DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, I receive a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Public speaking is an efficient tool in society for a number of reasons. People write speeches for a number of readers. People deliver speeches at ceremonies like graduations and weddings. They deliver speeches at work for meetings, or at events. Professors have to be public speakers every day. They address their students, and also have to help them understand the information they are teaching them. Public teaching is something that everyone uses at some point. And those who don’t have to speak at public events still have to communicate in day to day life.
What are the Best Public Speaking Books to read?
Public speaking books help readers speak at events, but they also help them communicate and socialize so efficiently. The books listed below are helpful books on teaching readers public speaking skills, tips, and techniques. The books cover a number of topics on public speaking, and provide a lot of quality advice for public speakers of all levels. The books will help readers improve their public speaking, but also understand how public speakers they’ve seen deliver and create their own speeches.
Best Public Speaking Books: Our Top 20 Picks
Here are some of the best public speaking books that you can consider to expand your knowledge on the subject:
1. Talk Like Ted
Talk Like Ted by Carmine Gallo is the perfect guide for helping readers mimic the public speaking techniques of Ted Talks. This book is full to successful Ted Talk examples and the techniques they used to deliver great speeches. Gallo himself is a public speaking coach, so he is an expert on this topic. He has done his research. He interviewed many Ted Talk speakers for this book to properly identify how they prepare for their events.
The book then provides a step by step guide for achieving a successful speech. Readers of this book should not feel trepidation about their upcoming speech. This book will guide them through it, and make them feel confident.
- Authors: Carmine Gallo (Author)
- Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin; Reprint Edition (March 10, 2015)
- Pages: 288 pages
2. Ted Talks: The Official Guide to Public Speaking
Ted Talks are incredible talks given by experts on a number of topics. The talks include advice, tips, and experiences. Ted Talks: The Official Guide to Public Speaking by Chris Anderson is essentially a ted talk exclusively for improving public speaking that is based on the way people deliver ted talks. Anderson discusses ted talks and how eloquently the expert’s speak. That is because they practice speaking, and learn how to address an audience. This book analyzes the way Ted Talk speakers speak, and identifies the tricks they use for their speeches.
This book covers every detail about public speaking. It helps readers identify their strengths and create a speech that works best for them. There is no clear cut way to deliver a speech. This book discusses some of the best strategies for speaking at large events, and anywhere else. Whether the reader is giving a speech at a big lecture or a wedding reception, this book will help them perfect it.
- Authors: Chris Anderson (Author)
- Publisher: Mariner Books; Reprint Edition (April 4, 2017)
- Pages: 288 pages
3. The Art of Public Speaking
Public speaking is scary, but it also can be exciting. It is an unknown art that can be difficult to master. The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen E. Lucas wants to help readers overcome the challenges of speaking at public events. This book was specifically created to teach students public speaking in a classroom setting. Students can use this book to prepare for class and deliver the best speech possible. This book is personable, interesting, and fun to read. This book is great for students studying communication.
However, at times it can be over-simplified. It seems that this book is great as an introduction, but should only be read by beginners. People with a background in communications or have taken a few classes on communications should skip this book, and choose something with more information.
- Authors: Stephen Lucas (Author)
- Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education; 12th Edition (October 9, 2014)
- Pages: 388 pages
4. The Art of Public Speaking
The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen Lucas has many editions. On its 11th edition it covers the basics of public speaking. The book focuses on the introductory parts of planning a speech, like the preparation and presentation. The book helps readers do many things. It helps them build confidence, prepare for their inevitable success, and strive in a classroom setting and beyond.
With the 11th edition of this book, teachers and professors can customize the sections they want their students to study and read. They can use small sections of the book instead of the whole thing. They can arrange the book in the order they want it and make their classes run smoothly. This book helps students pay for the material they are actually reading, instead of a huge, unnecessary book.
- Authors: Stephen Lucas (Author)
- Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education; 11th Edition (October 4, 2011)
- Pages: 382 pages
5. Speak With No Fear
Speak With No Fear by Mike Acker is the perfect book for elevating public speaking. This book helps those who are anxious, nervous speakers go from sweaty to superb. This book helps readers gain confidence when communicating in private and public. This book is full of great strategies that help readers speak out and proud. No one speaks flawlessly without practice and perfection.
