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15 Best Communication Books to Read for Work

By: Angela Robinson | Updated: February 13, 2024

You found our list of top communication books for work.

Communication books are guides that teach skills and strategies for having successful conversations in the workplace. These references cover topics like body language, empathy, diplomacy, and listening. The purpose of these books is to improve communication skills and teamwork.

These guides are a type of team building book and are similar to books on conflict resolution , problem solving books , and negotiation books . You can also use these books for networking tips .

This list includes:

• business communication books
• communication skills books
• workplace communication books
• communication books for leaders
• books about public speaking
• books on communication skills

Here we go!

List of communication books

Here is a list of books about communication to improve conversations in the workplace.

1. Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler

Crucial Conversations is a guide for communicating in tense situations. The book urges speakers to create dialogues where both parties feel safe speaking and try to hear each other out. The authors explain how to navigate fraught discussions with grace, compassion, and skill, and relay tips and strategies for steering the talk towards peaceful resolution. The book shows readers how to stay in control of their own emotions, persuade without pressuring, and use a solutions-centered tone. Later chapters even touch on

Notable Quote: “People who are skilled at dialogue do their best to make it safe for everyone to add their meaning to the shared pool–even ideas that at first glance appear controversial, wrong, or at odds with their own beliefs. Now, obviously they don’t agree with every idea; they simply do their best to ensure that all ideas find their way into the open.”

Read Crucial Conversations .

2. Simply Said: Communicating Better at Work and Beyond by Jay Sullivan

Simply Said is one of the best workplace communication books. Jay Sullivan outlines the rules of business communication and shows professionals how to optimize conversations. The book explores best practices for written and oral communication, as well as communication in team and leadership environments. Covered topics include how to structure messages, use clear wording, consciously incorporate body language, give and respond to feedback, and guide meetings. The book explores office communications in several forms, and strips the practice of communicating down to bare basics. Simply Said is one of the most helpful handbooks for corporate communication.

Notable Quote: “If we put the focus on what the other person is trying to gain from the exchange, we will do a better job communicating, because we will select more pertinent information, drill down to the desired level of detail, and make the information we are sharing more accessible to our audience.”

Read Simply Said .

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3. Words That Work: It’s Not What You Say, It’s What People Hear by Dr. Frank Luntz

Words That Work is a guide to phrasing. The main thread of the book is that it is the interpretation, not the intention, that matters most in communication. The book explores common pitfalls that lead to misunderstanding, shows how to choose words carefully, and teaches readers how to be more masterful in messaging. Special sections present ten golden rules for language as well as corporate and political case studies that show how words can be misconstrued. Words That Work provides a blueprint for conveying the proper meaning and being understood in discussion. This book explains the responsibility of phrasing thoughts with care and shows how to deliver messages in the most effective manner possible.

Notable Quote: “Those who define the debate will determine the outcome.”

Read Words That Work .

4. The Fine Art of Small Talk: How To Start a Conversation, Keep It Going, Build Networking Skills — and Leave a Positive Impression! By Debra Fine

The Fine Art of Small Talk offers a crash course in having casual conversations. The book breaks down ways to start, maintain, and end conversations, with an emphasis on ways to keep the talk lively and engaging. Debra Fine gives advice on how to make meaningful connections and leave positive impressions by practicing and improving conversational skills. The end of the book covers how to leverage small talk in specific situations such as networking events or holiday parties. The guide has many practical applications in the workplace, including bonding with coworkers and establishing a rapport with clients. While many communication books focus on navigating high-stakes discussions, The Fine Art of Small Talk shows that less-formal chats can be just as impactful.

Notable Quote: “No matter what your chosen topic of conversation, I cannot overstate the importance of being authentic when talking with someone. If you are not genuinely interested in what the other person is saying, no amount of planning or preparation will save you from a doomed conversation. Interest in someone else cannot be feigned.”

Read The Fine Art of Small Talk .

5. Communication Skills Training: A Practical Guide to Improving Your Social Intelligence, Presentation, Persuasion and Public Speaking by Ian Tuhovsky

Communication Skills Training is one of the most helpful communication skills books. The guide provides a practical toolkit for boosting emotional intelligence and conversational skills. Pages cover topics such as expressing anger productively, fixing conversations that go awry, remaining unfettered and coming up with quick responses, and predicting reactions. The book covers the full gambit of communicational topics, and gives readers practical advice for any potential situation. The pages are full of sample dialogues to illustrate the points, as well as easy instructions, such as lists of phrases to avoid along with better substitutions. Communication Skills Training is a comprehensive handbook for communicating effectively in any circumstance that is full of actionable advice and not simply theory.

Notable Quote: “What can I do even better, more efficiently, differently and more effectively?”

Read Communication Skills Training .

6. Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone by Mark Goulston by Ian Tuhovsky

Just Listen is one of the best communication books for leaders. The authors insist that hearing others is often the key to being heard. The pages show professionals how to identify feelings and motivations, validate the speaker, and deal with challenging people and situations with patience and skill. The guide provides frameworks such as “the 9 core rules to get through to anyone” and “tools for achieving buy-in and getting through,” to help conversation leaders overcome skepticism and defensiveness and find common ground. Just Listen stresses the importance of listening, context, and clue-gathering in communication and shows readers strategies for having healthier dialogues.

