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17 must-read books about presentation design

Maybe you’ve created hundreds of presentations. Or perhaps you’re about to embark on your first. Either way, improving your presentation design skills makes for a better end result.

Dive into one of these excellent books about presentation design to pick up a wide range of tips and techniques – everything you need to make your next presentation more engaging and persuasive.

Books about presentation design for absolute beginners

The all-time presentation design classics, for those times when the data has to do the talking, when you want to get more visual, for professional public speakers creating complicated presentations, want a shortcut to great presentation design start with a template.

Starting from scratch? Then begin your presentation design education with one of these introductory books.

The Non-Designer’s Presentation Book: Principles for effective presentation design by Robin Williams

This book has helped countless non-designers find their presentation mojo. It’s based around four easy-to-understand design principles and guides readers in creating a presentation from start to finish.

Unfortunately, this book can be a little tricky to get a hold of. If you’re struggling to find a copy, this next title is well worth a look.

The Non-Designer’s Design Book by Robin Williams

This book, also by design expert Robin Williams, covers everything from color to typeface. It gives you a wealth of professional design tips that can easily be applied to your next PowerPoint or Google Slides creation.

You just can’t beat a classic, and there’s a good reason these presentation design books have stood the test of time.

Presentation Zen Design: Simple Design Principles and Techniques to Enhance Your Presentations by Garr Reynolds

Take your presentation design to the next level with practical insights and lots of great examples from Garr Reynolds. This book will teach you how to keep things simple, improving your communication and really connecting with your audience in the process.  

slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations by Nancy Duarte

Nancy Duarte’s book helps you to become a visual thinker. You’ll learn about visual story development and be inspired by case studies from the world’s leading brands.  

Beyond the standard charts and graphs included in your chosen presentation software, there’s a world of persuasive data storytelling. Find ways to give your data more impact with one of the titles below.  

Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic

Data can be easily lost on an audience. But when you apply the lessons in this book, you’ll create data slides that really pack a punch. Learn which graph to use in a particular situation. Eliminate clutter that obscures your information. And create high-impact data stories that stay with your audience.

Storytelling with Data: Let’s Practice! by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic

Reading about data storytelling theory is one thing. But many of us learn by doing. If this sounds like you, try more than 100 hands-on exercises in this book. Practice makes for data storytelling perfection.

Good Charts: The HBR Guide to Making Smarter, More Persuasive Data Visualizations by Scott Berinato

This book is a great guide on how data visualization works and how to use it to impress and persuade your audience. Covering research into visual perception, neuroscience, and visualization science, everything you’ll learn here is rooted in proven principles.  

Envisioning Information by Edward R. Tufte

Looking for inspiration for your next data presentation? Look no further than this incredible book from Edward R. Tufte. In it, you’ll find lots of beautiful and original ideas for the visual presentation of information, and tons of practical advice, too.  

A presentation is nothing without good visuals. If you want to up your game when it comes to presentation imagery, here are a few books that will help.

Killer Visual Strategies: Engage Any Audience, Improve Comprehension, and Get Amazing Results Using Visual Communication by Amy Balliett

At the cutting edge of visual communication, Killer Visual Strategies examines what brands are doing right now to create exceptional visual content. Balliett provides actionable rules for would-be designers and takes a look at the very latest trends in the field.

How to Design TED Worthy Presentation Slides: Presentation Design Principles from the Best TED Talks by Akash Karia

What do the very best TED speakers have in common? This book aims to answer that question with a look at some of the best speakers and presentation slides to have graced the TED stage.

The Art of Presentation by Tom Nixon

Upgrade your presentation design skills with Tom Nixon’s instantly applicable tips and tricks. From how to align slide text to where to look for presentation inspiration, this book covers it all.

If you’re a seasoned presentation designer looking to take your skills to the next level, take your pick from these two titles.  

Advanced Presentations by Design: Creating Communication that Drives Action by Andrew Abela

The lessons in this book have been tested by big name brands like Microsoft, ExxonMobil, and PayPal. With a focus on story structure and the best possible use of data graphics, this guide will teach you everything you need to know about results-driven presentation design.

Encyclopedia of Slide Layouts: Inspiration for Visual Communication by Andrew V Abela Ph.D. and Paul J Radich

As the title suggests, this book provides hundreds of slide layouts to inspire your presentation design. Along with examples, you get a dissection of the purpose of each layout and the problems they solve, so there are plenty of design lessons to learn along the way.

Presentation design for specific fields

Presentation design can vary depending on which field you work in. These books address specific issues faced by presenters and designers in a number of fields.

Designing Science Presentations: A Visual Guide to Figures, Papers, Slides, Posters, and More by Matt Carter

Whether you’re looking to publish your findings, get funding, or advance your career, this guidebook will teach you all you need to know about scientific presentations and the very best presentation techniques.

Startup owners

Get backed: craft your story, build the perfect pitch deck, and launch the venture of your dreams by evan baehr and evan loomis.

Getting your start-up off the ground means securing funding. It also means building relationships that will take your dream from idea to reality. This book, written by two entrepreneurs who raised $45 million for their own ventures in just three years, will help you do just that.

Educators and students

Better presentations: a guide for scholars, researchers, and wonks by jonathan schwabish.

Written with academics and researchers in mind, Better Presentations offers expert advice on creating scholarly or data-intensive presentations. Instead of recreating a written document in presentation form, you’ll learn how to impress and engage an audience with great visuals and content.

Design for How People Learn by Julie Dirksen

Help your audience gain and retain the information or skills you want them to know by following the advice in this incredible book. With insights into learning, memory and attention, you’ll be able to design educational presentations that really help your students engage with a topic. 

Any of these books about presentation design will improve your skills. But if time is tight or you’d prefer to leave it to the experts, browse the extensive library of professional presentation templates available at SlidesCarnival .

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Top 9 Presentation Design Books (2023)

Hey there, slide slayer! 🦸‍♂️ Looking for the perfect resource to level up your presentation design game? Look no further! I've compiled a list of the best (and my favorite) presentation design books that will turn your slides from 'meh' to 'WOW.' Say goodbye to boring presentations and hello to captivating, engaging visuals. Let's dive in!

What Are the Best Presentation Design Books?

I've handpicked these amazing books, packed with insights, tips, and techniques to help you create stunning presentations. Whether you're a new grad or a working professional, these books have got you covered. Let's explore them one by one.

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

Written by presentation expert Nancy Duarte, Slide:ology is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their slide design skills. This comprehensive guide covers everything from storytelling to slide layout and design principles.

What I Liked

• Step-by-step guidance on designing effective presentations
• Beautiful visuals and examples from well-known companies
• Great case studies highlighting the people
• Clear authority in the field since she designed Al Gore's famous climate change slide deck that was the basis for an Inconvenient Truth film
• Clear explanations of design concepts
• Focus on storytelling and audience engagement
• Good focus on timeless ideas
• The print book is beautifully designed
• More hands-on exercises and activities

Bottom Line

This book is perfect for anyone looking to master the art of creating visually stunning and impactful presentations, regardless of their design background.

Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences

Another gem from Nancy Duarte, Resonate focuses on the power of storytelling to create memorable and persuasive presentations. Learn how to connect with your audience and leave a lasting impact.

• Unique approach to visual storytelling
• Incorporation of narrative structure in presentations
• Emphasis on audience engagement and connection
• Variety of case studies from different fields
• Tips for effective slide design and layout
• Expanded section on slide design tools and resources

If you want to learn the art of storytelling in presentations and captivate your audience, this book is a fantastic choice.

DataStory: Explain Data and Inspire Action Through Story

DataStory, also by Nancy Duarte, is a valuable guide for those looking to effectively communicate complex data through storytelling. Discover how to turn numbers into compelling narratives that drive action.

What I Liked:

• Clear explanations of data visualization concepts
• Practical tips for transforming data into stories
• Examples from various industries
• Focus on audience understanding and decision-making
• Techniques for creating persuasive data-driven presentations
• More detailed guidance on data visualization tools
• Expanded coverage of data analysis techniques

Ideal for professionals working with data, this book will help you present complex information in a clear, engaging, and persuasive manner.

Everyday Business Storytelling: Create, Simplify, and Adapt A Visual Narrative for Any Audience

Authors Janine Kurnoff and Lee Lazarus provide practical guidance on using visual storytelling to create effective business presentations. Learn how to simplify complex ideas and adapt your message for any audience.

• Step-by-step process for crafting visual narratives
• Emphasis on audience-centered communication
• Real-world examples and case studies
• Tips for adapting messages to different audiences and contexts
• Techniques for simplifying complex information
• Plenty of examples with before and afters
• The section about email communication because not everything has to be a presentation
• Even more examples at the end

This book is perfect for business professionals who want to create engaging and persuasive visual narratives that resonate with any audience.

Storytelling with Data: A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals

Written by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, Storytelling with Data teaches readers how to present data in a clear and compelling way. Gain valuable insights on data visualization techniques and best practices for business professionals.

• In-depth coverage of data visualization best practices
• Focus on audience-centric presentation design
• Strategies for simplifying complex data
• Tips for selecting the most effective chart types
• Guidance on using color and design elements effectively
• Additional exercises and activities for hands-on practice

This book is ideal for business professionals who want to master data visualization and deliver clear, compelling data-driven presentations.

Good Charts: The HBR Guide to Making Smarter, More Persuasive Data Visualizations

Authored by Scott Berinato, Good Charts is a comprehensive guide to creating data visualizations that effectively communicate complex information. Learn best practices and techniques for creating persuasive and informative charts and graphs.

• Practical guidance for creating effective charts and graphs
• Harvard Business Review's credibility and expertise
• Tips for improving existing data visualizations
• Strategies for engaging and persuading audiences with data
• Expanded coverage of advanced visualization techniques

This book is perfect for professionals seeking to improve their data visualization skills and create more persuasive presentations using data.

Good Charts Workbook: Tips, Tools, and Exercises for Making Better Data Visualizations

A companion to Good Charts, the Good Charts Workbook by Scott Berinato offers hands-on exercises and practical tools to help you create better data visualizations. Improve your skills with engaging activities and real-world examples.

• Interactive exercises and activities
• Focus on hands-on learning and skill development
• Complements the concepts covered in Good Charts
• Tips for refining and improving existing visualizations
• Greater variety of data visualization tools covered
• Inclusion of digital resources and templates

Ideal for those looking to practice and improve their data visualization skills, this workbook is a valuable resource for creating more effective and persuasive data-driven presentations.

The Elegant Pitch: Create a Compelling Recommendation, Build Broad Support, and Get It Approved

Written by Mike Figliuolo, The Elegant Pitch provides a structured approach to crafting persuasive business recommendations. Learn how to build support and get your ideas approved with a clear, compelling pitch.

• Step-by-step process for creating persuasive pitches
• Focus on clarity and simplicity in communication
• Tips for overcoming objections and building support
• Techniques for tailoring your pitch to different audiences
• Well written book with very actionable advice
• More of a hidden gem that isn't talked about as much
• Greater emphasis on visual presentation techniques

This book is perfect for professionals who want to learn how to create compelling recommendations and get their ideas approved in a business setting.

Presentation Zen Design: Simple Design Principles and Techniques to Enhance Your Presentations

In Presentation Zen Design, Garr Reynolds shares his expertise on creating visually stunning and engaging presentations. Discover simple design principles and techniques to transform your slides and captivate your audience.

• Focus on clean, minimalist design principles
• Practical tips for improving slide design
• Real-world examples from various industries
• Strategies for incorporating visuals effectively
• Techniques for engaging and connecting with audiences
• Very culturally sensitive
• Eastern cultural themes and analogies
• An updated edition is needed because, visually, some of the examples feel very out of date

This book is ideal for those looking to enhance their presentation design skills and create visually engaging slides that resonate with their audience.

So there you have it, my top picks for the best presentation design books. Whether you're just starting or want to polish your skills, these books will help you create captivating, engaging slides that leave a lasting impression.

Ready to get started? Grab one of these books and watch your presentations transform! 🚀

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7 Great Books for Boosting Your Presentation Skills

These guides to becoming a powerful public speaker belong in the library of every entrepreneur..

Make no mistake about it: Your ability to give an engaging and memorable presentation is crucial to the success every business enterprise. There are thousands of "how-to" books about presentations, but these, IMHO, are the best and most useful:

1. Speak to Win

Subtitle: How to Present With Power in Any Situation

Author: Brian Tracy

Why It's Worth Reading: While Tracy's other books are more famous, this one takes the author's deep understanding of people and salesmanship into the realm of general business speaking and personal self-development. There's nothing here that will amaze or surprise you, but it's the kind of solid, good, useful advice about public speaking, business, and life that you'd expect from a living legend.

Best Quote: "Becoming an excellent public speaker will help you in every part of your career. But there is an even more important reason to learn to speak well to an audience. Psychologists tell us that your level of self-esteem, or 'how much you like yourself,' largely determines the quality of your inner and outer life. The better and more persuasively you speak, the more you like yourself. The more you like yourself, the more optimistic and confident you are. The more you like yourself, the most positive and personable you are in your relationships with others. The more you like yourself, the healthier, happier, and more positive you become in everything you do."

2. Resonate

Subtitle: Present Visual Stories That Transform Audiences

Author: Nancy Duarte

Why It's Worth Reading: Recently, there has been a spate of books about storytelling in business situations. Frankly, some of them come off as book-sized permission slips for baby-boomers to justify telling tired, irrelevant war stories. This book is not like that at all. Instead, it explains how to create a moving and memorable presentation by placing it into the context of storytelling. If you read only one book about storytelling in business, this is the one to buy.

Best Quote: "Moving an idea from its inception to adoption is hard, but it's a battle that can be won simply by wielding a great presentation. Presentations are a powerfully persuasive tool, and when packaged in a story framework, your ideas become downright unstoppable. Story structures have been employed for hundred of generations to persuade and delight every known culture."

3. The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace

Subtitle: Empowering Organizations by Encouraging People

Authors: Gary Chapman and Paul White

Why It's Worth Reading: This spinoff from the huge bestseller The Five Languages of Love may seem a bit, well, crunchy to some readers. Nevertheless, it provides a usable system by which you can increase your ability to connect with everyone else in your organization. The system also helps you build presentations that hold appeal for multiple individuals with different emotional habits.

Best Quote: "Each person has a primary and secondary language of appreciation. Our primary language communicates more deeply to us than the others. Although we will accept appreciation in all five languages, we will not feel truly encouraged unless the message is communicated through our primary language. When messages are sent repeatedly in ways outside of that language, the intent of the message 'misses the mark' and loses the impact the sender had hoped for."

4. The Visual Display of Quantitative Information

Author: Edward R. Tufte

Why It's Worth Reading: Make no mistake about it: this book is no page-turner. It's a more of a textbook, but OMG what an incredibly useful one. Presentation gurus frequently insist that we should use more graphics and make those graphics easier to understand. Great advice, certainly, but how? This book explains how and belongs in every business library.