Those who speak on Ted Talks have techniques they use and implement. This book identifies those techniques, and helps the readers use them in their speeches. This book uses seven strategies to find each reader’s inner undeterred speech. It’s an easy read that is straight to the point, and fun. It has so many examples and tools that help build effortless speeches.
- Authors: Mike Acker (Author)
- Publisher: ADVANCE, Coaching and Consulting (May 22, 2019)
- Pages: 183 pages
6. Speak Up!: An Illustrated Guide to Public Speaking
Pictures make educational books more alluring and easier to read. Speak Up!: An Illustrated Guide to Public Speaking by Douglas M. Fraleigh and Joseph S. Turman is a book that uses drawings to teach public speaking. The book combines illustrations, research, and humor to help readers create and deliver the perfect speech.
The book does tend to state the obvious, but it has lots of great information for beginners who have never had to speak in public. In addition to this, the pictures ease nerves and minds. They help readers focus on the content and get quality information without fretting about their speech. This book can be biased at times. The authors often speak from a place of opinion instead of fact, but overall, this book is great for learning how to speak at public events.
- Authors: Douglas M. Fraleigh (Author), Joseph S. Tuman (Author)
- Publisher: Bedford/St. Martin’s; Fourth Edition (October 14, 2016)
- Pages: 768 pages
7. A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking
Like many books, A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking by Dan O’ Hair, Hannah Rubenstein, and Rob Stewart has many editions. It is currently on its fifth edition. This edition has practical coverage on public speaking. The book discusses many topics, like research and organization, invention, and so much more.
The book also discusses the different speech types, and how to define the speech each reader is writing. This edition focuses more on the fundamentals of speechmaking in the ever-changing digital world. The book has readable chapters, as well as powerpoint presentations that link with the book. This is a great book for professors teaching public speaking and communication. It’s portable, cheap, and in line with the digital world.
- Authors: Dan O’Hair (Author), Hannah Rubenstein (Author), Rob Stewart (Author)
- Publisher: Bedford/St. Martin’s; Fifth Edition (November 27, 2015)
- Pages: 336 pages
8. Public Speaking for Success
Being able to communicate well and speak efficiently is important to succeed. Public Speaking for Success by Dale Carnegie discusses the importance of public speaking as both a work skill and a life skill. Carnegie had originally written this book in 1926. The book was then revised and shortened in 1956 and 1962. This book is the same one, but with yet another revision.
The book was revised most recently in 2006 by a consultant at Dale Carnegie and Associates. The book has many ideas on speech and diction exercises, and how to properly speak at events. The book is cut down from its original content, but that’s okay. The revisions made to this book has made it more modern and cohesive.
- Authors: Dale Carnegie (Author)
- Publisher: TarcherPerigee; REV and Updated ed. Edition (May 4, 2006)
- Pages: 464 pages
9. The Public Speaking Playbook
Public speaking is an essential component to life. Even though many jobs don’t require public speaking skills, it’s nice to have them. It may even help with a best man or maid of honor speech down the road. The Public Speaking Playbook by Teri Kwal Gamble and Michael W. Gamble has all the essential tips for succeeding with public speeches. This book is great for students, particularly those at the high school level, to create speeches. This book helps them prepare, practice, and present their speeches in a confident setting.
The book discusses speeches on a variety of topics and helps students best prepare for each of them. A speech on politics should not be prepared the same as a speech on music. This is an easy read, and has lots of great information that will help students thrive through communication.
- Authors: Teri Kwal Gamble (Author), Michael W. Gamble (Author)
- Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc; Second Edition (January 23, 2017)
- Pages: 536 pages
10. A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking
There is so much to know about public speaking, but carrying around heavy books is far from ideal. With A Pocket Guide to Public Speaking by Dan O’Hair, Hannah Rubenstein, and Rob Stewart is the perfect book for public speaking to take on the go. The book is small and compact and includes many tips and tricks for speaking in public.
The book is short, concise, and sweet. The book includes an introduction to all aspects of public speaking: research and organization, practice, delivery, and invention. This book is perfect for anxious readers who want to brush up on some study tips right before this speech. The book has all kinds of information. It is smart and simple. The book has templates and examples, too. Anderson includes all kinds of advice in this teeny tiny book.