Notable Quote: “So when you encounter problem people, realize that there’s a reason they’re behaving the way they do…. Open your own mind and look for the reasons behind the behavior, and you’ll take the first step toward breaking down barriers and communicating with an “impossible” person.”

Read Just Listen .

7. Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time by Susan Scott

Fierce Conversations is a guide for having more authentic and impactful conversations. The book teaches readers how to leverage communication to achieve positive change, and shows that success is the result of a series of productive conversations. Susan Scott delivers motivational sentiments along with actionable advice on how to wield silence as a tool, take accountability for emotional outbursts, and advocate for priorities. Fierce Conversations provides a roadmap for standing ground in discussions and talking more triumphantly.

Notable Quote: “Our work, our relationships, and our lives succeed or fail one conversation at a time. While no single conversation is guaranteed to transform a company, a relationship, or a life, any single conversation can. Speak and listen as if this is the most important conversation you will ever have with this person. It could be. Participate as if it matters. It does.”

Read Fierce Conversations .

8. Digital Body Language: How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance by Erica Dhawan

Digital Body Language is an instructional manual for reading cues in online conversations. This guide explains how to read reactions and build trust from behind a screen. The pages outline which communication tools to use in certain situations, and show how to communicate thoughtfully and professionally on any platform. Erica Dhawan also touches on how to digitally bridge differences like gender, generational divide, and culture. Digital Body Language is a valuable reference for communicating while working remotely.

Notable Quote: “The loss of nonverbal body cues is among the most overlooked reasons why employees feel so disengaged from others. If used properly, and at scale, empathetic body language equals employee engagement. Disengagement happens not because people don’t want to be empathetic but because with today’s tools, they don’t know how.”

Read Digital Body Language , and check out this guide to virtual meeting etiquette .

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

Talk Like TED is one of the best books about public speaking. Carmine Gallo analyzes hundreds of TED talks to determine what qualities make speeches and speakers most memorable. The book lays out nine best practices that lead to compelling presentations, such as appealing to multiple senses, educating the audience, delivering delightful surprises, and being brief. Talk Like TED is a written workshop in the art of storytelling that can help professionals elevate presentations.

Notable Quote: “Science shows that passion is contagious, literally. You cannot inspire others unless you are inspired yourself. You stand a much greater chance of persuading and inspiring your listeners if you express an enthusiastic, passionate, and meaningful connection to your topic.”

Read Talk Like TED .

10. Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication by Oren Jay Sofer

Say What You Mean is the ultimate guide for having mindful and meaningful conversations. Oren Jay Sofer explores the unconscious habits and patterns that many talkers fall into and shows readers how to break away from autopilot discussions and speak with intention. This guide emphasizes how to maintain focus, avoid ambiguity, and reduce anxiety when having discussions. The text shows how to be blunt yet compassionate and proves that conversational clarity does not have to come at the sake of humanity.

Notable Quote: “To listen entails a fundamental letting go of self-centeredness. We have to be willing to put down our own thoughts, views, and feelings temporarily to truly listen.”

Read Say What You Mean .

11. We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter by Celeste Headlee

Inspired by a highly-popular TED talk, We Need to Talk gives guidance on navigating important conversations. Celeste Headlee shows readers how to be fully present in conversations, take a nonjudgmental approach, avoid repetition and fluff, and get to the heart of the matter. The book frames conversation as a survival skill, and teaches speakers how to master the art. We Need to Talk shows readers how to stop multitasking and assuming, mine discussion for important information, and ensure that critical messages get heard.

Notable Quote: “In order to have important conversations, you will sometimes have to check your opinions at the door. There is no belief so strong that it cannot be set aside temporarily in order to learn from someone who disagrees. Don’t worry; your beliefs will still be there when you’re done.”

Read We Need to Talk .

12. Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen

Difficult Conversations is a handbook for communicating in high-pressure situations. Drawing on expertise gained from The Harvard Negotiation Project, the authors outline best practices for guiding emotionally-charged discussions. The text gives tips on disarming defensiveness, identifying underlying meaning, and transitioning the talk from emotion to solutions. The book identifies and analyzes different types of difficult conversations and explores the nuances of the circumstances surrounding discussions. Difficult Conversations is a valuable toolkit for any professional who needs to speak about tricky topics or communicate with difficult people.

Notable Quote: “Often we go through an entire conversation – or indeed an entire relationship – without ever realizing that each of us is paying attention to different things, that our views are based on different information.”

Read Difficult Conversations .

13. HBR Guide to Better Business Writing by The Harvard Business Review

HBR Guide to Better Business Writing is one of the top business communication books. This practical guide teaches readers how to draft correspondence such as emails, letters, memos, and reports. The book shows how to write professional, persuasive, and powerful messages that achieve objectives. The chapters explore fundamentals like conveying a clear message, summarizing and emphasizing key points, following grammatical conventions, and making the best use of limited space. The guide also provides a formula for the writing process. HBR Guide to Better Business Writing is a masterclass in writing for work that can help professionals at any level sharpen their skills.

Notable Quote: “Many people begin writing before they know what they’re trying to accomplish. As a result, their readers don’t know where to focus their attention or what they’re supposed to do with the message. So much depends on your purpose in writing that you must fix it firmly in your mind. What do you want the outcome to be?”

Read HBR Guide to Better Business Writing .