Best Quote: "Words and pictures belong together. Viewers need the help that words can provide. Words on graphics are data-ink, making effective use of the space freed up by erasing redundant and non-data-ink. It is nearly always helpful to write little messages on the plotting field to explain the data, to label outliers and interesting data points, to write equations and sometimes tables on the graphic itself, and to integrate the caption and legend into the design so that the eye is not required to dart back and forth between textual material and the graphic."

5. Presentation Zen

Subtitle: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery

Author: Garr Reynolds . Foreword by Guy Kawasaki

Why It's Worth Reading: I'm not 100 percent sure how "Zen" this book is, but it's probably the best prescription for creating memorable presentations that appeal to the audience on multiple levels. His working model (with which I completely agree) is that a presentation should appeal to six senses: design, story, symphony, empathy, play, and meaning. Think of this book as the antidote to PowerPoint addiction.

Best Quote: "It is more difficult to process information if it is coming at us both verbally and in written form at the same time. Since people cannot read and listen well at the same time, displays filled with lots of text must be avoided. On the other hand, multimedia that displays visual information, including visualizations of quantitative information, can be processed while listening to somebody speak about the visual content."

6. Death by Meeting

Subtitle: A Leadership Fable...About Solving the Most Painful Problem in Business

Author: Patrick Lencioni

Why It's Worth Reading: This book isn't about presentations, per se, but about the context in which presentations take place. By describing a fictional situation that rings true on every level, the author helps the reader understand why some meetings change the world and others simply bore people to death. Warning: As far as fiction goes, it's not The Da Vinci Code . It is, however, more readable than you'd expect, considering it's a discussion of business meetings.

Best Quote: "If we hate meetings, can we be making good decisions and successfully leading our organizations? I don't think so. There is simply no substitute for a good meeting--a dynamic, passionate, and focused engagement--when it comes to extracting the collective wisdom of a team. The hard truth is, bad meetings almost always lead to bad decisions, which is the best recipe for mediocrity."

7. Confessions of a Public Speaker

Author: Scott Berkun

Why It's Worth Reading: In addition to providing the author's valuable personal insights into audiences, presentations, and business in general, this book is worth reading just because it's so damn funny. 

Best Quote: "If you tell people you're a public speaker, they'll assume one of three bad things: 1) You're a motivational speaker who wears bad suits, sweats too much, and dreams about Tony Robbins; 2) You're a high priest in a cult and will soon try to convert them to your religion; 3) You're single, unemployed, and live in a van down by the river."

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Top 10 Best Presentation Books: Transform Your Public Speaking Skills

September 21, 2023

Presentation and Pitch Expert. Ex Advertising.

$100mill In Funding. Bald Since 2010.

In an increasingly competitive world, standing out from the crowd can be a daunting challenge.

One critical skill that sets exceptional individuals apart is the ability to deliver powerful and persuasive presentations. However, mastering this art is no easy feat, and many struggle to captivate their audience, effectively convey their message, and leave a lasting impression.

To overcome these hurdles, it’s essential to learn from the masters of the craft. By studying the techniques and strategies of expert presenters, you can unlock the secrets to creating truly engaging and impactful presentations.

They’ve honed their craft through years of experience, discovering secrets that make presentations truly unforgettable. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the top 10 best presentation books these maestros wrote.

Imagine confidently stepping onto the stage, captivating your audience from the very first moment, and leaving them with an unforgettable message. This can become a reality with the right guidance and resources.

Hey there, I’m Viktor, a  pitch deck expert ,  creative strategist  and burger lover. I’ve been a pitch deck expert for the past 10 years and helped clients raise millions and win pitches, with my unique approach to creating pitch decks.

My aim is to guide you through a transformative journey, revealing the books that explain the techniques and strategies employed by the world’s most successful presenters. 

So, dive in and let these masters of communication elevate your presentations to new heights of clarity, engagement, and persuasiveness.

Here are the 10 must-read presentation skills books for anyone standing in front of an audience (even if it’s just your wife and you’re trying to convince her).

Hey , before you read on:

Consider doing what others like you did. Reading how to make presentations will take a-lot of time. You need one today (probably) . Let me help you develop a killer presentation and save 10+ hours of your time for a fraction of the cost. All it takes to start is a free 30 min call with me.

The least you will get is 10 actionable tips & strategies to own that next presentation, worth $599, for free.

Key concepts and techniques

“slide:ology: the art and science of creating great presentations” by nancy duarte.

900+ Pros like yourself read the book

Nancy Duarte’s book is a comprehensive guide that aims to revolutionize the way people create and deliver presentations.

The book highlights the importance of visual communication and teaches readers how to design slides that effectively convey their message. Duarte provides a step-by-step approach to crafting visually engaging and impactful presentations, with a strong focus on audience needs and preferences.

Drawing from her extensive experience working with some of the world’s top brands, Duarte shares practical tips and techniques for creating visually stunning slides that leave a lasting impression on the audience.

The book covers various aspects of presentation design, including color theory, typography, layout, and storytelling. “Slide:ology” also emphasizes the significance of simplicity and clarity in slide design, guiding readers to eliminate clutter and focus on the essential elements of their message.

By applying the principles and strategies outlined in this book, you can transform your presentations into powerful tools for communication and persuasion.

Nancy Duarte covers several key concepts and techniques that can help readers create effective and visually engaging presentations. Some of these key concepts and techniques include:

• Audience-centric approach: Understanding the needs, preferences, and expectations of the audience is crucial in crafting a presentation that resonates with them. 
• Storytelling: Integrating storytelling into presentations makes them more memorable and compelling. 
• Simplicity and clarity: Effective slide design requires simplicity and clarity. 
• Visual communication: Slide:ology emphasizes the importance of using visuals to support the message, as images and graphics are often more effective than text alone. 
• Color theory: The book covers the basics of color theory, explaining how different colors can evoke specific emotions and reactions in the audience. 
• Typography and layout: Typography and layout play a significant role in making slides readable and visually appealing. 
• Data visualization: Presenting complex data in a clear and concise manner is a critical skill in effective presentations. 
• Slide preparation and organization: The book offers strategies for organizing slides and building a coherent flow throughout the presentation. 

“Resonate: Present Visual Stories That Transform Audiences” by Nancy Duarte

Another one by Nancy Duarte and for a good reason (I always thought I could’ve been her prodigal son) The book she wrote offers a comprehensive guide to creating impactful presentations. Duarte emphasizes the importance of telling a compelling story to engage and persuade an audience, and presents a framework for doing so.

It builds on the concepts introduced in Slide:ology. While Slide:ology focuses on creating effective visual presentations, Resonate takes a more comprehensive approach by emphasizing the importance of storytelling and emotional connection.

The book outlines the five stages of a persuasive presentation, beginning with understanding the audience and their needs, and culminating in a call to action. Along the way, Duarte emphasizes the importance of creating a strong emotional connection with the audience and structuring the presentation to build tension and excitement.

Duarte also offers practical advice on designing effective visual aids, such as slides, diagrams, and charts. She emphasizes the importance of keeping visuals simple and uncluttered, and using them to support and reinforce the key points of the presentation.

Overall, Resonate is a valuable resource for anyone looking to create persuasive and engaging presentations that connect with audiences on a deeper level.

“Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery” by Garr Reynolds

600+ Pros like yourself read the book

Garr’s book is a guide to creating compelling and effective presentations (as are all of the books here!). The book emphasizes the importance of simplicity and clarity in both the design and delivery of presentations.

Reynolds argues that too many presentations rely on cluttered slides, bullet points, and irrelevant details. Instead, he encourages presenters to focus on a simple message and use visuals to support that message. He also stresses the importance of rehearsing and delivering presentations in a natural and engaging manner.

Throughout the book, Reynolds offers practical advice on design principles such as layout, color, and typography, as well as tips for using technology effectively to enhance presentations.

You’ll notice that both Nancy and Garr talk about similar points – that’s because they’re really important in presentation design and delivery.

“The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs: How to Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience” by Carmine Gallo

800+ Pros like yourself read the book

This book with an insanely long name by Carmine Gallo is a guide to improving presentation skills through the example of Steve Jobs, the legendary you know who.

Gallo identifies seven key principles that Jobs used to create engaging and memorable presentations. These principles include simplifying the message, creating a clear and compelling storyline, and using visuals to enhance the message.

The book also offers practical advice on how to apply these principles to one’s own presentations, including tips on using technology, preparing for presentations, and delivering speeches with confidence and enthusiasm.

Throughout the book, Gallo uses examples from Jobs’ presentations to illustrate his points, and includes interviews with other successful presenters who have used these principles to achieve success.

Remember the iPod speech? Well, you could potentially make the same impact if you apply the principles of this book.

“Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds” by Carmine Gallo

4000+ Pros like yourself read the book

Another great book by Carmine Gallo. This is a guide to improving public speaking skills by analyzing the techniques used by some of the most successful TED speakers.

Gallo identifies nine key principles that successful TED speakers use to create compelling and memorable presentations. These principles include storytelling, using humor, and focusing on a clear and compelling message.

The book provides practical advice on how to apply these principles to one’s own presentations, including tips on using body language, using multimedia effectively, and engaging with the audience.

Throughout the book, Gallo uses examples from successful TED talks to illustrate his points, and includes interviews with successful TED speakers to provide additional insights and inspiration.

Overall, Talk Like TED is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills and create more engaging and memorable presentations. By focusing on the techniques used by successful TED speakers, Gallo provides a roadmap for creating truly inspiring speeches.

“Show and Tell: How Everybody Can Make Extraordinary Presentations” by Dan Roam

300+ Pros like yourself read the book

Show and Tell is a guide to improving presentation skills by using a visual approach to communication.

Roam argues that the most successful presentations are those that use visual aids to tell a compelling story. He introduces a framework for creating effective presentations that focuses on three key elements: the message, the audience, and the medium.

The book provides practical advice on how to use visual aids, such as sketches and diagrams, to support the message and engage the audience. Roam also emphasizes the importance of understanding the audience and tailoring the presentation to their needs and interests.

Throughout the book, Roam uses examples from successful presentations to illustrate his points, and includes exercises and templates to help readers apply his ideas to their own presentations.

By focusing on the visual aspect of communication, Roam provides a fresh perspective on how to create truly effective presentations.

“The Art of Explanation: Making Your Ideas, Products, and Services Easier to Understand” by Lee LeFever

300 Pros like yourself read the book

Lee wants to show us through this guide how to improve communication skills by mastering the art of explanation. Abit different than the other books and for a good reason.

LeFever argues that the most successful communicators are those who can explain complex ideas in simple and understandable terms. He introduces a framework for creating effective explanations that focuses on three key elements: clarity, brevity, and context.

The book provides practical advice on how to use analogies, metaphors, and storytelling to help audiences understand even the most complex ideas. LeFever also emphasizes the importance of understanding the audience and tailoring the explanation to their needs and interests.

Throughout the book, LeFever uses examples from successful explanations to illustrate his points, and includes exercises and templates to help readers apply his ideas to their own communication challenges.

By focusing on the art of explanation, Lee provides a practical and actionable guide for making even the most complex ideas understandable to others.

“Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die” by Chip Heath & Dan Heath

5000+ Pros like yourself read the book

Chip and Dan Heath (or Chip and Dale) explore the elements that make ideas memorable and influential. The authors present six key principles, encapsulated in the acronym SUCCESs:

• Simplicity : Effective ideas are simple, core messages that are easy to understand and remember.
• Unexpectedness : Ideas that surprise or challenge expectations are more likely to grab attention and stick in people’s minds.
• Concreteness : Concrete ideas, with specific examples and tangible details, are more relatable and easier to visualize.
• Credibility : Ideas backed by credible sources, statistics, or testimonials are more persuasive and memorable.
• Emotions : Ideas that evoke emotions, either positive or negative, create a stronger connection with the audience.
• Stories : Telling stories helps to convey ideas in a compelling and engaging way, making them more likely to be remembered and shared.

By applying these principles, individuals and organizations can develop more effective communication strategies and make their ideas stickier.

“Confessions of a Public Speaker” by Scott Berkun

500+ Pros like yourself read the book

Scott Berkun offers an honest and entertaining look into the world of professional public speaking. Berkun shares his personal experiences and insights to help readers improve their presentation and communication skills. The book covers a wide range of topics, from overcoming stage fright to engaging audiences effectively.

Berkun emphasizes that practice, preparation, and self-awareness are crucial to becoming a successful public speaker. He advises readers to know their material thoroughly, understand the audience, and create a strong opening to capture attention. To keep audiences engaged, he suggests using humor, storytelling, and varying one’s speaking pace and tone.

The book also covers handling difficult situations, such as dealing with technical issues, unresponsive audiences, or hostile questions. Berkun stresses the importance of staying calm, thinking on one’s feet, and learning from every experience. Ultimately, “Confessions of a Public Speaker” provides valuable tips and candid stories to help anyone become a more confident and effective communicator.

“Steal the Show: From Speeches to Job Interviews to Deal-Closing Pitches” by Michael Port

Michael Port offers a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of public speaking and persuasive communication in various settings. Port emphasizes the importance of performance in all aspects of life, from delivering speeches to acing job interviews and winning business deals.

The book provides actionable strategies for improving one’s performance skills, such as understanding the audience, crafting compelling stories, and developing a strong stage presence. Port stresses the need to be authentic and genuine, while also being aware of nonverbal communication and vocal dynamics.

“Steal the Show” also covers essential preparation techniques, including extensive research, rehearsal, and mental visualization. Port advises readers to manage their nerves through mindfulness and self-awareness. He also shares tips on handling challenging situations and improvising when things don’t go as planned.

Best Presentation Books Wrap Up

In conclusion, the top 10 best presentation books provide a wealth of knowledge and practical advice for mastering public speaking and persuasive communication.

These books, including “Made to Stick,” “Confessions of a Public Speaker,” and “Steal the Show,” among others, offer valuable insights into various aspects of delivering engaging and effective presentations.

Exploring these resources is highly recommended for anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills, whether they are seasoned professionals or just starting their journey. By learning from the experiences and expertise of these accomplished authors, readers can develop their unique style and confidence in presenting their ideas.

Effective presentations play a crucial role in both personal and professional life, as they help convey ideas, persuade others, and create lasting impressions. By investing time and effort in honing one’s presentation skills, individuals can unlock new opportunities, foster meaningful connections, and make a significant impact on others.

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If you’re still looking to improve your presentation skills, check this list on the best books for pitching.

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Table of Contents

• By Illiya Vjestica
• - September 30, 2020

What are the Must-Read Essential Presentation Books?

We have put together, six of the best must-read presentation books on everything presenting and PowerPoint design. We began our own journey from these presentation books, and they can teach you too.

We’ve got to hand it to the internet. 

It teaches us a lot of things. On YouTube alone, there are tutorials for everything from doing eerily realistic special effects makeup to building a house. Elsewhere – at just a click of your mouse – you can find forums and websites full of insights across every skill imaginable. 

But there’s some knowledge you can only get from books. 