- Authors: Dan O’Hair (Author), Hannah Rubenstein (Author), Rob Stewart (Author)
- Publisher: Bedford/St. Martin’s; Sixth Edition (October 17, 2018)
- Pages: 336 pages
11. Public Speaking: Finding Your Voice
Public speaking is a great skill to have at work, and in life. It is great to be able to lead events and give speeches, but the skills learned from public speaking can help with socialization in general. Public Speaking: Finding Your Voice by Michael Osborn, Suzanne Osborn, Randall Osborn, and Kathleen J. Turner is a book that teaches readers how to speak in every setting.
The book is on its 10th edition, so it has up to date information and advice for speaking well everywhere people go. This book is available in paperback, but also as an ebook. This book is often used for college level classes, so professors should consider it when planning their class. Anyone can read this book, but it’s mostly used for college classes.
- Authors: Michael Osborn (Author), Suzanne Osborn (Author), Randall Osborn (Author), Kathleen J. Turner (Author)
- Publisher: Pearson; 10th Edition (January 16, 2014)
- Pages: 450 pages
12. The Art of Public Speaking (International Edition)
The Art of Public Speaking by Stephen E. Lucas is a great book for public speaking advice, and it comes in an international version, too. The international edition of this book is for international students. It uses simple language and has the same basic content as the original issue of this book. This book has great information on public speaking, as well as advice for teaching public speaking.
The book has plenty of aids and advice for teaching public speaking, and helping students be successful. The international version of this book also coordinates with the 13 edition of the book, so it has all the up to date information necessary. This book is professional, straight to the point, and easy to read. This is the perfect guide book for those who teach public speaking, as well as those taking a public speaking class.
- Authors: Stephen Lucas (Author)
- Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education; 13th Edition (February 22, 2019)
13. Master Public Speaking
Mastering Public Speaking by George L Grice, John F Skinner, and Daniel H. Mansson is on its 9th edition. This book is a standalone product, but it can be paired with a communications lab. This book discusses public speaking in the 21st century and how speakers can actively prepare for their speeches.
The book combines speaking techniques with media and technology. It’s important that a speech reflects the time readers are living in. This book helps readers adequately write speeches, improve self-confidence, and communicate efficiently. Readers can use exercises and examples in this book to practice public speaking. They can compare the strategies in this book with the state of their own speech, or speeches they have made in the past. This book is great for beginner and advanced public speakers alike.
- Authors: George L. Grice (Author), John F. Skinner (Author), Daniel H. Mansson (Author)
- Publisher: Pearson; 9th Edition (February 7, 2015)
- Pages: 384 pages
14. Public Speaking: Concepts and Skills for a Diverse Society
Public Speaking: Concepts and Skills for a Diverse Society by Clella Jaffe is a conceptual book that prepares readers with the training to speak on a number of topics. Some of these topics are: arts and culture, politics, and technology. The book has incredible coverage on a number of ideas.
This book helps readers create their speeches with the sensitivity of the audience in mind. So often public speakers write and prepare for their speech without thinking about the people they are addressing. There are plenty of hands on exercises and examples of speeches that will give readers a visual aid when learning how to speak in front of an audience. This is a very good book for learning all kinds of speeches for all kinds of topics.
- Authors: Clella Jaffe (Author)
- Publisher: Cengage Learning; 8th Edition (January 1, 2015)
- Pages: 352 pages
15. Public Speaking
Public Speaking by Steven A. Beebe and Susan J. Beebe is on its 10th edition. This book is a comprehensive guide for creating speeches, presenting them, and workshopping them to be the best they can be. This book is really good because it focuses more on providing examples instead of lecturing readers on how to speak. The content in this book is contemporary and up to date. The book is also available online as an interactive book.
The book helps readers speak well in the real world. Instead of taking the tips from this book to meetings, the reader can also take it to the streets. This is a great book for college students because it has quality information with plenty of visuals and examples. It is easy to learn and study from this book.