14. Talking to Strangers: What We Should Know about the People We Don’t Know by Malcolm Gladwell

Talking to Strangers is an exploration of the conclusions we make about strangers, and the ways these judgments influence our interactions. The book is a fascinating case study of assumption and interpersonal conflict. In Malcolm Gladwell’s typical style, the book presents a series of case studies from contemporary history and explores the underlying psychology and elements that underscore a series of events. The book shows how the initial ideas we form about strangers can enable the other party’s actions and guide our own behavior. Reading the other person is a large part of communication, and Gladwell exposes just how often we misread conversation partners, and the results that can come as a result of these misunderstandings. Talking to Strangers is a helpful aid for overcoming bias and attempting more honest communication.

Notable Quote: “The conviction that we know others better than they know us—and that we may have insights about them they lack (but not vice versa)—leads us to talk when we would do well to listen and to be less patient than we ought to be when others express the conviction that they are the ones who are being misunderstood or judged unfairly.”

Read Talking to Strangers .

15. The Art of Communicating by Thich Nhat Hanh

The Art of Communicating is a guide to compassionate conversation. Monk and mindfulness expert Thich Nhat Hanh covers topics such as self-talk, empathetic listening, and mindful communication at work. The strategies and best practices in the book aim to help individuals have more meaningful conversations that spark and strengthen authentic connections. Several chapters focus on workplace conversation and how to avoid negative and toxic discussions both internally and externally. As the modern workforce calls for increasing levels of humanity in the corporate world, The Art of Communicating is a valuable resource for professionals craving more sincere, kind, and open discussion.

Notable Quote: “Once you can communicate with yourself, you’ll be able to communicate outwardly with more clarity. The way in is the way out.”

Read The Art of Communicating .

Final Thoughts

Communication is one of the most important parts of business, yet many professionals struggle with the art. The practice is about more than exchanging words and information. Workplace communication is about delivering messages in concise and compelling ways and getting listeners onboard. Books about communication can help readers avoid misunderstandings, capture and hold attention, and be more confident when speaking in the workplace. These guides improve teamwork and help professionals achieve more positive outcomes in conversations.

For more book suggestions, check out this list of focus books , and this list of communication games and activities .

We also have a list of the best ways to increase empathy at the office .

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FAQ: Communication books

Here are answers to common questions about communication books.

What are communication books?

Communication books are guides that teach readers how to have more productive conversations both verbally and in writing. These guides cover topics such as public speaking, reading body language, listening and getting others to listen.

What are some good communication books for work?

Some good communication books for work include Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Say What You Mean by Oren Jay Sofer, and Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott.

What books help to improve communication skills?

Books that help to improve communication skills include Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo, Communication Skills Training by Ian Tuhovsky, and Simply Said by Jay Sullivan.

Author: Angela Robinson

Marketing Coordinator at teambuilding.com. Angela has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and worked as a community manager with Yelp to plan events for businesses.

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Marketing Coordinator at teambuilding.com.

Angela has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and worked as a community manager with Yelp to plan events for businesses.

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9 must-read books to make you a stronger communicator

The single biggest problem in communication is when someone has the illusion that they have communicated – but their message did not get through. IT leaders need to convey an incredible amount of information to succeed in their roles. However, getting those messages across effectively can be a challenge, particularly with the many demands on people’s time and attention, the varied forms of media you must employ, and the sometimes charged or difficult nature of the communications you have to deliver.

Thankfully, there is plentiful advice on being a better communicator . We’ve gathered some of the best books out there to help IT leaders deliver the right message, the right way, at the right time – whether you’re having a difficult discussion with a subordinate, delivering critical data to the C-suite, presenting at a conference, persuading a peer, or simply sending a status update via email.

Unleash the Power of Storytelling: Win Hearts, Change Minds, Get Results

By Rob Biesenbach

Book description (via Amazon): “The market is flooded with a dizzying array of books, experts, and resources on business storytelling. This book cuts through the hype to clarify and demystify the storytelling process.

“Unleash the Power of Storytelling” offers step-by-step instructions for finding, shaping and telling powerful stories. You’ll learn about the essential ingredients that go into any good story and how to avoid common storytelling pitfalls.”

Why you should read it: Humans are emotional beings, and narratives appeal to that, enabling them to receive and digest information more easily. Effective storytelling, however, often can take practice. This practical how-to explains why stories work, offers a simple three-part template for crafting a narrative, and includes tips on refining stories and delivering them effectively. It also contains examples of how to use a narrative approach in various situations like company meetings, job interviews, and presentations.

Like Biesenbach’s approach? Check out his other book,  11 Deadly Presentation Sins: A Path to Redemption for Public Speakers, PowerPoint Users and Anyone Who Has to Get Up and Talk in Front of an Audience , for 100 tips on saving yourself from PowerPoint hell.

[ New research from Harvard Business Review Analytic Services identifies four focus areas for CIOs as they seek more flexibility, resilience, and momentum for digital transformation. Download the report now. ]

Five Stars: The Communication Secrets to Get from Good to Great

By Carmine Gallo

Book description (via Amazon): “Ideas don’t sell themselves. As the forces of globalization, automation, and artificial intelligence combine to disrupt every field, having a good idea isn’t good enough. Mastering the ancient art of persuasion is the key to standing out, getting ahead, and achieving greatness in the modern world. Communication is no longer a ‘soft’ skill―it is the human edge that will make you unstoppable, irresistible, and irreplaceable―earning you that perfect rating, that fifth star.”