Books have a wealth of knowledge available to you, the feeling of turning the pages in your hand can’t be beaten. 

You can access specific interviews with leading figures in your industry. Learn tips and methodology that have been refined over decades – compiled precisely in the right order, in clear chapters, to help you digest it all. 

With that in mind, we’re always on the lookout for the best presentation books on presenting and presentation design. 

There are some brilliant titles out there that’ll help you to boost your presentation design and public speaking skills to a staggering degree – giving you an edge over your competitors.

The books we have selected will help you to deliver talks that capture hearts as well as minds. 

Here are our six must-read presentation books we’d recommend you add to your home library.

1. Talk Like TED: The 9 Public Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds, Carmine Gallo

In this book, Carmine Gallo puts forward a straightforward step-by-step method for anyone to deliver a presentation that is engaging, persuasive, and most importantly, memorable.

If you’re familiar with us at The Presentation Designer, you’ll already know we’ve created slides for TED talks before. They’re the gold standard when it comes to public speaking… and with this book, you can learn all the tricks of the trade from some of the best TED presenters around. 

From interviews with popular TED speakers to insights on how to design and deliver your presentation, this handy guide will help you to present like a pro. Are you ready to knock your audience’s socks off?

2. Presentation Zen Design: A simple visual approach to presenting in today’s world, Garr Reynolds

There’s probably nobody better qualified to give presentation advice than Garr Reynolds (other than us, of course!). 

A best-selling author and popular speaker, he’s got wisdom on tap when it comes to delivering terrific talks – and nailing every element of your presentation design. I’ve read every single book Garr has published.

Presentation Zen Design is the book I would recommend to anyone thinking about creating more effective presentation slides.

Throughout, you’ll find simple design principles and techniques that are guaranteed to enhance your presentations. In Garr’s book you will also gain an insight into Japanese Zen and how you can apply some of its principles to improve engagement with your audience.

It doesn’t matter how smart and a detailed a slide design can be, Garr’s methods prove that ‘keeping it simple is best’.  

Check out his tips on the best ways to use colour, data, mixed mediums (including video) and more to create simple, synergistic and stunning presentations. Check it out. 

3. slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations: The Art and Science of Presentation Design, Nancy Duarte

In slide:ology, communications expert Nancy Duarte delivers innovative advice around “visual thinking” – helping your audience to understand your key messages through imagery. 

Connect with specific experts, create easy-to-understand graphics and use the power of art to persuade. Using her intriguing insights and step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to master the craft of presenting. 

There are plenty of case studies to refer too, which demonstrate how some of the world’s leading brands have used Duarte’s visual theories and methods to achieve their goals. 

Want to learn how to create slides an audience can process? 

Then, this is the book for you, it’s difficult not to also recommend ‘Resonate’, her follow-up, as another must-read book.

Her second book will take your learning further to help you create better stories for your presentation and develop supporting visuals that fit your narrative.

Thank you, Nancy! You have taught me so much! 

4. Confessions of a Public Speaker, Scott Berkun 

Stage fright. Bored audiences. Forgetting your lines. Even the most confident of us have fears when it comes to giving presentations. Fortunately, author and public speaking specialist Scott Berkun is sympathetic to that – and between his practical advice and hilarious, insightful anecdotes, Scott teaches you how to present perfectly… without the panic element. Sounds good to us. 

Through his years of experience speaking to crowds of all different sizes, you’ll gain an insight to:

• How to work a tough audience
• The science of not boring people to sleep
• How to survive the attack of nerves or worry
• What to do when things go wrong

5. Show and Tell: How Everybody Can Make Extraordinary Presentations, Dan Roam

There are two decades worth of presentation wisdom in Dan Roam’s  Show and Tell . His theory is that we’re all natural-born storytellers.

In his book ‘Show and Tell’ he guides our focus on unlocking our innate presenting abilities in a fun, engaging and informative way. Through fundamental truths (including our personal favourite: “passion = self-confidence”), hand-drawn pictures and simple-to-remember tips, you’ll find a fantastic foundation for both your presentation design and delivery.

There’s a lot of informative content about telling better stories in our presentation and how to structure them to make them engaging. 

Cheers, Dan.

6. Interaction of Color, Josef Albers

At The Presentation Designer, we’re serious when it comes to harnessing the power of colour in presentation design. It’s a good thing, too, as colour theory and psychology play massive roles in the potential impact of your slides. 

Josef Albers’ famous book,  Interaction of Colour , is testament to that fact: a comprehensive guide on the principles of colour theory that’s been in circulation since the 60s. 

Age certainly equals wisdom, here, because Albers’ in-depth manual – which discusses everything from colour relativity to the illusion of transparency – is chockablock with all the information you’ll ever need to know about using colour. You’ll be the Picasso of presentations in no time. 

I’ve included this video from painter Albert van der Zwart who explains the concepts around Josef Albers principles of colour theory well.

There you go, I hope you’ve enjoyed our recommended presentation books. Let us know any you think we’ve missed in the comments.

Other Recommend Reading:

If you have enjoyed this post we’ve also included some helpful links to our blog posts that you might find useful:

• 5 PowerPoint Tips You Should Know
• How to Improve Presentation Retention Rates
• How to Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking
• 5 Classic Presentation Fonts

Don’t want to go it alone? We’ve got a  brilliant process in place  to help you build your presentation… and we’ll give you a free quotation, too. Come say hi!

Illiya Vjestica

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100 Best Presentation Books of All Time

We've researched and ranked the best presentation books in the world, based on recommendations from world experts, sales data, and millions of reader ratings. Learn more

Presentation Zen

Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery

Garr Reynolds | 5.00

See more recommendations for this book...

Made to Stick

Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die

Chip Heath, Dan Heath | 4.97

Cristian-Dragos Baciu I highly recommend all the books written by the Heath brothers, especially Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive And Others Die. This one's a must-read for marketers. The reason I enjoyed their work so much is because they offer real-life stories and insights that makes it so much easier for the reader to imprint that information in his mind (Source)

Tudor Mihailescu First thing first, finance people need to be decent communicators, ideally awesome communicators. There is an art in building a case or in delivering a presentation and we need to treat this step as seriously as we have treated the other steps. I do believe this is a top priority for an aspiring or practicing CFO - There are plenty of books on this topic, I would recommend the works of Chip and... (Source)

Steve Lance Made to Stick is about what makes a message memorable. Why is it that we can all say ‘Call me Ishmael’ and remember this opening line to Moby Dick, and yet none of us can say the second sentence. Made to Stick is a thoughtful, fact-based empirical study about this idea of stickiness. (Source)

The Psychology of Persuasion

Robert B. Cialdini | 4.96

Charles T. Munger Robert Cialdini has had a greater impact on my thinking on this topic than any other scientist. (Source)

Dan Ariely It covers a range of ways in which we end up doing things, and how we don’t understand why we’re doing them. (Source)

Max Levchin [Max Levchin recommended this book as an answer to "What business books would you advise young entrepreneurs read?"] (Source)

slide:ology

The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations

Nancy Duarte | 4.94

Crucial Conversations

Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High

RON MCMILLAN JOSEPH GRENNY, AL SWITZLER, KERRY PATTERSON | 4.75

Max Levchin A now-venerable guide to having tough conversations in a way that engages the debaters. (Source)

Deke Bridges Picked up this great book @Powells to read. Better conversation and listening enables you to get deeper into subjects at hand. When talking with people, this makes your communication skills a very powerful tool. Always be learning. #growth #education #leadership https://t.co/r0ujX9IPqh (Source)

Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences

Nancy Duarte | 4.75

Brian Burkhart But the book which really hit home was “Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences,” by Nancy Duarte. It’s interesting, I didn’t agree with her methodology or like much of what I read. It was too complex and not realistic for people to use in everyday life. That said, it did help confirm to me that I was onto something. It was a different kind of validation than Godin—that the... (Source)

Start with Why

How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

Simon Sinek | 4.66

Tony Robbins The basis of this book is so important to anyone looking to increase their influence, profits or impact. People won't truly buy into a product, service, movement, or idea until they understand the WHY behind it. When you start with the why, everything else falls into place. This book is so impactful, I consider it required reading. (Source)

Richard Branson Today is World Book Day, a wonderful opportunity to address this #ChallengeRichard sent in by Mike Gonzalez of New Jersey: Make a list of your top 65 books to read in a lifetime. (Source)

Tony Hsieh Over the years he’s [] recommended well over 20 business books — including his own, the 2010 bestseller Delivering Happiness and you can always find what he’s currently reading atop his cluttered desk. Start with Why is amogst those titles. (Source)

The official TED guide to public speaking

Howard Hughes | 4.65

Chris Anderson In Apollo week, a great book recommendation: this more than a story of a computer--it's about the first shot in the man vs machine battles (should astronauts be pilots or "spam in a can"?) that foreshadowed today's debates about drones & self driving cars https://t.co/CidYughKHz (Source)

Talk Like TED

The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds

Carmine Gallo | 4.63

Emma Wedekind @yannln I love that book! (Source)

Shaen Yeo In the book Talk like TED, there were a few suggestions on how to make my speech better. I tweaked the way I speak using the advice, and produced a speech like never before. I had many people coming up to shake my hands and offer me name cards! (Source)

Radu Marcusu A book that most recently made a difference for me was Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds. My IMWorld speech this year benefited tremendously from Carmine Gallo's framing of the nine secrets of all time successful TED presentations. I believe Gallo's step-by-step method makes it possible for anyone to sell their ideas persuasively when delivering a presentation.... (Source)

Walter Isaacson | 4.61

Elon Musk Quite interesting. (Source)

Bill Gates [On Bill Gates's reading list in 2012.] (Source)

Gary Vaynerchuk I've read 3 business books in my life. If you call [this book] a business book. (Source)

Don't have time to read the top Presentation books of all time? Read Shortform summaries.

Shortform summaries help you learn 10x faster by:

• Being comprehensive: you learn the most important points in the book
• Cutting out the fluff: you focus your time on what's important to know
• Interactive exercises: apply the book's ideas to your own life with our educators' guidance.

The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs

Carmine Gallo | 4.59

Jack H. M. Wong Question: What five books would you recommend to young people interested in your career path & why? Answer: Rich Dad Poor Dad - Robert Kiyosaki Second Chance - Robert Kiyosaki Why the Rich Are Getting Richer - Robert Kiyosaki The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs: How to Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience - Carmine Gallo The Little Voice Mastery - Blair Singer (Source)

Pitch Anything

An Innovative Method for Presenting, Persuading, and Winning the Deal

Oren Klaff | 4.59

Jeff Gibbard This book single-handedly changed my life. BY learning the principles of "Frame Control" I have had much greater success in sales, public speaking, and in managing my team. (Source)

Michael Herrmann Great book on pitching, and more generally, sales. Funny too. Has some ideas very reminiscent of Thinking Fast and Slow. (Source)

Presentation Zen Design

Simple Design Principles and Techniques to Enhance Your Presentations

Garr Reynolds | 4.59

Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook

How to Tell Your Story in a Noisy Social World

Robert T. Kiyosaki, Tim Wheeler, et al | 4.57

Marvin Liao My list would be (besides the ones I mentioned in answer to the previous question) both business & Fiction/Sci-Fi and ones I personally found helpful to myself. The business books explain just exactly how business, work & investing are in reality & how to think properly & differentiate yourself. On the non-business side, a mix of History & classic fiction to understand people, philosophy to make... (Source)

Bill Widmer In general, I recommend Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki to learn more about assets and liability and how to view money. (Source)

Sa El This book started everything for me and put me on a path to a rich mindset, it helped me understand that dreaming wasn't enough, you had to actually place that dream into reality if you ever want to achieve it. (Source)

Never Split the Difference

Chris Voss, Tahl Raz | 4.57

Dustin Moskovitz [Dustin Moskovitz recommended this book on Twitter.] (Source)

Daniel Pink Emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence without sacrificing deal-making power. From the pen of a former hostage negotiator—someone who couldn’t take no for an answer—which makes it fascinating reading. But it’s also eminently practical. In these pages, you will find the techniques for getting the deal you want. (Source)

Adam Grant eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'theceolibrary_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_6',164,'0','1'])); This book blew my mind. It’s a riveting read, full of instantly actionable advice—not just for high-stakes negotiations, but also for handling everyday conflicts at work and at home. (Source)

The Visual Display of Quantitative Information

Edward R. Tufte | 4.51

Michael Okuda Edward Tufte's classic book, The Visual Display of Quantitative Information is a fascinating, surprisingly readable treatise for anyone interested in infographics. When I hired artists for the Star Trek graphics dept, I sometimes asked them to read it.https://t.co/cK4GQqBDxp (Source)

The Non-Designer's Presentation Book

Principles for Effective Presentation Design

Robin Williams | 4.44

The Naked Presenter

Delivering Powerful Presentations with or Without Slides

Garr Reynolds | 4.43

Confessions of a Public Speaker

Scott Berkun | 4.43

Storytelling with Data

A Data Visualization Guide for Business Professionals

Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic | 4.43

Roger D. Peng It’s important to think in terms of what your audience needs, and what would be best for them among the many choices you could make when analysing data. (Source)

Envisioning Information

Edward R. Tufte | 4.37

Kevin Rose The master when it comes to taking complicated data and turning it into beautiful charts and graphs that are easy to understand. If you’re into graphic design, print design, web design, you name it, you’re going to get some really good information and how tos out of these books. He has a whole series of these books. (Source)

Where the Sidewalk Ends

The Poems and Drawings of Shel Silverstein

Shel Silverstein | 4.37

On Writing Well

The Classic Guide To Writing Nonfiction

William Zinsser | 4.37

Mark Manson I read a bunch of books on writing before I wrote my first book and the two that stuck with me were Stephen King’s book and “On Writing Well” by Zinsser (which is a bit on the technical side). (Source)

Tim O'Reilly On Writing Well, by William Zinsser. I wouldn't say this book influenced me, since my principles of writing were established long before I read it. However, it does capture many things that I believe about effective writing. (Source)

Derek Sivers Great blunt advice about writing better non-fiction. So inspiring. (Source)

Show and Tell

How Everybody Can Make Extraordinary Presentations

Dan Roam | 4.36

Nonviolent Communication

A Language of Life

Marshall B. Rosenberg, Deepak Chopra | 4.35

Satya Nadella Upon becoming CEO, Nadella confronted Microsoft’s legendarily combative culture by urging his new reports to read this book, which preaches the power of empathy, self-awareness, and authenticity in collaboration in the workplace, at home, and beyond. Like many of his favorites, it was first recommended to him by his wife, Anu: “I’m heavily influenced by the books she reads more than the books I... (Source)

Dustin Moskovitz Seek first to understand. (Source)

Esther Perel I think that this book is a classic for anyone who is thinking relationships. (Source)

Presenting to Win

The Art of Telling Your Story

Jerry Weissman | 4.32

The Back of the Napkin

Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures

Dan Roam | 4.31

HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations

Nancy Duarte | 4.28

How to Deliver a Ted Talk

Secrets of the World's Most Inspiring Presentations, Revised and Expanded New Edition, with a Foreword by Richard St. John and an Afterword by Simon Sinek

