Naked Presenter: Delivering Powerful Presentations With or Without Slides

Title: Boring to Bravo: Proven Presentation Techniques to Engage, Involve, and Inspire Your Audience to Action
Author: Kristin Arnold
What is it About: Non-stop gems for engaging your audience and keeping your presentations alive.
Who Should Read It: Speakers, trainers, facilitators, coaches, and managers.
Book Review: Read our book review

Boring to Bravo: Proven Presentation Techniques to Engage, Involve, and Inspire Your Audience to Action

Title: Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences
Author: Nancy Duarte
What is it About: Deliciously beautiful writing and visuals. Superb treatment of audience analysis, message formation, and storytelling.
Who Should Read It: Every speaker should read this book... twice!
Book Review: Read our book review

Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences

Title: Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer
Author: Roy Peter Clark
What is it About: Best book I've ever read about writing. Applicable to all genres: speech writing, fiction, non-fiction.
Who Should Read It: Everyone who writes, whether speeches, novels, or articles.
Book Review: Read our book review

Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer

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.
Book Review: Read our book review

The Wealthy Speaker: The Proven Formula for Building Your Successful Speaking Business

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.
Book Review: Read our book review

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.
Book Review: Read our book review

Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery

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 speechwriting.
Book Review: Read our book review

Title: slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations
Author: Nancy 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.
Book Review: Read our book review

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

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