- Authors: Steven A. Beebe (Author), Susan J. Beebe (Author)
- Publisher: Pearson; 10th Edition (January 22, 2017)
- Pages: 400 pages
16. Public Speaking- Speaking Like A Professional
Public Speaking– Speaking Like A Professional by Julius Lowenstein is a book that helps readers improve their speech, speak confidently, present themselves in a professional light, and communicate effortlessly.
The book includes many strategies that will help readers speak confidently and devise well-written speeches. This book is vivid, detailed, and interesting. Lowenstein leads readers to deliver strong speeches and practice those speeches. Readers will enjoy learning about public speaking with this book. It has many examples, tools, and research that helps them succeed. This book is perfect for speakers of all levels. Everyone can stand to gain something from the advice in this book. It’s great for beginners, but advanced speakers will enjoy it, too.
- Authors: Julius Loewenstein (Author)
- Publisher: Independently published (April 12, 2019)
- Pages: 127 pages
17. Public Speaking Handbook
Public speaking comes naturally to some, but not to everybody. Public Speaking Handbook by Steven A. Beebe and Susan J. Beebe is a great book for creating speeches for specific audiences. This book has quick and easy information on how to create a speech and deliver it well. The Beebes want readers to create a flawless speech, but also to consider the audience they are delivering the speech to. These books teach readers to communicate effectively and get their ideas across in the best way possible.
This book is also available through Revel which is an immersive digital learning experience. This book is great for public speakers of all levels and ages.
- Authors: Steven A. Beebe (Author), Susan J. Beebe (Author)
- Publisher: Pearson; 5th Edition (January 18, 2015)
- Pages: 512 pages
18. Public Speaking
Public Speaking: Strategies for Success by David Zarefsky is an effective book for teaching readers to improve their public speaking skills. This book helps them think critically, write effective speeches, and present them well. This book is on its eighth edition so it is up to date and compares public speaking to the modern world.
This book helps public speakers interact with audience members, and create a speech that benefits them. Speakers wont audience members to engage with them, and enjoy their speeches. This book focuses on pleasing the audience while still staying true to the reader’s own speech. This is a great book for teaching public speaking.
- Authors: David Zarefsky (Author)
- Publisher: Pearson; 8th Edition (January 16, 2016)
- Pages: 432 pages
19. Public Speaking
The book Public Speaking by Kathleen J. Turner, Randall Osborn, and Suzanne Osborn are on its 11th edition. This book is great for students who wish to communicate confidently and efficiently, especially in a public setting. The book teaches students how to better analyze other people’s speeches, and use it to improve their own. Because this book is on its 11th edition, it has an interactive component. Students and teachers can use this book to connect with accompanying material online.
This online component helps students practice what they have learned with visuals and examples. They can read and study online, too. This is great for those who don’t want to lug a heavy book down to the library. They can take their book on the go with a phone, tablet, or computer. The digital element of this book takes it to the next level.
- Authors: Kathleen J. Turner (Author), Randall Osborn (Author), Michael Osborn (Author), Suzanne Osborn (Author)
- Publisher: Pearson; 11th Edition (September 6, 2017)
- Pages: 448 pages
20. The Best Public Speaking Book
The Best Public Speaking Book by Matt Deaton may claim to be the best public speaking book, but is it? Let’s see. To start, this book does a lot of things right. Deaton is a former comedy host as well as a keynote speaker and a philosophy professor. This means he is funny, intelligent, and knows how to teach. Those qualities could lead to a great book. Deaton wrote the book to capture three commandments he abides by: Know Thyself, Be Thyself, and Practice.
The book wants readers to adequately study their topic, make a speech, and rehearse it over and over again. The book is an interesting read. It is both educational and humorous. However, whether or not it is the “best public speaking book” is up to the reader. It has many great qualities and information, but the book’s notability is up to the reader.
- Authors: Matt Deaton (Author)
- Publisher: Notaed Press; 2nd Edition ed. (October 17, 2019)
- Pages: 246 pages
Choosing the Best Public Speaking Books
These are some of many books on public speaking. That’s because there are many different techniques for speaking in public. It is completely dependent on what speakers are discussing, how long the speech is, and who the audience is. No speech is the same. There are many different components that go into a speech. These books help identify those components and create and implement a speech that works with those components. Readers will enjoy learning how to communicate effectively with these books.