Jeremey Donovan | 4.28

The Elements of Style

William Jr. Strunk | 4.27

Tobi Lütke [My] most frequently gifted book is [this book] because I like good writing. (Source)

Bill Nye This is my guide. I accept that I’ll never write anything as good as the introductory essay by [the author]. It’s brilliant. (Source)

Jennifer Rock If you are interested in writing and communication, start with reading and understanding the technical aspects of the craft: The Elements of Style. On Writing Well. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. (Source)

Presentation Secrets

Do What You Never Thought Possible with Your Presentations

Alexei Kapterev | 4.26

Blah Blah Blah

What To Do When Words Don't Work

Dan Roam | 4.23

The Art of Explanation - Making Your Ideas, Products and Services Easier to Understand

Lee LeFever | 4.22

Everyone Communicates, Few Connect

What the Most Effective People Do Differently

John C. Maxwell | 4.22

The Writer's Journey

Mythic Structure for Writers

Christopher Vogler | 4.22

Darren Aronofsky It’s the Bible for screenwriters. I think it’s the best book on how to write a screenplay ever written. It helped me get through so many roadblocks as a writer. (Source)

Business Model Generation

A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers

Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pigneu | 4.22

Kaci Lambe Kai This was a great book, because it opened up the idea of what a business model is supposed to be vs what it can be. It doesn't have to be a stuffy, boring document. (Source)

Alexandra Stroe [I'd recommend] The Lean Startup by Eric Ries, Business Model Generation by Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur and Zero to One by Peter Thiel when they are in the starting phase of a business that needs to validate its business model. (Source)

Ashley Hathaway I could probably name a dozen books here, but I’ll point out The Business Model Generation and Value Prop Design from Strategyzer. I steal from these constantly and are engrained in my work process. These books put into practice really taught me how to think. As soon as I saw that everything should have a foundation of empathy, what good user-testing looks like, how to test and iterate it changed... (Source)

Trees, maps, and theorems

Jean-Luc Doumont | 4.20

Beautiful Evidence

Edward R. Tufte | 4.20

The Pyramid Principle

Logical Writing, Thinking and Problem Solving

Barbara Minto | 4.18

Patricia Reed The Minto Pyramid Principle: For would-be consultants, a (very dry) book on how to write effectively for business. (Source)

Unfolding the Napkin

The Hands-On Method for Solving Complex Problems with Simple Pictures

Dan Roam | 4.18

Visual Meetings

How Graphics, Sticky Notes & Idea Mapping Can Transform Group Productivity

David Sibbet | 4.17

Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting

Robert McKee | 4.17

Bill Liao The human world occurs in language so best get good at it! (Source)

Culinary Artistry

Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page | 4.17

Better Presentations

A Guide for Scholars, Researchers, and Wonks

Jonathan Schwabish | 4.17

The Sketchnote Handbook

The Illustrated Guide to Visual Note Taking

Mike Rohde | 4.16

Give Your Speech, Change the World

How To Move Your Audience to Action

Nick Morgan | 4.16

Indistractable

How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life

Nir Eyal | 4.15

Cal Newport Indistractable is a master class in understanding the root cause of distraction. Recommended for anyone looking to do more deep work. (Source)

Arianna Huffington This is such an important book. Indistractable is the best guide I’ve read for reclaiming our attention, our focus, and our lives. (Source)

Mark Manson Indistractable is the most practical and realistic approach to balancing technology with well-being. A must-read for anyone with a smartphone. (Source)

The Charisma Myth

How Anyone Can Master the Art and Science of Personal Magnetism

Olivia Cabane, Lisa Cordileone | 4.15

Marissa Mayer Proud of our friend and neighbor Olivia Fox Cabane - her book 'The Charisma Myth' launched today and is already #122 of all books on Amazon. It went into its second printing even before launch! (Source)

Laura Lang Olivia Fox Cabane offers hands-on advice and a practical guide to humanizing leaders without comprising integrity or authority. She focused on the ‘it’ factors that can make a real difference. (Source)

Dr. Monali Y. Desai Currently, my favorite business book is The Charisma Myth (Olivia Fox Cabane) because I feel it has so many small but impactful takeaways about improving how you communicate with others, I try to reread it once a year. (Source)

The Non-Designer's Design Book (Non Designer's Design Book)

Robin William | 4.14

Lead with a Story

A Guide to Crafting Business Narratives That Captivate, Convince, and Inspire

Paul Smith | 4.14

Beyond Bullet Points

Using Microsoft PowerPoint to Create Presentations that Inform, Motivate, and Inspire

Cliff Atkinson | 4.13

Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges

Amy Cuddy | 4.13

Ryan Foland Finished listening to Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest ... by @amyjccuddy via #Audible. Great book 👍👍 Want it? Get it free: https://t.co/Q0kbPqqJuF (Source)

Visual Thinking

Empowering People and Organisations through Visual Collaboration

Williemien Brand | 4.12

Walleye Presentation

#3 Core Techniques

In-Fisherman Staff | 4.12

Show Me the Numbers

Designing Tables and Graphs to Enlighten

Stephen Few | 4.11

The Art of the Pitch

Persuasion and Presentation Skills that Win Business

Peter Coughter | 4.11

Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11th edition

Henry M. Robert III | 4.11

Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised In Brief

Henry M. III Robert | 4.11

The 45 Second Presentation That Will Change Your Life

Don Failla | 4.10

La Sociedad De Santafé Colonial

ENGELMANN ET AL. | 4.10

The Craft of Scientific Presentations

Critical Steps to Succeed and Critical Errors to Avoid

Michael Alley | 4.09

100 Things Every Presenter Needs to Know About People

Susan Weinschenk | 4.09

The Story Factor

Inspiration, Influence, and Persuasion through the Art of Storytelling

Annette Simmons, Doug Lipman | 4.08

Flip the Script

Getting People to Think Your Idea Is Their Idea

Oren Klaff | 4.07

Daymond John In Flip the Script, Oren Klaff gives readers powerful tools that will help them get what they want. Instead of trying to convince people to buy what you’re selling, his techniques will show you how to create an entirely different dynamic. A game changing read (Source)

Jonah Berger Flip the Script is the rare book that shows you how to increase your influence, at work and at home. Oren Klaff's methods are both intuitive and completely actionable. This book is loaded with real-world examples, some radical, some surprising, but all incredibly useful. (Source)

Perfect Pitch

The Art of Selling Ideas and Winning New Business

Jon Steel | 4.07

Bogdana Butnar I thought I might put my money where my mouth is. I keep whining that young people are not in touch with some essential books on advertising that have helped me shape the way I practise my trade today, but I never did anything about it. So I am starting here the ultimate books to read list. I will add to it as I get suggestions and as more good books get written. (Source)

Power Presenter

Jerry Weissman | 4.07

Speak With No Fear

Go from a nervous, nauseated, and sweaty speaker to an excited, energized, and passionate presenter

Mike Acker | 4.07

Good Charts

The HBR Guide to Making Smarter, More Persuasive Data Visualizations

Scott Berinato | 4.07

Presentation Now

Prepare a first rate presentation when you're short of time

Andrew Lighthear | 4.07

Storyworthy

Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling

Matthew Dicks, Dan Kennedy | 4.06

Do You Talk Funny?

7 Comedy Habits to Become a Better (and Funnier) Public Speaker

David Nihill | 4.06

Neal O'Gorman I found when reading a book from my friend David Nihill called "Do You Talk Funny?:7 Comedy Habits to Become a Better (and Funnier) Public Speaker" there were lots of learnings. Not just learnings, but actually simple things I've been able to put into practice when presenting. For example, I'm even more conscious of the rule of three, using stories and reconstructing sentences to leave the final... (Source)

Death by Meeting

A Leadership Fable...about Solving the Most Painful Problem in Business

Patrick Lencioni | 4.06

Css: The Definitive Guide

Visual Presentation for the Web

Eric A. Meyer and Estelle Weyl | 4.06

Just My Type

A Book About Fonts

Simon Garfield | 4.06

Marius Ciuchete Paun Question: What books would you recommend to young people interested in your career path? Answer: “Just My Type” by Simon Garfield “Thinking with Type” by Ellen Lupton “Don't Make Me Think” by Steve Krug “Geometry of Design” by Kimberly Elam “Grid Systems in Graphic Design” by Josef Müller-Brockmann “ReWork” by Jason Fried These titles should be a good start, I think. (Source)

The Functional Art

An Introduction to Information Graphics and Visualization

Alberto Cairo | 4.05

The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics

The Dos and Don'ts of Presenting Data, Facts, and Figures

Dona M. Wong | 4.05

Communication Skills

A Practical Guide to Improving Your Social Intelligence, Presentation, Persuasion and Public Speaking

Ian Tuhovsky and Wendell Wadsworth | 4.05

The Storyteller's Secret

From TED Speakers to Business Legends, Why Some Ideas Catch On and Others Don't

CARMINE GALLO | 4.05

Julia Enthoven Since Kapwing is still a very young company, The Storyteller’s Secret helps me think about how I can communicate the origin story of Kapwing to our users and other people. I’m enjoying both! (Source)

Craft Your Story, Build the Perfect Pitch Deck, and Launch the Venture of Your Dreams

Evan Baehr, Evan Loomis | 4.05

15 Minutes Including Q & A

A Plan to Save the World from Lousy Presentations

Joey Asher | 4.05

Storytelling Zen

The Art of Using the Power of Story to Create & Deliver Engaging Presentations

Garr Reynolds | 4.04

Evil by Design

Interaction Design to Lead Us Into Temptation

Chris Nodder | 4.04

101 Sample Write-Ups for Documenting Employee Performance Problems

A Guide to Progressive Discipline and Termination

Paul Falcone | 4.04

Ignite Change Through Speeches, Stories, Ceremonies and Symbols

Nancy Duarte, Patti Sanchez | 4.03

Let's Practice!

Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic | 4.02

I Can See You Naked

Ron Hoff | 4.02

TED Talks Storytelling

23 Storytelling Techniques from the Best TED Talks

Akash Karia, Matt Stone, et al | 4.02

The Big Book of Dashboards

Visualizing Your Data Using Real-World Business Scenarios

Steve Wexler, Jeffrey Shaffer, et al. | 4.02

The 3-Minute Rule

Say Less to Get More from Any Pitch or Presentation

Brant Pinvidic | 4.01

How to Make an Impact

Influence, Inform and Impress With Your Reports, Presentations and Business Documents

Jon Moon | 4.01

The Articulate Advocate

Persuasive Skills for Lawyers in Trials, Appeals, Arbitrations, and Motions

Marsha Hunter, Brian K. Johnson, et al. | 4.01

Michael Symon's Carnivore

120 Recipes for Meat Lovers

Michael Symon | 4.01

Gamestorming

A Playbook for Innovators, Rule-breakers, and Changemakers

Dave Gray, Sunni Brown, James Macanufo | 4.01

Ola Olusoga Skimmed in the past, rereading. It has great examples of frameworks that help move you from fuzzy ideas to tangible output. (Source)

Advanced Presentations by Design

Creating Communication That Drives Action

Andrew Abela | 4.01

Largemouth Bass Presentation

Dynamic Lure Trends That Boat Bass Anywhere

In-Fisherman Staff | 4.00

Draw to Win

A Crash Course on How to Lead, Sell, and Innovate With Your Visual Mind

Dan Roam | 4.00

The Art of Rhetoric

Aristotle | 4.00

Presentation Patterns

Techniques for Crafting Better Presentations

Neal Ford, Matthew McCullough, Nathaniel Schutta | 4.00

Stories That Move Mountains

Storytelling and Visual Design for Persuasive Presentations

Martin Sykes, A. Nicklas Malik, Mark D. West | 3.99

Books on Presentation Skills: Essential Books and Resources for Effective Communication

• Presentation Skills
• April 16, 2024

Ever found yourself totally hooked by someone’s talk, wondering, “How do they do that?” Well, effective presentation skills aren’t just a workplace thing; they’re a game-changer in life because they present visual stories. Think about it—being able to share ideas in a way that really sticks. In a world where good communication is gold, being a great presenter is a skill worth having. 

So, here’s the plan: we’re diving into a bunch of books that spill the secrets of nailing presentations and building meaningful connections. Stick around as we explore the best presentation skills books, where every page has some new practical tips to teach us about presentations. Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

1. Talk Like TED

Author: Carmine Gallo

Description:

In “ Talk Like TED ,” Carmine Gallo takes readers on a journey behind the scenes of some of the most impactful TED Talks, unravelling the elements that transform a presentation from ordinary to extraordinary. Gallo explores the power of storytelling, the significance of emotional connection, and the art of making complex ideas accessible. Through real-life inspiring examples and in-depth analysis, the book provides a blueprint for crafting talks that not only inform but deeply resonate with the audience.

Favourite Quote: “Great speakers are not born. They’re not natural. They’re not lucky. Great speakers work hard.”

Why To Read This Book

If you’re looking to amplify your communication skills, this book is a goldmine. “Talk Like TED” equips you with the tools to captivate your audience, whether you’re presenting ideas at work, pitching a project, or simply aiming to communicate with impact. Gallo’s valuable insights from the world of TED Talks offer practical strategies applicable to a wide range of professional and personal scenarios.

One Key Learning

A practical technique emphasised in the book is the “Twitter Test.” Gallo suggests that if your idea or message can’t be condensed into 140 characters, it might lack clarity. This encourages presenters to distil their core message to its essence, ensuring that it is concise, memorable, and easily digestible by the audience.

2. Resonate

Author: Nancy Duarte

Nancy Duarte’s “ Resonate ” is a deep dive into the art of storytelling within presentations. Duarte contends that great presentations are essentially stories, and she guides readers on how to structure narratives that emotionally engage audiences. Through the lens of iconic speeches, she reveals the structures and techniques that make presentations truly resonate.

Favourite Quote: “Audiences need a map that allows them to figure out where they are and where they are going.”

Read “Resonate” if you want to master the craft of storytelling in presentations. Duarte not only shares the theory but also provides practical tools to create a narrative arc that connects with your audience on a profound level. This book is a game-changer for anyone seeking to make their presentations more compelling and memorable.

A hands-on technique Duarte introduces is the “Sparkline.” This is a visual tool to map the emotional journey of your audience throughout your presentation. By strategically placing highs and lows on a graph, presenters can ensure their narrative is emotionally resonant, creating great presentations with a more impactful and memorable experience for the audience.

3. Presentation Zen

Author: Garr Reynolds

In “ Presentation Zen ,” Garr Reynolds challenges conventional approaches to presentations by advocating for simplicity, clarity, and the power of visuals. The book emphasises the Zen philosophy in presentation design and presentation, urging readers to create slides that are visually engaging and complement the spoken message.

Favourite Quote: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

If you’re tired of bullet-point slides and want to transform your presentations into visually stunning experiences, “Presentation Zen” is your guide. Reynolds provides a fresh perspective on design, urging presenters to embrace simplicity, focus on the message, and let visuals enhance rather than distract.