Why you should read it: Carmine Gallo, the author of  Talk Like TED  (another great communication read), turns to Aristotle’s three-part formula for persuasion, to which he says all great communicators from the founding fathers to today’s most successful business leaders adhere: ethos (credibility), logos (logic), and pathos (emotion). He also brings in neuroscientists, economists, historians, billionaires, and business leaders of companies like Google, Nike, and Airbnb to show illustrate just how it works.

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Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone

By Mark Goulston

Book description (via Amazon): “Getting through to someone is a fine art, indeed, but a critical one nonetheless. Whether you are dealing with a harried colleague, a stressed-out client, or an insecure spouse, things will go from bad to worse if you can’t break through emotional barricades and get your message thoroughly communicated and registered. Drawing on his experience as a psychiatrist, business consultant, and coach, author Mark Goulston shares simple but powerful techniques readers can use to break through the stubborn and hardened outer layers of coworkers, friends, strangers, or even enemies.”

Why you should read it: How do you get people to listen? Psychiatrist and business coach Goulston offers tools and techniques for breaking down communication barriers whether dealing with “defiant executives, angry employees or self-destructing management teams.” Goulston brings his experience in training hostage negotiators to bear offering instruction on how to build empathy, de-escalate conflict, and get buy-in.

We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter

By Celeste Headlee

Book description (via Amazon): “Today most of us communicate from behind electronic screens, and studies show that Americans feel less connected and more divided than ever before. The blame for some of this disconnect can be attributed to our political landscape, but the erosion of our conversational skills as a society lies with us as individuals.

And the only way forward, says Celeste Headlee, is to start talking to each other. In ‘We Need to Talk,’ she outlines the strategies that have made her a better conversationalist – and offers simple tools that can improve anyone’s communication.“

[ Learn the non-negotiable skills, technologies, and processes CIOs are leaning on to build resilience and agility in this HBR Analytic Services report:  Pillars of resilient digital transformation: How CIOs are driving organizational agility . ]

Why you should read it: Public radio host Headlee has had plenty of difficult conversations – often live and on their air. Here, she shares a number of her best tips for true engagement with other humans in even the most contentious or uncomfortable situations, such as checking your bias at the door, hiding your phone, avoiding multitasking, being ready to learn, and never repeating yourself.

Power Questions: Build Relationships, Win New Business, and Influence Others

By Andrew Sobel and Jerold Panas

Book description (via Amazon): “Skillfully redefine problems. Make an immediate connection with anyone. Rapidly determine if a client is ready to buy. Access the deepest dreams of others. ‘Power Questions’ sets out a series of strategic questions that will help you win new business and dramatically deepen your professional and personal relationships. The book showcases thirty-five riveting, real conversations with CEOs, billionaires, clients, colleagues, and friends. Each story illustrates the extraordinary power and impact of a thought-provoking, incisive power question.“

Why you should read it: A powerful question, the authors argue, can transform any conversation. It can even make the difference between great success and failure, as they illustrate with the example of how Steve Jobs’s single motivating question led to breakthroughs in the development of the Mac. In another example, an unasked question cost a major company a huge project bid. Sobel and Panas serve up 337 “essential questions” matched to 35 common business-related situations, whether you’re seeking to refocus a meeting or understand someone else’s goals and motivations.

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12 Must-Read Books to Boost Your Communication Skills

People often have difficulty expressing themselves clearly, confidently and compassionately, whether in personal relationships, the workplace or social settings. Fear of making mistakes, appearing foolish or facing criticism can hinder communication. With the rise of digital communication, these challenges have only multiplied, making developing strong communication skills more crucial than ever.

Many books offer practical advice, strategies and insights for overcoming these challenges and learning how to talk to anyone. In addition to improving public speaking skills, managing difficult conversations and connecting with those around you, the following best books on communication skills can serve as valuable resources for effective communication.

These 12 books have been carefully selected to provide you with a comprehensive toolkit for mastering communication in various aspects of life. Each book offers unique insights that can inspire change and foster personal growth.

1. Talk Like TED

By Carmine Gallo

Talk Like TED addresses the common fear of public speaking and the challenge of giving impactful presentations. Carmine Gallo examines some of the most successful TED Talks to uncover nine secrets that make these presentations engaging and memorable. These insights go beyond typical public speaking tips, delving into the art of storytelling and connecting emotionally with the audience.

If you want to improve your public speaking skills, Talk Like TED is available in hardcover, audio and Kindle formats, making it accessible in whichever way best suits your learning style.

2. Dare to Lead

By Brené Brown

Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead explores the essential traits of effective leadership, focusing on vulnerability, empathy and courage. Based on extensive research with leaders and decision-makers, Brown emphasizes the importance of investing in these human qualities, especially as technology advances. As she notes:

“The irony is that we’re choosing not to invest in developing the hearts and minds of leaders at the exact same time as we’re scrambling to figure out what we have to offer that machines and AI can’t do better and faster. What can we do better? Empathy, connection, and courage, to start.”

Her research-based insights provide practical strategies for leaders looking to foster team trust and connection. If you’re interested in developing your leadership and communication skills, consider getting Dare to Lead on Amazon.

Related Articles: 10 Communication Secrets of Great Leaders , 13 Communication Mistakes Leaders Make

3. Think Faster, Talk Smarter

By Matt Abrahams

Spontaneous communication in meetings, interviews or casual conversations can be intimidating. Think Faster, Talk Smarter offers strategies to help you communicate effectively on the fly. This book focuses on developing mental agility to respond confidently and quickly to challenges.

