5 best books for speaking with confidence
Speak more confidently from the inside.
These are my 5 favorite (and effective!) books about speaking and business.
Near the top of the list of reasons why people hire me is “to speak with more confidence.”
Becoming a confident speaker is a process, not an event. And speaking confidently comes from multiple inputs - not just one thing.
And it’s a lot of understanding what’s at the core of why you don’t project confidence - even if you’re the person who knows this topic the best.
Below are the 5 books I recommend to all my clients; each one has helped me understand what’s going on in my own core. Each one has a unique take on issues (some you may not be aware of) that might be holding you back from speaking confidently. Some are geared towards women; however, I recommend these books to all my clients, regardless of gender.
#1 - Nice Girls (still) Don’t Get the Corner Office by Dr. Lois Frankel
This is the book I recommend the most. Women are conditioned differently than men, and, sadly, this disparity plays out - yes - in our presentations, how we present, and in our public speaking skills. Frankel’s advice is timeless. I’ve recommended this tome to countless clients, and they’ve reaped the benefits, from more speaking engagements to promotions.
#2 The Gutsy Girl Handbook by Kate White
White’s solid guide is my #2 go-to for all things confident women. She knows her stuff, from her days as the editor-in-chief of Cosmo, to her career as a novelist. Her no-nonsense attitude combined with practical advice will help you boost your confidence all around. Your confidence when presenting comes from what’s inside. White helps you find it.
#3 Presence by Amy Cuddy
Professor Cuddy rose to prominence when her TED talk “Your body language may shape who you are” went viral. (It’s worth all 18 minutes of your time - her advice is timeless and I refer to it often.) Presence is her book on the topic, and what presence really looks like - and how it develops.
#4 Dare to Lead by Dr. Brené Brown
Dr. Brown has made an impact everywhere from the military to the Fortune 100 boardrooms. Understanding how vulnerability translates to leadership will support you when you’re leading from the front of the room. Hint: “Vulnerability” does not mean “spilling your guts.”
#5
On Public Speaking and Presenting by the Harvard Business Review
Part of their “must read” series, these articles from the HBR have a business focus, and are always a solid go-to. I dive back into this book as a good refresher.
Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
About The Author
Hi! I’m Marianna. I’m The Speak Easy Coach - I help my clients speak with confidence and ease.
In addition to Presentation Skills workshops, I offer executive coaching, Keynote speeches, and breakouts. My clients learn to speak with more confidence, and they reap the benefits from promotions to calmer presentations. To learn more, schedule a call with me.