Reynolds introduces the concept of “zenware” – a minimalist approach to presentation software. He suggests using tools that allow for simplicity and avoiding overloading slides with unnecessary features. Adopting zenware encourages presenters to prioritise content and engage the audience through a clean and visually appealing presentation style.

4. The Presentation Secrets Of Steve Jobs

In this insightful book , Carmine Gallo decodes the presentation prowess of the legendary Steve Jobs. Gallo identifies the techniques Jobs used to captivate audiences and unveil products. From creating a compelling narrative to incorporating visuals effectively, the book offers a blueprint inspired by the iconic Apple presentations.

Favourite Quote: “Great leaders are also great speakers.”

For those seeking to understand what made Steve Jobs an unparalleled presenter, this book is highly recommended. Gallo distils the presentation strategies employed by Jobs, providing practical insights that can be applied to captivate and inspire audiences in various professional settings.

A key takeaway is Jobs’ emphasis on creating a memorable and clear message. Gallo highlights the Rule of Three, a technique Jobs frequently employed. This involves structuring content around three main points, making it easier for the audience to grasp and remember. Adopting the Rule of Three can significantly enhance the impact of your persuasive presentations.

5. Confessions Of A Public Speaker

Author: Scott Berkun

In “ Confessions of a Public Speaker ,” Scott Berkun provides a candid and humorous account of his experiences as a public speaker. Berkun shares the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned from years on the speaking circuit, offering a behind-the-scenes look into the world of public speaking.

Favourite Quote: “A great speaker is not one who speaks well, but one who is well spoken about.”

Read this book if you want a dose of reality about public speaking skills. Berkun’s candid storytelling and practical insights make this book a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve communication skills. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just starting, Berkun’s confessions provide wisdom that resonates with public speakers at every level.

An actionable tip from the book is Berkun’s advice on handling nerves. He suggests viewing nervous energy as a positive force that can enhance your performance. Instead of trying to eliminate nerves, embrace them and channel that energy into enthusiasm, turning a potential obstacle into a powerful asset during your presentation.

6. The Art Of Explanation

Author: Lee LeFever

Lee LeFever’s “ The Art of Explanation ” delves into the science and art of making complex ideas simple. LeFever introduces the concept of “explanation thinking” and provides a framework for crafting clear and engaging explanations. The book is a practical guide for anyone looking to communicate ideas in a way that is easily understood.

Favourite Quote: “The best explanations bring clarity to the confused.”

Read this book if you find yourself struggling to explain complex concepts. LeFever’s insights will empower you to break down intricate ideas into digestible pieces, making your own presentations more accessible and resonant. Whether you’re a teacher, a business professional, or anyone who communicates complex information, “The Art of Explanation” is a valuable resource.

A practical technique highlighted in the book is the “Explanation Scale.” LeFever suggests gauging the level of understanding your audience has on a particular topic and adjusting your explanation accordingly. This allows presenters to tailor their communication to the audience’s knowledge level, ensuring a more effective and engaging presentation.

7. Slide:ology

In “ Slide:ology ,” Nancy Duarte takes a deep dive into the world of presentation slide design. Focusing on the visual aspect of presentations, Duarte emphasises the importance of creating slides that enhance the speaker’s message. The book offers practical advice on designing compelling visuals that support and strengthen the overall presentation.

Favourite Quote: “Audiences should be focused on you and your message, not your slides.”

Read this book if you want to revolutionise the way you design presentation slides. “Slide:ology” provides a wealth of insights on visual storytelling, guiding presenters to create compelling slides that are not just background visuals but integral components of a powerful presentation. Whether you’re a design novice or a seasoned pro, this book has something to offer.

A key concept introduced in the book is the “Information Pyramid.” Duarte suggests structuring information on slides in a hierarchical manner, with the most critical information at the top. This technique helps presenters prioritise content, ensuring that the audience absorbs the most important messages first, creating a more impactful and organised presentation. Remember, the pyramid ensures your audience takes away the key points, preventing information overload on slides.

8. Speak to Win

Author: Brian Tracy

In “ Speak to Win ,” Brian Tracy provides a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of public speaking. Tracy shares strategies for creating and delivering powerful presentations, emphasising the importance of persuasive communication to achieve success in personal and professional life.

Favourite Quote: “The ability to speak persuasively is the key to wealth, influence, and power.”

Read this book if you aspire to become a persuasive and influential speaker. Tracy’s insights cover every aspect of public speaking, from structuring your content to delivering it with confidence. Whether you’re presenting in the boardroom or speaking at a public event, “Speak to Win” equips you with the tools to captivate your audience and achieve your communication goals.

An actionable tip from the book is the “Visualise Your Audience” technique. Tracy suggests mentally picturing a friendly and supportive audience before your presentation. This visualisation helps reduce anxiety and boosts confidence, allowing you to connect more effectively with your audience. Remember, a positive mental image can transform nervous energy into powerful, confident delivery.

9. Putting Stories To Work

Author: Shawn Callahan

“ Putting Stories to Work ” by Shawn Callahan is a guide to harnessing the power of storytelling in professional settings. Callahan explores how narrative techniques can enhance communication, build connections, and convey complex ideas. The book provides practical strategies for incorporating storytelling into presentations to make them more engaging and memorable.

Favourite Quote: “Stories are the original virtual reality.”

Read this book if you want to elevate your presentations through the art of storytelling. Callahan demonstrates how stories can make your messages more impactful, fostering a deeper connection with your audience. Whether you’re in business, education, or any field that involves communication, “Putting Stories to Work” unlocks the secrets to creating compelling narratives.

A practical storytelling technique suggested by Callahan is the “Six Stories Every Leader Should Be Able to Tell.” These include stories of origin, failure, values in action, customer stories, employee stories, and future stories. Incorporating these narrative archetypes into your presentations can add depth and resonance, creating more engaging and memorable presentations for your audience.

10. Made To Stick

Author: Chip Heath and Dan Heath

In “ Made to Stick ,” Chip Heath and Dan Heath explore the anatomy of simple ideas that stick in people’s minds. The book delves into why some ideas thrive while others fade away, providing a framework for creating messages that are memorable, persuasive, and enduring. With engaging stories and practical insights, the Heath brothers reveal the essential elements of sticky ideas.

Favourite Quote: “To make our communications more effective, we need to shift our thinking from ‘What information do I need to convey?’ to ‘What questions do I want my audience to ask?'”

Read this book if you want to understand the principles behind unforgettable ideas. “Made to Stick” offers a blueprint for crafting messages that resonate with your audience, whether you’re a communicator, marketer, or anyone seeking to make their ideas stick. The Heath brothers’ insights provide a fresh perspective on effective communication.

An actionable concept presented in the book is the “SUCCESs” model, where ideas that are Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, and Story-driven tend to stick in people’s minds. Applying these principles to your presentations can significantly enhance their impact, ensuring that your messages are not only heard but remembered.

Conclusion: Guide to Creating Great Presentations

As we conclude our exploration of these influential books on presentation skills, we find ourselves armed with a treasure trove of knowledge and practical techniques. From the engaging storytelling of TED Talks to the simplicity and clarity advocated by design gurus, each book contributes a unique thread to the presentation mastery.

There are other books as well that may offer additional insights and strategies, further enriching our understanding and enhancing our ability to deliver impactful presentations.

Whether you’re a seasoned presenter or just starting your journey, these literary companions can guide you toward becoming a more confident, persuasive, and impactful communicator. These best presentation books serve as companions, offering guidance, inspiration, and practical tools to help you navigate the dynamic landscape of effective presentations. As you absorb the wisdom within these pages, may your extraordinary presentations become more than just a delivery of information – may they be moments of connection, resonance, and lasting impression.

Extensive research into these resources ensures that you are equipped with the most valuable insights and techniques for your next presentation. Cheers to your next presentation!

Rishabh Bhandari

Rishabh Bhandari is the Content Strategist at Kapable. Rishabh likes to transform complex ideas into captivating narratives relatable to the target audience. He loves telling stories through his content. He believes that stories have the power to shift mindsets and move mountains. He has 3 years of experience in educational blog writing and copywriting.

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Top 35 Presentation Books: Expert Ratings

Some are bad. Some are good. And some are outstanding!

We want to help you find the outstanding books — books which truly help you build your presentation skills . That’s why we publish book reviews on Six Minutes .

So, when Gonzalo Álvarez invited me to join in a survey of experts to rate a collection of the best presentation books, I was happy to participate.

This article reports the results of this survey: the top 35 books on presentations .

Analysis and Participants

From the analysis summary:

We wondered: “What do the top presentation experts in the world read?” They told us. We asked 7 of the top presentation experts in the world to tell us what books most inspired them to be better presenters. Seven judges, including four published authors, provided feedback to a list of books. We present, for your consideration, their ranked list of the top 35 presentation books.

• Survey analysis was performed by Gonzalo Álvarez and Bruce Gabrielle. Their methodology and full results can be found in the embedded document later in this article. Thanks to both of them for leading this effort!
• Nancy Duarte
• Bruce Gabrielle
• Dr. Michael Alley
• Gonzalo Alvarez
• Nolan Haims
• Andrew Dlugan  (me)

Summary of the Results

• It’s very difficult to quantitatively compare speaking books, particularly when those books excel in very different ways.
• Books were scored according to their presentation focus along several criteria (content, structure, visual design, delivery). The total of the individual scores was used to rank the books overall.
• These totals can be misleading as they reward books with a very broad focus (books that touch on many speaking skills), and penalize books with a narrow focus. As an example, books like Made to Stick or The Story Factor  (which are both excellent books which focus almost entirely on storytelling) receive low overall scores.
• Each of these two groups are listed in the tables below.
• The “Amazon Rating” column in the tables below gives the “stars” ranking and the number of reader reviews.
• Most books (27 out of 35) are priced between $14 and $28 . Four books are less than $14, and one book is over $28. Three books are no longer carried by amazon, so no price is given.
• Links to these reviews are given in the tables below.
• Most of the remaining 21 books are on my personal wishlist, so it’s quite likely you’ll be seeing reviews for some of them in the future.

Books with a Content/Delivery Focus

Books with a Focus on Visuals

The Full Ratings Data

If you do not see the embedded document below, please visit the web version of this article .

How about you? Which are your favorites?

How many of these 35 have you read? Which ones do you like most? Why? Which book(s) would you add to the list?

Please share in the comments . I’d love to hear from you.

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14 comments.

The Art of the Explanation is my favorite. It’s written by Lee LeFever. He’s got steps on how to explain complicated things and ideas so NO ONE in the audience gets left behind.

Thanks Jaime.

I love Lee LeFever’s video explanations, and am curious to read his book.

2 Done; 33 to go. Wonderful timing. I was just looking for books to improve on my presentation skills. Andrew, you just handed over me the magic wand. 🙂

Thanks Andrew. Look forward to completing these.

Oh wow, that’s quite the list. I’ll be going over this and determining which ones I need to read NOW and which ones I’ll save for later. Thanks for taking the time to put together such a great list.

The one book I have never seen written is how to develop presentations for others to give. Many times I am faced with developing a corporate or sales presentation for the sales team to give to prospects – what are the best practices for this kind of presentation?

Thank you for providing an extremely useful list. However, it’s hard for anyone to keep up with what else those authors have been doing since the listed books were published. Check before you buy. For example, Stephen M. Kosslyn’s 2010 book Better PowerPoint: Quick Fixes Based on How Your Audience Thinks might be a better choice than the 2007 Clear and to the Point. Also, this year Dave Paradi published Present It So They Get It . I liked his The Visual Slide Revolution enough to post a review of it .

I’d add Dona M. Wong’s The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics to the list of books about visuals. I reviewed it briefly here .

Thanks for the detailed comments, Richard. I’ll have to check out those books.

considero una parte esencial de la vida el leer y leer pero el decidir cual o cuales libros son los mejores es dificil. por lo que agradezco esta presentacion seis minutos un momento de informacion que engrandece nuestro pensamiento. gracias

Since i am a scientist, my favorite is the craft of scientific presentation. I guess this one was intended for presenting scientific data and conference. For design, I prefer The non designer design book. For story telling, confessions of a public speaker is excellence. I read several other book, like the zen etc, but in my opinion they are for business-type presentation

a great list, but you left out a GEM. Gail Larsen’s Transformational Speaking . Truly, the best speaking book I’ve read.

MUST- ADD ALERT! Transformational Speaking , by Gail Larsen. This book is a comprehensive and unique guide to speaking with the most authentic voice we can bring forth. Gail’s teachings have not only helped me to become a better speaker, but have also helped me name and claim personal attributes that make me a better artist, workshop leader, friend, and mother. As former leader of the National Speaker’s Association, Gail knows the speaking world well. She can give a great speech any day at any time; but what interests her is the special ability we each possess to connect with people on a deeper level, through storytelling. In her book, Gail makes the case that if we don’t honor our unique offerings by sharing them, they will be lost to the world forever. She goes on to explain that this is a critical time in our world, a time we need everyone. Calling all voices! Please add this truly transformational gift to the world to your list of bests. I have never read a book that has changed my life more!

I think this is a great list you and your team have compliled. One I would add would be Jeremy Donovon’s How To Deliver A TED Talk which is a easy read that takes the best Ted Talks and dissects them.

I just read your ratings on the 35 presentation books and I can see I have a lot of reading a head of me.

I’m writing to you to ask if you would like to write a guest blog for our website? In return we can give you access to our PowerPoint Templates database and give you some room to promote your own product.

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Business School Presenting – Especially Powerful Books for 2013! — Jan 17th, 2013

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• Majora Carter (TED, 2006) Energy, Passion, Speaking Rate
• Hans Rosling (TED, 2006) 6 Techniques to Present Data
• J.A. Gamache (Toastmasters, 2007) Gestures, Prop, Writing
• Steve Jobs (Stanford, 2005) Figures of speech, rule of three
• Al Gore (TED, 2006) Humor, audience interaction
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Five Must-Read Presentation Skills Books

When you search Amazon.com for presentation skills books, you will get almost 18,000 results. It is difficult to choose which one to read.

Many of these presentations skills books are very good and will undoubtedly help you improve you presentations. A few of them, however, are absolute gems that should be in every presenter’s bookshelf.

In this post, I review five of my most treasured presentation skills books. Each one has a slightly different focus, ranging from how to add a stories to your presentation to tips for better slide designs.

“Resonate” by Nancy Duarte

This is Nancy Duarte’s first book, although it has been published two years after her “ slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations “, which taught presenters how to give more visually appealing presentations.

In “ Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences ,” Duarte shows just how important stories are for compelling presentations. She has studied great presenters and their presentations and suddenly it clicked: Those presentations all followed some form of pattern. A pattern that is not just found in great presentations, but also literary work and blockbuster movies. Drawing from this research, Duarte outlines these patterns and gives useful tips on how to add that special something to your presentations.