Author Matt Abrahams offers tips on staying calm under pressure, expressing yourself clearly and organizing your thoughts. This book is for anyone seeking to improve their ability to think independently in professional and social settings.

Whether preparing for an interview, giving a public speech or simply improving your everyday conversations, Think Faster, Talk Smarter provides practical tools to help you improve your communication.

4. Surrounded by Idiots

By Thomas Erikson

Understanding behavior types is critical to effective communication. In Surrounded by Idiots , people are categorized into four types: Reds, Yellows, Greens and Blues, each with distinct communication styles. This book guides you in recognizing these types and adapting your approach accordingly.

Erikson’s insights are helpful in both personal and professional settings. By understanding others’ behavior types, you can tailor your communication to reduce misunderstandings and improve relationships.

For example, the Reds are decisive, while the Blues are analytical. Recognizing these traits helps you communicate more effectively, making interactions smoother and more productive. Surrounded by Idiots is available in hardcover, audio and Kindle formats, offering flexible access.

5. How to Win Friends & Influence People

By  Dale Carnegie

How to Win Friends & Influence People is a cornerstone of communication skills. Originally published in 1936, its timeless principles highlight how to make people like you understand your way of thinking and influence them.

Carnegie’s advice is simple but powerful: smile, show genuine interest and remember names. Developing interpersonal communication skills remains essential.

This book covers six ways to make people like you, twelve ways to persuade others and nine ways to influence without resentment. Using these leadership insights, you can develop in your professional career and make your personal life easier.

How to Win Friends & Influence People is available in hardcover, audio and Kindle formats.

6. Crucial Conversations

By Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler and Kerry Patterson

Crucial Conversations guides you through high-stakes discussions where opinions differ, emotions run high and outcomes are crucial. Despite disagreement, the authors offer strategies for staying calm, cultivating open dialogue and achieving mutual respect.

The book also teaches how to respond when someone initiates a crucial conversation with you, emphasizing the importance of listening first and keeping emotions in check. Additionally, it helps readers identify and address the lag time between recognizing a problem and actually discussing it, encouraging timely and constructive dialogue. 

The third edition also covers communication across digital platforms, an increasingly important skill in today’s landscape. Crucial Conversations is a highly recommended read if you’re looking to master difficult conversations or develop communication skills for more effective leadership .

7. Verbal Judo

By George J. Thompson

In Verbal Judo, George J. Thompson introduces a communication approach focused on empathy, listening and strategic speaking. The book teaches how to use words to defuse conflict, build rapport and effectively persuade others.

Thompson’s method involves redirecting aggression into calm, productive dialogue, making it particularly useful for handling confrontations and difficult conversations. Drawing from his experience as a police officer, Thompson provides techniques to help you navigate challenging interactions with confidence and control.

Verbal Judo is a valuable guide for anyone looking to improve their conflict resolution skills.

8. Nonviolent Communication

By Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD

Nonviolent Communication is a guide to empathetic and compassionate communication. Marshall B. Rosenberg introduces a four-step process—observations, feelings, needs and requests—to help you express yourself honestly while understanding others’ perspectives.

The book teaches how to replace communication blocks like criticism or blame with understanding, empathy and mutual respect, making it especially effective for resolving conflicts and fostering more profound connections. More than just a technique, Nonviolent Communication is a philosophy that promotes peace and understanding in all interactions, making it essential for anyone looking to improve their relationships.

9. Made to Stick

By Chip Heath & Dan Heath

Why do some ideas stick while others fade away? Chip Heath and Dan Heath’s Made to Stick explores how to make your ideas more memorable and impactful. Successful ideas are simple, unexpected, concrete, credible, emotional and story-backed.

While Made to Stick focuses on communication, it’s really about getting your ideas heard. Whether you’re crafting a presentation, writing a blog or leading a team, the lessons from this book will help you communicate more effectively.

For anyone looking to make their message resonate, Made to Stick is an essential guide to crafting compelling and persuasive communication.

10. Getting to Yes

By Roger Fisher & William Ury

Negotiation is a critical communication skill, and Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher and William Ury is one of the most respected books on the subject. The book introduces “principled negotiation,” a method focused on reaching mutually acceptable agreements rather than engaging in adversarial haggling.

Key principles include:

• Separating people from the problem: Address issues without personal attacks to keep negotiations respectful.
• Focusing on interests, not positions: Understand the underlying interests driving demands rather than rigidly sticking to positions.
• Inventing options for mutual gain: Create solutions that satisfy both parties’ needs.
• Insisting on objective criteria: Use fair standards to avoid power imbalances in the agreement.

Getting to Yes is invaluable for anyone involved in negotiations, whether in business, legal disputes or personal matters. Its straightforward techniques make reaching agreements that everyone can live with easier. Getting to Yes is available for those looking to improve their negotiation skills.

11. Thinking, Fast and Slow

By Daniel Kahneman

In Thinking, Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman explores our two thinking systems: System 1, which is fast, intuitive and emotional, and System 2, which is slower, deliberative and logical. He argues that understanding these systems will help you solve problems and make better decisions.

We make quick, intuitive decisions based on biases and heuristics that may or may not serve us well. Knowing these shortcuts can help you communicate more thoughtfully and avoid judgmental pitfalls.

