5 books every speaker should read (Only if they are serious about speaking)

Speaking, like any skill is mastered through a combination of study and practice. Mastery is impossible without practice, and takes much longer to achieve without study. Study exposes us to new knowledge and new insights. It also can confirm truths we suspected but didn't have the courage to affirm and adopt. But perhaps the greatest value of study in mastering any skill is its tendency to save us from avoidable pitfalls by lighting the path with the knowledge of others.

Mastery is impossible without practice, and takes much longer to achieve without study.

My picks - books every speaker should read

While you can study many different things to become a better speaker – other speakers and people in general - it is books, good ones, I feel that provide the best value in terms of return on investment. Therefore, in this article, I provide my list of 5 must-read books for every serious speaker as well as why I think the books are worth your while if you want to level up your speaking and persuasion. These are not necessarily beginner-level books but even beginners can benefit from the principles in these works and accelerate their growth in the process. Let us begin.  

1. Rhetoric by Aristotle (Originally published around 4th century B.C.)

Perhaps no other individual in recorded history has had a larger effect on the Western public-speaking tradition than Aristotle. And an important part of that influence is found and expounded upon on this masterwork - Rhetoric. If you read only one book on the subject of public speaking, in my opinion, it should be this one. Published over 2000 years ago, it is just as relevant in its principles today as it was in the age of the Toga and sandal.Not only will this book provide you with timeless information on becoming a powerful and persuasive public speaker, it will also make you a better communicator in general and potentially a better person overall. True to Aristotle's legacy, the book delves meticulously not only into issues of content and delivery, but also into ethics and social responsibility. Don't let this turn you off though. It is by no means preachy. It is rather a crisp and clear treatise on the place of public-speaking, the power of it and the performance of it in a civilized society.To top it off, it is written in some of the most beautiful prose you will ever read. As a bonus, because it was written so long ago, you can get it for a very low cost in bookstores and virtually free online in electronic versions. I believe this book belongs on the shelf of every serious speaker. So if you are serious about your public speaking and don't already own a copy, get one! And read it.

2. On Speaking Well: How to Give a Speech with Style, Substance and Clarity by Peggy Noonan

Peggy Noonan is one of those names that is well-known among the cognoscenti of persuasive public speaking. She was the primary speechwriter for Ronald Reagan and was behind a lot of the beloved president's most powerful, epic and world-changing speeches. Whatever your politics, Peggy is good at what she does and many a hat has been doffed to her by modern-day persuasion experts.In this book, Peggy shares some of the thought and technique that went into establishing her as an icon of persuasive speech writing. She shares some of the processes that go into creating memorable and powerful speeches as well as pitfalls to avoid. Peggy's world is one of high oration. But the principles in this book can, and in my own opinion should be applied to day-to-day presentations. Mastering its content through personalization and practice will sharpen your skills within a very short time. If used properly, this book can become a secret weapon in your persuasive arsenal.

3. Rhetoric the art of persuasion - Andrew Aberdein and Adina Arvatu.

Many books on public speaking tell you how to determine what to say (your content) and how you present it (your delivery). Where this book shines is in its focus on the role and power of language. This is probably the least known on my list of books every speaker should read. I stumbled onto it in some random bookstore and took a chance. I am glad I did.The authors - both professors of philosophy with Adina adding on a speciality in comparative literature - share many timeless rhetorical language devices you can employ as well as how to craft compelling sentences and phrases that will make your presentation pleasant to listen to, highly persuasive, and difficult to forget. They do so with a fun and entertaining yet astute air.Don't let the size of the book fool you - it is quite slim. It's economy of size is true to the books apparent philosophy of essentialism. The authors are focused and concise without becoming dry and boring. If you want to take your use of words in your public speaking to a higher level using tried and proven language structure devices, get this book.

4. Winning body language by Mark Bowden

There are many books on public speaking. And there are many books on body language. Non-verbal communication expert, Mark Bowden's book makes this list of books every speaker should read because it fills an important gap - a well-researched and well-written book on body language applied to persuasive public speaking. In my experience, this is an area where many speakers struggle and second-guess themselves."What do I do with my hands?" or "What should I stop doing with my hands?""I don't want to look too rehearsed" or, "People say my delivery is too stiff.""I don't want to send the wrong signals" or "I want to be sure I am sending the right signals"These are all concerns that I have heard speakers raise over and over at different stages of their speaking journey. And while mastering non-verbal communication in public speaking takes time and practice, this books provides some solid foundations to build on.I read this book a few years ago and, having practised some of its principles, I can confirm that they work. This book has the added value of providing insights into human psychological drivers of likeability and influence - worthy subjects for any serious speaker to learn. That is why I am confident recommending it.

5. Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die - Chip and Dan Heath

Chip and Dan Heath have written some of my favourite modern non-fiction books. And this book - Made to Stick - was my favourite read of the year when I read it. In their characteristic style of sharp insights from compelling research and case studies blended with sharp wit and humour conveyed via masterful storytelling, the Heath brothers provide clear criteria for crafting and communicating ideas in a way that makes them stand the test of time. They introduce and expound on what they consider the 6 characteristics of memorable (what they call "sticky") ideas.Reading and applying the concepts from this book will elevate the clarity, impact and sheer class of your presentations. This one is definitely not an entry level book a far as being obviously related to public speaking. But for the serious speaker, this one makes my list of books every speaker should read for the richness and versatility of its content and its ease and enjoyment of consumption.

Get one or get them all

Any one of these books studied thoroughly and applied intentionally, will make a marked difference in your power to speak and persuade. Any one of these titles will help you level up your speaking game if you apply the concepts. But I suspect that even just reading them will be an enjoyable experience for you as they are some of the most well-written and thought-stimulating books on the subject that I have had the privilege of reading. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did (and still do).Until the next post,Speak with skill.