One of the most profound tips in the book is what Nancy calls the intentional placement of a S.T.A.R. Moment:  S omething  T hey’ll  A lways  R emember.  This moment should be so profound or so dramatic that it becomes what the audience chats about at the water cooler or appears as the headline of a news article. Planting a S.T.A.R. moment in a presentation keeps the conversation going even after it’s over and helps the message go viral.

“Presentation Zen” by Garr Reynolds

Presentation designer and internationally acclaimed communications expert Garr Reynolds, creator of the most popular Web site on presentation design and delivery on the net —  presentationzen.com  — shares his experience in a provocative mix of illumination, inspiration, education, and guidance that will change the way you think about making presentations with PowerPoint or Keynote.

Presentation Zen  challenges the conventional wisdom of making “slide presentations” in today’s world and encourages you to think differently and more creatively about the preparation, design, and delivery of your presentations. Garr shares lessons and perspectives that draw upon practical advice from the fields of communication and business. Combining solid principles of design with the tenets of Zen simplicity, this book will help you along the path to simpler, more effective presentations.

“The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs” by Carmine Gallo

Apple CEO Steve Jobs’s wildly popular presentations have set a new global gold standard. This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to use his crowd-pleasing techniques in your own presentations.

The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs  is as close as you’ll ever get to having the master presenter himself speak directly in your ear. Communications expert Carmine Gallo has studied and analyzed the very best of Jobs’s performances, offering point-by-point examples, tried-and-true techniques, and proven presentation secrets that work every time. With this revolutionary approach, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to sell your ideas, share your enthusiasm, and wow your audience the Steve Jobs way.

The author, Carmine Gallo, writes a bi-weekly column for Businessweek.com and has been a featured contributor to several other major websites including MSNBC, Military.com, Always On, AOL and Yahoo Finance. Gallo personally coaches leading executives for keynote speeches, media interviews, product launches, and book tours.

To read my detailed book review,  click here .

“Presentation Skills 201” by William R Steele

Presentation Skills 201  is for the good presenter who is determined to get even better. Containing over 70 pieces of detailed advice for higher performance,  Presentation Skills 201  can be read from cover-to-cover or used as a reference guide. It includes valuable, easy-to-implement tips for every facet of the presentation process from planning to delivery. It’s all here at an advanced level for high-performing professionals who desire that extra edge by increasing confidence and engaging audiences.

Readers will learn how to increase both the impact and memorability of their presentations. Included with the tips are scores of real-life examples and stories from the author’s over 16 years of helping highly-accomplished presenters find that one more thing that they can do to take it up notch and build their careers by making strong, positive impressions on their presentation audiences.

Confessions of a Public Speaker by Scott Berkun

Scott Berkun is a former Microsoft executive who turned writer and professional speaker.  Confessions  is Berkun’s first-hand account of many years of public speaking, teaching, and television appearances.

In the book, he shares his successes, failures, and some frustrating experiences, to help readers with their delivery of their own presentations.  Confessions  contains practical advice in every chapter of the book. It teaches what to do when things go wrong: whether it is a tough crowd you are facing or technical difficulties you encounter.

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How to Make a “Good” Presentation “Great”

• Guy Kawasaki

Remember: Less is more.

A strong presentation is so much more than information pasted onto a series of slides with fancy backgrounds. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others. Here are some unique elements that make a presentation stand out.

• Fonts: Sans Serif fonts such as Helvetica or Arial are preferred for their clean lines, which make them easy to digest at various sizes and distances. Limit the number of font styles to two: one for headings and another for body text, to avoid visual confusion or distractions.
• Colors: Colors can evoke emotions and highlight critical points, but their overuse can lead to a cluttered and confusing presentation. A limited palette of two to three main colors, complemented by a simple background, can help you draw attention to key elements without overwhelming the audience.
• Pictures: Pictures can communicate complex ideas quickly and memorably but choosing the right images is key. Images or pictures should be big (perhaps 20-25% of the page), bold, and have a clear purpose that complements the slide’s text.
• Layout: Don’t overcrowd your slides with too much information. When in doubt, adhere to the principle of simplicity, and aim for a clean and uncluttered layout with plenty of white space around text and images. Think phrases and bullets, not sentences.

As an intern or early career professional, chances are that you’ll be tasked with making or giving a presentation in the near future. Whether you’re pitching an idea, reporting market research, or sharing something else, a great presentation can give you a competitive advantage, and be a powerful tool when aiming to persuade, educate, or inspire others.

• Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist at Canva and was the former chief evangelist at Apple. Guy is the author of 16 books including Think Remarkable : 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference.

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7 Tips to Write a Killer Book Presentation

Jul 11, 2020 | Marketing , My friends' Guest Posts

Sometimes, a book you have written draws enough attention that you are asked to speak about it to an audience. You may be asked to present as a subject expert, talk about your material at a conference or convention, present at a book fair , or give a quick presentation as part of a book signing.

As they say, more people are afraid of public speaking than of death. Which means that most people would prefer being in a casket than giving the obituary.

And now, you’re going to be in front of an audience discussing your written work. For many writers, this is a daunting task, to put it mildly.

What public speaking feels like for most people

Still, with a bit of planning your presentation can be impactful and successful. In fact, as you prepare to make your presentation, you may find that your writing skills are quite useful. You can leverage those skills by following these seven tips to write a killer book presentation.

1. Use Your Storytelling Skills

The people attending your presentation want to know the story behind your book. What motivated you to write it? What was the inspiration behind the characters? Is the book inspired by real-life events? Is there a specific message you are trying to send? How do you go about writing?

That’s a lot of great information to share, but if you give your audience a laundry list of factoids about your book and writing, you’ll likely bore them to tears. Instead, use your writing skills to tell the story of the book . Weave in the most important details in a way that keeps your audience engaged.

Oh, and if you have an upcoming book that’s related to your current one? Weave a bit of a teaser for your new book into your presentation.

2. Add Visuals

Every good presentation has visuals. First, you’ll add an interesting element to your presentation. Visuals make your presentation more engaging . You’ll keep the interest of the visual learners in your audience, and better illustrate the points you are making.

3. Learn About Your Audience

Before you prepare your presentation, consider your audience . First, who are they? What is their demographic? Why are they coming to see you? Is there a particular message you are expected to communicate with them? Are there any questions that you should plan on answering in your presentation? What is it that you want them to take away from the event?

Remember that no presentation should be an exercise in self-indulgence . Your goal should be to meet your audience’s needs by giving them the presentation they are interested in listening to.

4. Write a Presentation That Matches Your Personality

Here’s a bit of a conundrum. You want to cater to your audience, as mentioned above. On the other hand, you also want to be genuine. Your content should interest your audience, but you shouldn’t have to put on a mask to do that .

As a writer, you have your own unique personality. You have a unique voice. Remember, you are presenting yourself. There’s no need to put on a fake persona to do your presentation . This is true, even if your presentation style seems to contradict with the personality of your book.

Instead, consider carefully your personality and demeanor. Then, write a presentation where your true self is an asset to that presentation rather than a distractor. Believe it or not, many seasoned writers find this a challenge. You may need the assistance of a professional editor and proofreader to help you present your true voice. Before you select a professional to help you, though, take a look at online editing services reviews so you make the right choice.

If your personality is a bit on the introverted side, delivering a presentation may feel intimidating. However, it may be easier than you realize. There’s something comfortable about immersing yourself into something you know better than anybody else. You have mastered your own written work. Nobody can interpret it or tell the story behind it as you can. Those facts alone may be enough to help you feel comfortable giving a presentation.

5. Use Action Words

You already know that small changes in your writing can change its impact significantly. For example, it’s more impactful to use a strong verb than an adverb. That’s why the sentence, “He ran out the door very quickly” is not half as effective as, “He bolted out the door.” It’s also why words like victorious, enraged, devastated, embittered, and bubbly help readers visualize your story better than happy, sad, or angry.

The same concept applies to your presentation . Choose verbs over adverbs almost every time you can. Rethink your adjectives. When possible, choose words that most closely describe the moment. Avoid adjectives that can be applied generically to a wide range of situations. For example, the word “happy” could be used to describe somebody who found out that can green beans are on sale. It can also be used to describe somebody who just witnessed the birth of their first child. In the second example, however, the word happy is just insipid.

Finally, use the present tense whenever possible as you write your presentation. When you describe what happens in your book, you want your audience to be in the moment. One rule of thumb to follow is that, if it happened in the present tense in the book, it should happen in the present tense in your presentation.

6. Get Inspiration From Great Presenters And Authors

You won’t be the first author to stand in front of a group for a presentation or question-and-answer session. Many people have done this before. That’s a good thing because you have a wealth of examples to draw from for inspiration. One of the best ways to prepare for your presentation is to watch similar presentations from other authors. The goal isn’t to copy what you see. Instead, it’s to look for elements that make each presentation more engaging and allow the presenter to make an emotional connection with the audience.

Here, the key is choosing the right authors to emulate. As you look for author presentations for inspiration, focus on authors who write in the same genre as you, appeal to a similar demographic, and have a personal style similar to yours.

Once you find presentations to review, take notes. Pay attention to body language, use of words, and tone of voice. Make a note of the most memorable things the author says, and where the audience appears to be most interested.

Finally, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be as polished and perfect as the presenters you see. Many of them have years of experience in presenting their books in a variety of formats across a variety of media channels. It will take time and practice for you to get to that level. In the meantime, the folks coming to see you are already interested in your book and in what you have to say.

7. Be Prepared For Questions

Most book presentations are going to contain some sort of audience participation. Keep this in mind when you write your presentation. How are you going to approach this?

One option is to make a list of questions you believe the audience is likely to have for you. If you think you’re going to be nervous, it could be helpful for you to plan your answers ahead of time.

If your idea of interacting with the audience isn’t so intimidating for you, there are some things you can do to increase that interaction. First, consider leaving a few things out of your presentation. Chances are, at least one curious member of your audience will bring up the point and ask about it. You can then use this as a jumping point to cover that ground.

You can also use a question and answer session as a bit of an intermission. Rather than putting off all audience questions until the end, ask for questions in the middle of your presentation . It could break things up nicely.

Finally, you can turn the tables a bit. Ask your audience questions . What is their favorite plot point? How does the book relate to their lives? Who is their favorite character?

Final Thoughts

It is quite an honor to be asked to give a presentation about your book. This is a great way to let your current readership get to know more about you and your process. You may also be able to increase your reading audience.

At the same time, this can absolutely be a daunting process. Fortunately, you can help yourself immensely with a bit of planning and preparation.

The tips above will help you write a presentation that is engaging and allows you to be yourself. Follow the suggestions above, and your audience will enjoy your presentation thoroughly!

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Having trouble seeing this post or reblogging? Just go to my basic-format blog .

I am preparing a book presentation!!!

A book presentation and this is very helpful!

Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it!

Thank you, I am preparing a book presentation and this is very helpful!

Yay! I’m so glad you found it useful 😀

Excellent tips. I’m not afraid of audiences–but that doesn’t mean I can’t do better with them!

I know what you mean. I’m used to public speaking but even so appreciate a few tips!

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Blog Beginner Guides How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]

How To Make a Good Presentation [A Complete Guide]

Written by: Krystle Wong Jul 20, 2023

A top-notch presentation possesses the power to drive action. From winning stakeholders over and conveying a powerful message to securing funding — your secret weapon lies within the realm of creating an effective presentation .  

Being an excellent presenter isn’t confined to the boardroom. Whether you’re delivering a presentation at work, pursuing an academic career, involved in a non-profit organization or even a student, nailing the presentation game is a game-changer.

In this article, I’ll cover the top qualities of compelling presentations and walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to give a good presentation. Here’s a little tip to kick things off: for a headstart, check out Venngage’s collection of free presentation templates . They are fully customizable, and the best part is you don’t need professional design skills to make them shine!

These valuable presentation tips cater to individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, encompassing business professionals, sales and marketing teams, educators, trainers, students, researchers, non-profit organizations, public speakers and presenters. 

No matter your field or role, these tips for presenting will equip you with the skills to deliver effective presentations that leave a lasting impression on any audience.

Click to jump ahead:

What are the 10 qualities of a good presentation?

Step-by-step guide on how to prepare an effective presentation, 9 effective techniques to deliver a memorable presentation, faqs on making a good presentation, how to create a presentation with venngage in 5 steps.

When it comes to giving an engaging presentation that leaves a lasting impression, it’s not just about the content — it’s also about how you deliver it. Wondering what makes a good presentation? Well, the best presentations I’ve seen consistently exhibit these 10 qualities:

1. Clear structure

No one likes to get lost in a maze of information. Organize your thoughts into a logical flow, complete with an introduction, main points and a solid conclusion. A structured presentation helps your audience follow along effortlessly, leaving them with a sense of satisfaction at the end.

Regardless of your presentation style , a quality presentation starts with a clear roadmap. Browse through Venngage’s template library and select a presentation template that aligns with your content and presentation goals. Here’s a good presentation example template with a logical layout that includes sections for the introduction, main points, supporting information and a conclusion: 

2. Engaging opening

Hook your audience right from the start with an attention-grabbing statement, a fascinating question or maybe even a captivating anecdote. Set the stage for a killer presentation!

The opening moments of your presentation hold immense power – check out these 15 ways to start a presentation to set the stage and captivate your audience.

3. Relevant content

Make sure your content aligns with their interests and needs. Your audience is there for a reason, and that’s to get valuable insights. Avoid fluff and get straight to the point, your audience will be genuinely excited.

4. Effective visual aids

Picture this: a slide with walls of text and tiny charts, yawn! Visual aids should be just that—aiding your presentation. Opt for clear and visually appealing slides, engaging images and informative charts that add value and help reinforce your message.

With Venngage, visualizing data takes no effort at all. You can import data from CSV or Google Sheets seamlessly and create stunning charts, graphs and icon stories effortlessly to showcase your data in a captivating and impactful way.

5. Clear and concise communication

Keep your language simple, and avoid jargon or complicated terms. Communicate your ideas clearly, so your audience can easily grasp and retain the information being conveyed. This can prevent confusion and enhance the overall effectiveness of the message. 

6. Engaging delivery

Spice up your presentation with a sprinkle of enthusiasm! Maintain eye contact, use expressive gestures and vary your tone of voice to keep your audience glued to the edge of their seats. A touch of charisma goes a long way!

7. Interaction and audience engagement

Turn your presentation into an interactive experience — encourage questions, foster discussions and maybe even throw in a fun activity. Engaged audiences are more likely to remember and embrace your message.

Transform your slides into an interactive presentation with Venngage’s dynamic features like pop-ups, clickable icons and animated elements. Engage your audience with interactive content that lets them explore and interact with your presentation for a truly immersive experience.

8. Effective storytelling

Who doesn’t love a good story? Weaving relevant anecdotes, case studies or even a personal story into your presentation can captivate your audience and create a lasting impact. Stories build connections and make your message memorable.

A great presentation background is also essential as it sets the tone, creates visual interest and reinforces your message. Enhance the overall aesthetics of your presentation with these 15 presentation background examples and captivate your audience’s attention.