This book will be handy if you are interested in communication and decision-making, especially thinking critically and rationally. Thinking, Fast and Slow is a must-read for anyone looking to enhance their cognitive and communication skills.

12. Talking to Strangers

By Malcolm Gladwell

In Talking to Strangers , Malcolm Gladwell explores how we often misunderstand people we don’t know. Gladwell examines our tools and strategies for understanding strangers, which often fail.

The book illuminates assumptions and biases that cloud judgment by examining high-profile miscommunication cases. Gladwell’s analysis encourages readers to be more cautious and thoughtful in their interactions with strangers.

If you want to improve your ability to communicate with people you don’t know well, Talking to Strangers offers valuable insights into the complexities of human interaction.

Enhance Your Communication Skills With These Must-Read Books

Effective communication can transform your personal and professional life, and reading these 12 books is an excellent start. Each offers practical tools to improve your public speaking, navigate difficult conversations and connect more deeply with others. These resources can help you gain confidence, clarity and empathy, which are essential for strong communication.

Many readers have praised these books for their actionable advice and insights. For example, How to Win Friends and Influence People continues to receive rave reviews for its timeless wisdom, while Talk Like TED has been lauded for helping readers improve their public speaking skills. For similar reading, consider books like Thich Nhat Hanh’s The Art of Communicating, Chris Voss’s Never Split the Difference and Robert Cialdini’s Influence . These offer additional strategies for mastering communication in various contexts.

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The 28 Best Books on Communication Skills to Read in 2024

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If you want to define the human in a simple way, the first thing that comes to mind could be “The human is a social creature” that evolved through its power to communicate:

• Using words – verbal communication, storytelling, and writing
• Body language

Knowing how to communicate efficiently is (probably) the most important social skill because, willingly or not, you’re communicating something all the time.

Even though communication is an integrated part of what means to be human, which should mean we already took it to it highest point that it could be, that is not so. The human is inventive and loves new things; therefore, we’ll never stop developing new and improved ways to communicate.

Keep your communication skills up to date, become a better communicator, and you’ll be a winner in life.

Storytelling – Most people overlook this form of communication even though we are using it daily and it’s one of the most powerful ways to influence the result of your interactions. For that reason, we start talking about the best books on communication with seven  books on storytelling :

Table of Contents

1. The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller – John Truby

2. the story factor – annette simmons, 3. resonate: present visual stories that transform audiences – nancy duarte, 4. storytelling with data: a data visualization guide for business professionals – cole nussbaumer knaflic, 5. all marketers are liars: the underground classic that explains how marketing really works–and why authenticity is the best marketing of all – seth godin, 6. wired for story: the writer’s guide to using brain science to hook readers from the very first sentence – lisa cron, 7. the power of storytelling – ty bennett, 8. the secrets of successful communication: a simple guide to effective encounters in business (big brain vs. little brain communication) – kevin t. mccarney, 9. 4 essential keys to effective communication in love, life, work–anywhere: including the “12-day communication challenge” – bento c. leal iii, 10. conversational intelligence: how great leaders build trust and get extraordinary results – judith e. glaser, 11. the coaching habit: say less, ask more & change the way you lead forever – michael bungay stanier, 12. the lost art of listening, second edition: how learning to listen can improve relationships – michael p. nichols, 13. mastering communication at work: how to lead, manage, and influence – ethan f. becker, jon wortmann, 14. messages: the communication skills book 3rd edition – matthew mckay ph.d. , martha davis ph.d., patrick fanning, 15. everyone communicates, few connect: what the most effective people do differently – john c. maxwell, 16. the naked presenter: delivering powerful presentations with or without slides (voices that matter) – garr reynolds, 17. power questions: build relationships, win new business, and influence others – andrew sobel, jerold panas, 18. thanks for the feedback: the science and art of receiving feedback well – douglas stone, sheila heen, 19. daring greatly: how the courage to be vulnerable transforms the way we live, love, parent, and lead – brené brown, 20. crucial conversations tools for talking when stakes are high, second edition – kerry patterson, joseph grenny, 21. power relationships: 26 irrefutable laws for building extraordinary relationships – andrew sobel, jerold panas, 22. failure to communicate: how conversations go wrong and what you can do to right them – holly weeks, 23. the power of approachability – scott ginsberg, 24. you just don’t understand: women and men in conversation – deborah tannen, 25. talk like ted: the 9 public-speaking secrets of the world’s top minds – carmine gallo, 26. how to win friends and influence people – dale carnegie, 27. how to talk to anyone: 92 little tricks for big success in relationships – leil lowndes, 28. just listen: discover the secret to getting through to absolutely anyone – mark goulston.

If you’d like to improve your storytelling skills, you might benefit greatly from starting with this book.

Discover how to:

• Place your story (time and space)
• Choose the premise of your story
• Make the structure of your story (in seven steps)
• Build up your characters
• Construct the moral argument and teaching
• Use symbols
• Create a plot

Are you wondering why you should learn how to make up and tell stories? And how is that improving your communication skills? Storytelling helps you communicate (covertly) sensitive issues (it doesn’t feel personal, or patronizing advice).

You’ll discover in this book how to:

• Say a story – do’s and don’ts
• Use stories to influence others
• Develop a story that can do more than facts can
• Create a good story
• Motivate and inspire your loved ones, friends, and employees (through stories)

This book is a case study of how you can use stories to become an effective communicator. (Most boys never ate spinach until “Popeye the Sailor”…)

Someone discovered a while back that asking questions keeps your audience engaged with you by eliciting curiosity. However, these days almost any presentation starts with questions… annoying questions, that is!

