Books on Public Speaking

“In The SpotLight: Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Performing” by Janet E. Esposito

Amazon Customer Book Review: “The best advice I have for you if you want to overcome your fear of public speaking is to read Janet's book, attended her Level I weekend class and follow-through on your action plan that you develop in class. Your anxiety will definitely go WAY down.

Prior to doing that I had read many books and visited many websites. I even enrolled in Toastmasters and had performance coaching. I had only a small reduction in anxiety over the 18 months prior to going through Janet's class.

Why is she so effective? First, she's been there. You can totally relate to her as she describes her experiences. Second, Janet resolved to overcome her problem and tried many different approaches to do so. Her book and class focus on the most effective methods that attack the problem from several directions. Third, you confront your fear in a very supportive environment with others that are in the same boat. The impact of sharing this struggle openly and supporting others is very powerful. Finally, Janet is a inspiration and a great coach. She is totally committed to her mission of helping others get the fear of public speaking behind them.”

“The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking” by Dale Carnegie.

Amazon Customer Book Review: “I have access to a wide variety of materials and seminars on public speaking. However, this one book covered more material in less space and in easier terms than all the seminars I've attended. His style is not that of a college textbook - if it were I wouldn't have read it. His style is straight from the hip. I consider this book to be my textbook … This book has done more to improve my speeches than other formal evaluations.”

“Public Speaking: An Audience-Centered Approach (6th Edition) (MySpeechLab Series)” by Steven A. Beebe and Susan J. Beebe

Amazon Customer Book Review: “I used this book for a college class on public speaking, and I would have been lost without it. It covers things that you always forget to include, and great hints on how to increase your confidence and persuade an audience. For someone like me who was terrified, but no longer is of public speaking, and for those who just need a refresher course, this book is brilliant.”