9. Well-timed pacing

Pace your presentation thoughtfully with well-designed presentation slides, neither rushing through nor dragging it out. Respect your audience’s time and ensure you cover all the essential points without losing their interest.

10. Strong conclusion

Last impressions linger! Summarize your main points and leave your audience with a clear takeaway. End your presentation with a bang , a call to action or an inspiring thought that resonates long after the conclusion.

In-person presentations aside, acing a virtual presentation is of paramount importance in today’s digital world. Check out this guide to learn how you can adapt your in-person presentations into virtual presentations . 

Preparing an effective presentation starts with laying a strong foundation that goes beyond just creating slides and notes. One of the quickest and best ways to make a presentation would be with the help of a good presentation software . 

Otherwise, let me walk you to how to prepare for a presentation step by step and unlock the secrets of crafting a professional presentation that sets you apart.

1. Understand the audience and their needs

Before you dive into preparing your masterpiece, take a moment to get to know your target audience. Tailor your presentation to meet their needs and expectations , and you’ll have them hooked from the start!

2. Conduct thorough research on the topic

Time to hit the books (or the internet)! Don’t skimp on the research with your presentation materials — dive deep into the subject matter and gather valuable insights . The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel in delivering your presentation.

3. Organize the content with a clear structure

No one wants to stumble through a chaotic mess of information. Outline your presentation with a clear and logical flow. Start with a captivating introduction, follow up with main points that build on each other and wrap it up with a powerful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression.

Delivering an effective business presentation hinges on captivating your audience, and Venngage’s professionally designed business presentation templates are tailor-made for this purpose. With thoughtfully structured layouts, these templates enhance your message’s clarity and coherence, ensuring a memorable and engaging experience for your audience members.

Don’t want to build your presentation layout from scratch? pick from these 5 foolproof presentation layout ideas that won’t go wrong. 

4. Develop visually appealing and supportive visual aids

Spice up your presentation with eye-catching visuals! Create slides that complement your message, not overshadow it. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words, but that doesn’t mean you need to overload your slides with text.

Well-chosen designs create a cohesive and professional look, capturing your audience’s attention and enhancing the overall effectiveness of your message. Here’s a list of carefully curated PowerPoint presentation templates and great background graphics that will significantly influence the visual appeal and engagement of your presentation.

5. Practice, practice and practice

Practice makes perfect — rehearse your presentation and arrive early to your presentation to help overcome stage fright. Familiarity with your material will boost your presentation skills and help you handle curveballs with ease.

6. Seek feedback and make necessary adjustments

Don’t be afraid to ask for help and seek feedback from friends and colleagues. Constructive criticism can help you identify blind spots and fine-tune your presentation to perfection.

With Venngage’s real-time collaboration feature , receiving feedback and editing your presentation is a seamless process. Group members can access and work on the presentation simultaneously and edit content side by side in real-time. Changes will be reflected immediately to the entire team, promoting seamless teamwork.

7. Prepare for potential technical or logistical issues

Prepare for the unexpected by checking your equipment, internet connection and any other potential hiccups. If you’re worried that you’ll miss out on any important points, you could always have note cards prepared. Remember to remain focused and rehearse potential answers to anticipated questions.

8. Fine-tune and polish your presentation

As the big day approaches, give your presentation one last shine. Review your talking points, practice how to present a presentation and make any final tweaks. Deep breaths — you’re on the brink of delivering a successful presentation!

In competitive environments, persuasive presentations set individuals and organizations apart. To brush up on your presentation skills, read these guides on how to make a persuasive presentation and tips to presenting effectively . 

Whether you’re an experienced presenter or a novice, the right techniques will let your presentation skills soar to new heights!

From public speaking hacks to interactive elements and storytelling prowess, these 9 effective presentation techniques will empower you to leave a lasting impression on your audience and make your presentations unforgettable.

1. Confidence and positive body language

Positive body language instantly captivates your audience, making them believe in your message as much as you do. Strengthen your stage presence and own that stage like it’s your second home! Stand tall, shoulders back and exude confidence. 

2. Eye contact with the audience

Break down that invisible barrier and connect with your audience through their eyes. Maintaining eye contact when giving a presentation builds trust and shows that you’re present and engaged with them.

3. Effective use of hand gestures and movement

A little movement goes a long way! Emphasize key points with purposeful gestures and don’t be afraid to walk around the stage. Your energy will be contagious!

4. Utilize storytelling techniques

Weave the magic of storytelling into your presentation. Share relatable anecdotes, inspiring success stories or even personal experiences that tug at the heartstrings of your audience. Adjust your pitch, pace and volume to match the emotions and intensity of the story. Varying your speaking voice adds depth and enhances your stage presence.

5. Incorporate multimedia elements

Spice up your presentation with a dash of visual pizzazz! Use slides, images and video clips to add depth and clarity to your message. Just remember, less is more—don’t overwhelm them with information overload. 

Turn your presentations into an interactive party! Involve your audience with questions, polls or group activities. When they actively participate, they become invested in your presentation’s success. Bring your design to life with animated elements. Venngage allows you to apply animations to icons, images and text to create dynamic and engaging visual content.

6. Utilize humor strategically

Laughter is the best medicine—and a fantastic presentation enhancer! A well-placed joke or lighthearted moment can break the ice and create a warm atmosphere , making your audience more receptive to your message.

7. Practice active listening and respond to feedback

Be attentive to your audience’s reactions and feedback. If they have questions or concerns, address them with genuine interest and respect. Your responsiveness builds rapport and shows that you genuinely care about their experience.

8. Apply the 10-20-30 rule

Apply the 10-20-30 presentation rule and keep it short, sweet and impactful! Stick to ten slides, deliver your presentation within 20 minutes and use a 30-point font to ensure clarity and focus. Less is more, and your audience will thank you for it!

9. Implement the 5-5-5 rule

Simplicity is key. Limit each slide to five bullet points, with only five words per bullet point and allow each slide to remain visible for about five seconds. This rule keeps your presentation concise and prevents information overload.

Simple presentations are more engaging because they are easier to follow. Summarize your presentations and keep them simple with Venngage’s gallery of simple presentation templates and ensure that your message is delivered effectively across your audience.

1. How to start a presentation?

To kick off your presentation effectively, begin with an attention-grabbing statement or a powerful quote. Introduce yourself, establish credibility and clearly state the purpose and relevance of your presentation.

2. How to end a presentation?

For a strong conclusion, summarize your talking points and key takeaways. End with a compelling call to action or a thought-provoking question and remember to thank your audience and invite any final questions or interactions.

3. How to make a presentation interactive?

To make your presentation interactive, encourage questions and discussion throughout your talk. Utilize multimedia elements like videos or images and consider including polls, quizzes or group activities to actively involve your audience.

In need of inspiration for your next presentation? I’ve got your back! Pick from these 120+ presentation ideas, topics and examples to get started. 

Creating a stunning presentation with Venngage is a breeze with our user-friendly drag-and-drop editor and professionally designed templates for all your communication needs. 

Here’s how to make a presentation in just 5 simple steps with the help of Venngage:

Step 1: Sign up for Venngage for free using your email, Gmail or Facebook account or simply log in to access your account. 

Step 2: Pick a design from our selection of free presentation templates (they’re all created by our expert in-house designers).

Step 3: Make the template your own by customizing it to fit your content and branding. With Venngage’s intuitive drag-and-drop editor, you can easily modify text, change colors and adjust the layout to create a unique and eye-catching design.

Step 4: Elevate your presentation by incorporating captivating visuals. You can upload your images or choose from Venngage’s vast library of high-quality photos, icons and illustrations. 

Step 5: Upgrade to a premium or business account to export your presentation in PDF and print it for in-person presentations or share it digitally for free!

By following these five simple steps, you’ll have a professionally designed and visually engaging presentation ready in no time. With Venngage’s user-friendly platform, your presentation is sure to make a lasting impression. So, let your creativity flow and get ready to shine in your next presentation!

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How to make a book presentation

When it comes to promoting and selling your publication, book presentations play a major part. Are you interested in finding more about how to create a well-structured presentation ? Luckily, you landed on the right page. This article helps you understand the process behind making a successful presentation in Flipsnack. Just keep in mind the next steps we’re going to debate and enjoy the process. So, to cut a long story short here are 5 useful tips on how to make a book presentation:

• Select a book. Decide on what book you want to make a presentation .
• Collect information. Make a research about the author’s biography, reviews, and other books.
• Start designing the page layouts. Flipsnack offers a fantastic online editor.
• Add interactive elements. Integrate video, captions, hyperlinks, and other interactive elements in your design.
• Download or publish it online. Display your book presentation publicly or private.

I was recently asked to design a book promo in both Indesign and Flipsnack, to show publishers how well Flipsnack works for them. I chose one of my favorite authors, Donald Miller.

About Donald Miller

This book presentation is focused on the work of Donald Miller, who usually writes about his life experience and his struggles, in a friendly way. His stories inspire people to fall in love with life and to live it at the highest level. He is better known for the New York Times Best Sellers: “Blue like Jazz”, “Million Miles in a Thousand Years”, but he’s written many other great books. I encourage you to read them.

His most recent publication is Scary Close, and it is the main focus of my book presentation .

Below you can see what I designed.

Because I like how the project turned out, I thought I should give you some tips on how you can make similar book promos.

Using Flipsnack for a book presentation

Flipsnack is a complex tool for creating brochures, newspapers, magazines, and books. Whether you are a professional designer or a high schooler the process of ‘“ how to make a book presentation”  has never been easier. You just have to select a template or create the presentation from scratch, choose the page layouts, to arrange the text and images on the page, add the photos and make it a flipbook . Then publish it and share it on social media or via email with your wide audience. With the help of Flipsnack you’ll be an expert at designing fabulous academic presentations in no time.

What should a book presentation contain?

There is some important information that every book catalog or book promo should contain.  It should present some interesting info that will entice the reader to buy the book. The content shouldn’t be too long or too short. Here are some ideas of what could be included in a book promo:

• Book presentation
• Main characters description
• Other books
• Interview with the author

Conclude the presentation with a closing paragraph sharing the most important lessons learned from the book and what you consider the most important message that you drew out from it.

Nowadays visual marketing is very important, so try to turn your book presentation into something beautiful, fascinating, with a design that matches the writer’s style.

How to integrate interactive elements in your design

When you design a publication in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc. reserve some white space for the interactive elements. Make interactivity a part of your design, and you’ll be surprised of what a big improvement it will bring to your project.

These text blurbs are great for highlighting quotes, for additional information, or for short descriptions. I used captions in the biography section to add some information about Donald Miller’s photos.

What is so great about captions is that you can use them to bring more color and contrast to your designs. Captions will also help you save space, by not revealing all text at once. This way, your design will have room to breathe.

Readers will love to click on captions to see what they reveal. The caption has that element of surprise, that we all love.     

For the book presentation I chose a video tag, through which readers can watch an interview with Miller about his new book “Scary Close”. Tags are a great tool for adding videos or images to a design, because they are small and you can place them anywhere on the page. Just like captions, you can use them to de-clutter a design, prevent visual noise, while keeping all the needed information on the page. To catch the readers’ eyes, tags use a subtle blinking effect.

“Buy This” Button

If you’re showcasing other books of the author you should make it easy for readers to buy them. You can do that by just adding some buy buttons . Insert the Amazon URL, (or any other URL for that matter) and with just one click the user will be able to buy it.

Buy buttons are very easy to use and they are very practical. They can help you sell, and that is the ultimate goal of any book catalog or book presentation.  

Video Widget

After you read some paragraphs of an interview you probably become curious about how the writer would say those things. You don’t have to search for videos on Youtube, because with the video widget you can have it play right there on your page. You just have to reserve some space in your design for this. You will not regret it.

This is how you can use Flipsnack to create a digital book or interactive experience for readers, which will make them interested in buying the book. Also if you are searching for a platform with a good reputation to sell your work, Flipsnack is the right place for you. Now you can sell and publish your publication in no time. The first step when setting your work for sale is to connect your Flipsnack account with Stripe. The second step is to set a price for the publication. Usually, the price of a digital magazine varies between $3 – $6, depending on the page number of the publication and then c hoose the right preview pages. Make sure the pages included in your preview edition share enough information, so your readers are attracted to purchase it.

After you set your publication for sale, you can find the statistics in the Stats section in your account. With the help of Flipsnack reaching readers from all over the globe has never been easier! Learn more about how to sell your digital magazines here!

All of my books are taken from Jewish sources. My writing is taken from the Sages who shapes the Jewish people in the past through today.

That was cool thing about a books

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How to Make a Book Presentation: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you preparing to give a book presentation whether you’re a student or an aspiring author, delivering an engaging book presentation is a crucial skill. to help you ace your next presentation, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide filled with tips and tricks. let’s get started.

What is a book presentation?

A book presentation is an opportunity to introduce and discuss a specific book to an audience. It involves summarizing the plot, discussing the main themes, and sharing your personal insights. Whether you’re presenting for academic purposes or promoting your own book, a well-organized and captivating book presentation can leave a lasting impression.

Step 1: Choose the right book

The first step in making a book presentation is selecting the right book. Consider your audience, the purpose of the presentation, and your own interests. Choose a book that aligns with these factors to ensure you’ll be motivated and passionate throughout the process.

Step 2: Read and analyze the book

Before you can effectively present a book, you need to thoroughly read and analyze it. Take notes on important plot points, characters, themes, and any significant literary devices used. This will help you provide a comprehensive overview in your presentation.

Step 3: Create an outline

An outline acts as the backbone of your book presentation. It helps you organize your thoughts and ensures a logical flow of information. Divide your presentation into sections such as introduction, plot summary, themes, characters, and your personal analysis. This will make it easier for your audience to follow along.

Step 4: Prepare visuals

Visual aids can greatly enhance your book presentation. Consider creating slides or posters that include images, quotations, and key points from the book. These visuals will not only engage your audience but also help you remember important details during the presentation.

Step 5: Practice, practice, practice

Delivering a polished book presentation requires practice. Familiarize yourself with the content, timing, and transitions. Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to evaluate your body language, voice modulation, and overall presentation style.

Step 6: Engage your audience

An effective book presentation involves active audience engagement. Encourage questions and discussions throughout your presentation. You can also include interactive activities like quizzes or group discussions to make it more dynamic and interactive.

Step 7: Be confident and enthusiastic

Confidence and enthusiasm are key to delivering a successful book presentation. Stand tall, make eye contact, and use a clear and confident voice. Let your passion for the book shine through, and your audience will be captivated by your presentation.

Step 8: Conclude with a call to action

Wrap up your book presentation with a strong conclusion and a call to action. This can be recommending the book, encouraging further exploration of the author’s works, or even inviting your audience to contribute to a related cause. End on a memorable note that leaves your audience excited to explore the book further.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to deliver an engaging and memorable book presentation. Remember to personalize your approach and connect with your audience on a meaningful level. Good luck with your presentation and happy reading!