I remember a commercial that started with one of those annoying questions “do you know what is the one thing I do every day?” the first thing that came to my mind was “Of course I know, we all go at least once a day to do that thing… Thank you very much for the image…”

Be different. Learn how to communicate your messages and ideas starting with a story. A compelling story that people can’t stop listening, getting curious about what happens in your story, wanting to know all you have to say.

Learn from this book how to make that compelling story that captivates and draws attention to your message.

“I’m depressed,” one of my friends told me “in a few weeks I’ll turn 40.”

I thought, what better gift I can give to my friend other than help her see that, actually turning 40 comes with many advantages. So, I made for her a video story, using data and graphics.

A few days after her birthday she said to me ” being 40 is much more enjoyable than I thought.”

Learn from this book how to tell a story constructed around facts, statistics, and data, to communicate your message in a fun and captivating way.

Some adverts are half-truths or plain lies (…starting with annoying questions…). Yet, we are forgiving with those that know how to sell to us lies pretty packaged in beautiful stories.

That (being lied) is not a bad thing in itself considering the vastness of offers and choices you have when you got to make a decision. A romanced story about the boring WC you have to buy can make your choice match easier.

Discovering this book how to:

• Package your message into a beautiful story
• Know when a pretty story doesn’t contain a pretty offer
• Censure and improve your worldview so that marketers can’t take advantage of you
• Say authentic (true) stories to make your message easier to understand and remember

Have you heard? Apparently, the modern human has the attention span almost equal to a goldfish. Not surprisingly though, considering all the means we have these days to entertain ourselves.

When communicating with those around, you’re competing almost always with many things that can be much more interesting then what you have to say. Not that your message is not interesting, but “clean up the garage” can’t beat discovering the latest car model.

Even though this book is dedicated mostly to writers, the principals presented in it can be applied in most interactions you have to hook people and get them interested in what you have to say.

This book is for anyone who wants to make a change, influence and motivate others, someone interested in speaking (public speaking and other presentations), selling, being a leader or a parent.

This book is a great inspiration on how to communicate your ideas and message using stories.

You’ll discover in “The power of storytelling” how to:

• Amplify your influence on others
• The science behind storytelling
• Place stories in your presentations
• Improve your storytelling skills
• Tell compelling, memorable, and dynamic stories

Take your communication skills a level up starting with mastering the art of storytelling. Knowing how to package your ideas and messages in a story frame gives them more power because people, not only remember and love stories but also feel happy to share them; when you say a story to one person, that one person will take it to many others.

In this book, you’ll discover:

• The seven principles of (what the author calls) big brain communication and how to apply them
• How to increase your communication skills using your awareness, adjusting your tone and words, staying in control, and taking full advantage of your power to influence others
• Ways to avoid being a pushover and, at the same time, make people feel comfortable around you and eager to listen what you have to say

If you’re interested in learning new tips on how to communicate efficiently at home, at work, with your friends or complete strangers, this book is for you.

If you’d like to enhance your communication skills and improve your relationships by overcoming communication barriers, this book is for you.

• Feed your relationships with positive things like gratitude and appreciation, empathic awareness, and listening
• Improve and use your listening skills for effective communication
• Achieve mutual understanding and respect
• Manage or avoid conflicts
• Maintain and care of those relationships that matter the most to you

If you find it difficult to talk to others, express your ideas, and share your knowledge for a maximum impact, this book is for you.

You’ll discover in this book:

• Things you can learn from your past failures (conversations that have gone wrong)
• How to give a voice that will be heard by gaining trust
• Ways to increase your conversational intelligence

A big part of skilled communication is to know what, when, and how to ask questions. Even though, this book is addressed mainly to coaches, contains valuable knowledge and information for anyone who’s in an authority position (e.g., a parent, a teacher, a leader).

You’ll learn from this book how to:

• Apply kickstart questions that jump-start any conversation
• Lead the focus of your discussions
• Save time using lazy or strategic questions
• Find out the root cause of challenges and issues the person you’re speaking has
• Use questions to ensure the effectiveness of your conversations

Communication is a two-way street. Yet, we live so much time lost in our thoughts, that many of our conversations and interactions are, let’s say imaginary: one party imagines being listened to, and the other one imagines they are listening.

Learn from this book how to:

• Improve your listening skills
• Deepen your connections to others by listening and being listened to
• Overcome the reasons why people don’t listen
• Listen and have a voice in your family, workplace, and friends environment

If you need more convincing that improving listening skills is a must when it comes to communication, just think about who’s wiser at the end of an interaction? The listener or the person that puts everything on the table?

Communication is rarely easy, especially if you’re an authority figure or with those you can’t avoid (e.g., coworkers).

Learn from this book how to master communication at work and make your work environment more enjoyable and relaxed.

This book is teaching you communication techniques on how to:

• Create rapport with your listeners
• Present your ideas with passion and inspire those who are listening
• Motivate the people you’re working with
• Frame your ideas to be embraced by others
• Validate others opinion and views and much more

Many people attributed the breakdown of their relationships to lack of communication. Yet, the reality is, lack of communication doesn’t exist because we are communicating something all the time (even silence is a form of communication).