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8 Steps to Create a Dynamic Presentation from Your Book by Kirsten Holmberg

Posted by Guest Post | Nov 12, 2020 | Blog , Professional Speaking , PROFESSIONAL SPEAKING - MEMBERS ONLY | 0

Yet many authors—having poured their expertise into a robust written work—find the task of crafting speeches from their books daunting. Three common challenges include:

• Deciding what to put into the speech—because it requires leaving something from the book out.
• A lack of understanding of how the spoken word differs from the written word—and how to best serve a live audience with the right sentence and talk structure.
• Discomfort with being “on stage” as a speaker due to a preference for the more solitary work of writing.

To leverage speaking as part of your author platform and book publicity efforts, use these steps to craft and refine a talk based on your book:

• Know your audience. Ideally, you’ll initiate the process of crafting a talk with a particular audience in mind. If you haven’t yet been invited to speak, think about an event where you’d like to speak. Sketch out what you know about the audience: some general demographics, the purpose of the event, why your subject matter is of interest to them—and their underlying need. Don’t assume the audience is identical to the target audience of your book; identify ways they might be different as well as similar.
• Review (or create) your annotated table of contents. In light of the audience you’ll be addressing, which chapters would most effectively address their needs? It might only be one chapter and probably won’t be more than three. How does your content need to be adapted in light of any differences between the event audience and your book’s target audience? Don’t be afraid to tailor your content to the group; it shows care and fosters connection, through which your message is best conveyed. If you’re not sure, find someone in your network who is similar to the event’s audience and ask them which chapters would be most helpful. Aim to address a felt need with valuable, actionable information.
• Distill the selected chapters into their key points. Bulletize the key points instead of excerpting sentences or crafting new ones. Trust that you know your content and can speak to it without a full script. Writers rightly care a great deal about the turn of phrase and often want to write out their talks in full sentences. Yet this approach usually results in the speaker reading their talk instead of engaging the audience in a more conversational way; the latter is a profoundly more effective means of conveying the content. If you opt for a full script, take care to use simple sentence structure and common language: industry jargon and complex sentences are impediments to the audience’s ease of understanding.
• Structure the content to engage—and re-engage—the audience. They will assume your book is interesting if you and your talk are interesting. Hook them quickly; leverage your skills as a writer build and release tension multiple times during your speech. Leave them will a clear, concrete call to action—a step they can take immediately even if they don’t purchase the book. Aim to provide value and maintain a posture of service.
• Give the audience a gift. Share with them something you’ve learned since the book was published or give them a glimpse from behind the scenes of your book. Reward them for being part of the event by imparting some “insider information” they can’t get from the book. Consider addressing common questions that arise from the book content or sharing reactions from readers.
• Be human. You’re the subject-matter expert and the audience needs your knowledge. But they also want you to be human. Establish common ground; show them—within the first few minutes—that you understand their needs because you have similar needs. Be willing to share some relevant faults or failings for the sake of conveying empathy for the shared human experience as it relates to your content.
• Visualize your content. Audiences today are accustomed to visual accompaniment, most often in the form of slides. And slides really should be visual , not merely a list of words to prompt the speaker what to say. As wordsmiths, creating slides may not be a natural strength. Spend the time and energy to craft quality slides; involve friends with complementary skill sets or hire a designer if you lack the skills to do it well. Just as in writing, take care to avoid visual clichés. Check out com for symbols and images. Leverage pictures or graphics from your book where appropriate.
• Refine the delivery. Your book represents you: your expertise, your thoughts, your story. But when you’re on stage, you represent your book. Merely knowing your subject matter isn’t sufficient for giving a great talk; you need to deliver it in a fashion that is clear, confident, and compelling. Audiences will determine whether they find you (and your book) credible in large part based on how well you present yourself. Plan to practice your speech daily, videotaping yourself several times and taking the time to review and evaluate the footage to identify areas needing improvement (this free rubric is a helpful guide for doing so).

Speaking is an essential component of a successful author platform, driving book sales and increasing visibility in the publishing world.

You’ve written the book you know the world needs; now use your voice to share that message in a spoken format.

About Kirsten Holmberg

Kirsten Holmberg is a public speaking coach and trainer who has worked with TEDx speakers and clients from Fortune 50 companies, including Google, HP, and Oracle. Leveraging two decades of experience in keynote speaking, she equips both new and skilled speakers to achieve maximum impact with their presentations to customers, stakeholders, and audiences of all sizes. Learn more about Kirsten at  www.kirstenholmberg.com .

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kirholmberg

IG:  https://www.instagram.com/kirholmberg/

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/kirholmberg

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstenholmberg/

If you like this blog post, you’ll love our Author Toolkit for book marketing . It includes checklists, templates, worksheets and more. Check it out!

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The only good reason to add busy, cluttered slides to your presentation.

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The 2022 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference at the Apple Park in Cupertino, California. (Photo by ... [+] Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua via Getty Images)

We’ve all seen cringe-worthy PowerPoint slides so cluttered with information that they’re nearly impossible to read. You know the ones. The text is reduced to 9-point or 12-point font to squeeze everything in.

Busy slides frustrate the audience because of a concept called ‘cognitive load.’ Too much text, too many numbers, and too many graphs overwhelm our ability to process and retain information.

Effective presenters avoid text-heavy slides. Instead, they favor clean, minimalist designs that are attractive and easy to read. However, there is one reason—and one reason only—to include a busy slide in a persuasive presentation:

Add a busy slide to a presentation only when you intend to overwhelm your audience.

In other words, a slide could contain a mountain of information because it is not meant to be read, consumed, and digested. It’s there to stress a point.

For example, in March, the National Association of Realtors agreed to a massive $418 million settlement over commissions that home buyers and sellers pay to real estate agents in the U.S. Since the settlement might convince prospective home buyers to negotiate lower commissions, real estate agents have had to turn up their persuasive skills to articulate the value they provide.

Recently, Realtor.com launched a digital and print campaign to demonstrate the value agents bring to the transaction. One ad fills the entire length of a standard newspaper. The headline reads:

So, you’re ready to buy a home. Here’s the next 111 to-dos.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.

Realtor.com advertisement

Good luck reading the remaining text (on left). It is purposely written in tiny font to squeeze in the dizzying number of details that buyer’s agents navigate to facilitate a home buying transaction

The point of the ad is that home buyers need support. The implication is that you can try to accomplish all the tasks yourself—researching, preparing financial documents, making offers, and considering legal protections. Or you can make just one decision: find a buyer’s agent.

Realtors making presentations to win over clients would be well served to include such a slide—one that's so dense it's almost illegible without a magnifying glass.

There are times when the intentional use of busy slides supports the argument.

Take Apple, for example. The company’s product launches are notable for minimalist and visually appealing slides that contain more photos and images than text.

However, in June, when Apple unveiled new products, features and plans to put artificial intelligence in every corner of its iPhone, the company's speakers intentionally broke the mold by including strategically cluttered slides.

For example, after one speaker highlighted notable updates in macOS Sonoma, the Mac's latest operating system, he projected a slide filled with boxes highlighting dozens of other features: updates to Apple’s browser, Safari, new gaming titles, iPhone mirroring on the desktop, and much more.

The slide only stayed up for 20 seconds. It was far too little time to read everything, but that’s the point—it was intentionally cluttered to put an exclamation point on the product announcement.

The intentional use of clutter is as much of an art as the deliberate use of white space. So get busy, but only when the time is right.

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL 25 Rankings Week Showcase

Who are the best teams in ea sports™ college football 25.

Hey College Football Fans,

Welcome back to the Campus Huddle! This week, we have a special “living” edition of the Campus Huddle, centered around Rankings Week.

So what is Rankings Week? 

It’s a time to celebrate various EA SPORTS™ College Football 25 rankings, from the Toughest Places to Play, to the Top Offenses and Defenses, to our final Team Power Rankings before the worldwide launch on July 19. Plus, we’ll have our Sights and Sounds Deep Dive coming Wednesday, showcasing the incredible and unique presentation features coming to EA SPORTS™ College Football 25.

The full Rankings Week schedule can be seen here:

TOUGHEST PLACES TO PLAY

We laid out the significant impact that Homefield Advantage can have on the outcome of games in EA SPORTS™ College Football 25 during our Gameplay Deep Dive Campus Huddle . Audio and in-game modifiers such as blurred routes, incorrect play art, confidence and composure affects, and screen shaking are some of the immersive impacts away teams and players will be forced to contend with. 

But not all Homefield Advantages are created equal. The Development Team worked to compile a list of the Top 25 Toughest Places to Play, factoring in historical stats such as home winning %, home game attendance, active home winning streaks, team prestige, and more.

Rankings are subject to change in future updates.

• Kyle Field - Texas A&M
• Bryant-Denny Stadium - Alabama
• Tiger Stadium - LSU
• Ohio Stadium - Ohio State
• Sanford Stadium - Georgia
• Beaver Stadium - Penn State
• Camp Randall Stadium - Wisconsin
• Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium - Oklahoma
• Doak S. Campbell Stadium - Florida State
• Ben Hill Griffin Stadium - Florida
• Autzen Stadium - Oregon
• Memorial Stadium - Clemson
• Neyland Stadium - Tennessee
• Jordan-Hare Stadium - Auburn
• Williams-Brice Stadium - South Carolina
• Michigan Stadium - Michigan
• Lane Stadium - Virginia Tech
• Rice-Eccles Stadium - Utah
• Darrell K. Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium - Texas
• Kinnick Stadium - Iowa
• Notre Dame Stadium - Notre Dame
• Spartan Stadium - Michigan State
• Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium - Arkansas
• Albertsons Stadium - Boise State
• Davis Wade Stadium - Mississippi State

SIGHTS AND SOUNDS DEEP DIVE

In case you missed it, Kirk Herbstreit is back with our next Deep Dive, taking a look at the sights and sounds featured in EA SPORTS™ College Football 25. The Development Team spent years capturing countless traditions, mascots, fight songs, and more to the game, ensuring all 134 schools and fan bases were represented with pride. These elements make College Football special and unique, bringing the unmatched feeling of game day to your fingertips.  

For even more on the presentation elements and how they come to life, check out the latest Campus Huddle hosted by Senior Game Designer Christian Brandt.

OFFENSIVE/DEFENSIVE POWER RANKINGS

The Development Team meticulously examined hundreds of thousands of data points to arrive at our team power rankings. With help from our friends at Pro Football Focus (PFF), the team analyzed all 134 rosters, thousands of players, years worth of game film, and mountains of stats, ultimately arriving at our Team Power Rankings.

Here are the Top 25 offenses in EA SPORTS™ College Football 25: 

• Georgia - 94 OVR
• Oregon - 94 OVR
• Alabama - 91 OVR
• Texas - 91 OVR
• Ohio State - 89 OVR
• LSU - 89 OVR
• Miami - 89 OVR
• Colorado - 89 OVR
• Missouri - 89 OVR
• Clemson - 87 OVR
• Utah - 87 OVR
• Penn State - 87 OVR
• Ole Miss - 87 OVR
• Kansas - 87 OVR
• Arizona - 87 OVR
• NC State - 87 OVR
• Notre Dame - 85 OVR
• Texas A&M - 85 OVR
• Memphis - 85 OVR
• SMU - 85 OVR
• UCF - 85 OVR
• Florida State - 83 OVR
• Oklahoma - 83 OVR
• Virginia Tech - 83 OVR
• USC - 83 OVR

As the old saying goes, “Defense wins championships.” Here are the Top 25 defenses in EA SPORTS™ College Football 25:

• Ohio State - 96 OVR
• Oregon - 90 OVR
• Alabama - 90 OVR
• Clemson - 90 OVR
• Notre Dame - 90 OVR
• Michigan - 90 OVR
• Texas - 88 OVR
• Penn State - 88 OVR
• Utah - 88 OVR
• Florida State - 88 OVR
• Oklahoma - 88 OVR
• Iowa - 88 OVR
• Virginia Tech - 86 OVR
• Wisconsin - 86 OVR
• USC - 86 OVR
• Auburn - 86 OVR
• LSU - 84 OVR
• Texas A&M - 84 OVR
• Colorado - 84 OVR
• Oklahoma State - 84 OVR
• Louisville - 84 OVR
• North Carolina - 84 OVR
• Kansas State - 84 OVR
• Florida - 84 OVR

TEAM POWER RANKINGS

And the moment you’ve all been waiting for! Here are the Top Teams in EA SPORTS™ College Football 25.

• Georgia - 95 OVR
• Ohio State - 93 OVR
• Oregon - 93 OVR
• Alabama - 92 OVR
• Texas - 92 OVR
• LSU - 90 OVR
• Michigan - 88 OVR
• Miami - 88 OVR
• Texas A&M - 88 OVR
• Ole Miss - 88 OVR
• Colorado - 87 OVR
• Oklahoma - 87 OVR
• Wisconsin - 87 OVR
• USC - 87 OVR
• Virginia Tech - 87 OVR
• Oklahoma State - 87 OVR
• Iowa - 87 OVR

Let us know what you think! Join the conversation today by following EA SPORTS™ College Football 25 on social media and rep your school. Next week, we’ll have even more information to share including our Dynasty Deep Dive where we explore the ins and outs of the mode, recruiting, and more! 

College Football 25 launches worldwide on July 19th, 2024. Pre-order the Deluxe Edition* or the EA SPORTS™ MVP Bundle** and play 3 days early. Conditions and restrictions apply. See disclaimers for details. Stay in the conversation by following us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , YouTube , and Answers HQ .

Pre-order the MVP Bundle*** to make game day every day, and get both Madden NFL 25 and College Football 25 with exclusive content.

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Letter to the editor: Ohio House Bill 556 misplaces burden for 'banned' books

Am I missing something? Why threaten teachers or school librarians in Ohio House Bill 556? School administrators should be on the hook if so-called “banned” books are available to students, and the list must be loud and clear. Any books taught or referenced outside curriculum need to be approved by administration, no exceptions. Put the burden where it belongs.

Teachers are by and large contractors and paid to teach in their field, period. Owning a teaching certificate for public school, all grades, in no way qualifies that person to discuss sexuality with students. Religion and politics should not be discussed either, except historically in the abstract. Students should never know a teacher’s personal beliefs. If a teacher suspects there is a personal problem with a student, take the issue to an administrator.

I am not in favor of banning classics in schools, but several years ago, I taught "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" because it was required. There was only one Black student in the class, and I can tell you I was embarrassed for her. A racial slur is in that book 219 times, according to Google. That book is patently unnecessary to be taught in school.

Also, "banned books" is a misnomer, in my mind. The books are still available elsewhere, just not “sanctioned” in schools.

If you will, an analogy between public libraries and bars: A library and a bar have products appropriate and inappropriate for minors, according to our state laws, or soon-to-be laws. An age-designated library card like a driver’s license would be the determinate. Parents can check out a book and give it to their kid if they wish.

Can you imagine creating a curriculum that shuns all books that might be a trigger for someone? Impossible.

Pat Sullivan, Jackson Township