• Tailor your message for a job interview
• Master group interactions
• Negotiate and resolve conflicts
• Deal with children
• Improve your communication with your partners, spouse, friends

If you ever wonder how come you don’t get along with people you (really) care about and who care about you, this book will give you the answer: You’re talking to each other but never seem to connect.

Discover (in this book) why connecting to others is not always as easy as it looks. Polish your communication and connecting skills by finding out:

• How come connecting with others is a skill and not a natural talent
• Why knowing how to connect with others increases your influence on them
• The five connecting practices that will help you  improve your relationships , inspire people and deal with difficult individuals

If you’d like to know how to give a powerful speech or presentation this book is for you.

Learn the seven steps and how to present and deliver your ideas, so that your audience feels compelled to listen:

• How to gain the confidence to speak in front of others
• The keys to a successful preparation
• Win the audience through your presence
• Show enthusiasm about the subject you’re talking about and engage with your audience
• Keep your listeners interested
• Deliver a powerful ending
• How to add to your communication skills what you learn from every presentation you give

One good question can be more effective for eliciting attention than ten well-documented statements. Most people love a question more than a piece of advice because it makes them feel curious, come up on their own with the answer to their issues and problems, provokes them to be creative and ingenious.

This book is full of examples of questions you can ask, improve your communication skills, and the results you get.

Learn from this book how to deliver and receive feedback. You might think you don’t need to learn that because you’re an open-minded person that understands the simple fact that no one is perfect and all of us have some room for improvement. Yet, most times we feel feedback as a criticism because we tend to take all things personally.

It is impossible for you not to communicate something all the time; that fact might make you feel vulnerable and avoid connecting with others or behave in ways you don’t feel proud.

Learn from this book how to communicate in ways that feeling vulnerable becomes an asset and changes for the better your behavior to your loved ones.

This book is based on new research, many case studies, and helps you communicate effectively in situations you have a lot to lose if you don’t know how to present your ideas, wishes, opinion, and views.

Learn from this book what means to:

• Master a critical conversation
• Keep your eye on the ball
• Act whit calm in any situation
• Speak persuasively and influence the course of the conversation
• Get curious about the other party’s intentions
• Take advantage of crucial conversations (actions and results)

Learn from this book how to improve your relationships and make them great by using 26 laws for building extraordinary relationships.

Discover in this book (among the 26 laws):

• What could be missing from a relationship to become meaningful
• What is the most significant gift you can offer to your loved ones
• How to share good and (also) bad
• When to provide your support
• How to attract in your life the people you like and admire

Discover in this book:

• How can a conversation turn the wrong way and what to do about it
• Tips on ways to increase your communication skills by thinking outside of the box
• Ways to overcome your fear and have those difficult conversations you’ve been avoiding
• Secrets of changing wrong mentalities and misconceptions
• How to manage your emotions and keep your cool no matter where the conversation goes

For people to open a line of communication with you, first, they must believe you’re open to a conversation.

• Become memorable and make an excellent first impression
• Feel approachable and build your support network (in business and life)
• Become an admired leader, not a feared one

Women and men have different styles of communication which can lead to many misunderstandings and misinterpretations. Sometimes, it can feel like we are talking in different languages.

Discover in this book some of those differences, improve your communication with the opposite sex, and make your relationships long-lasting, a true partnership.

Many people believe that public speaking is reserved to having a presentation in front of a large number of people. Yet, you’re “public speaking” anytime you must have a conversation with more than two strangers at the same time. That happens quite a lot. Isn’t it?

Discover in this book what are the secrets of most successful speakers that have been invited to a TED talk and how can you apply them in your presentations or day to day life.

This is not a self help book for people who want to make friends; it’s a book that emphasizes the basic tenants of leadership in a work environment.

This book will teach you:

• how to deal with people
• how to treat people
• how to relate to people
• how to get them on your side

If you’re trying to develop your people skills and improve your personal/business life, this book might just have the solutions you need.

Do you want to be more skilled in the art of communicating and dealing with people?  How to Talk to Anyone  offers 92 not-so-little tricks and techniques that teach people how to communicate for success.

Leil Lowndes covers everything from making a great first impression to mastering small talk, body language, and big talks, how to walk and talk like a winner, and so much more!

If you’re having a hard time communicating with ease, then give  “Just Listen”  a try. It provides a number of strategies to make communication more effective.

Although it is a small book, it’s jam-packed with a great deal of highly useful information and advice.

From cover to cover, this bestseller provides examples of what you can do to help someone understand your point of view or calm a person down during a conversation.

Discover ways to deepen your relationship with other people and get through to absolutely anyone.

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Carmen Jacob

Communication skills you need at work

12 award-winning speech and presentation skill books.

12 May 2021

Why is it difficult to find good communication books?

Most people search for a topic on Amazon and browse the first few pages of results. This approach usually shows the books with the highest rankings and highest sales. Usually, these are books that everyone has heard of. Those books get more sales, which in turn keeps the book at the top of the rankings.

Unfortunately, this approach keeps a lot of great books hidden from potential buyers. There are some great titles that lie hidden on results page five and beyond.

It takes time to wade through pages of search results on Amazon. So, to save you some time, here is a list of communication books that have won major book awards in the last 10 years. Each of these books was recognized at prestigious international awards including The Axiom Business Book Awards (USA), The Business Book Awards (UK), International Book Award, IPPY, and the Eric Hoffer award.

If you want to improve your communication skills at work there are many great books to choose from. But, if you want the cream of the crop, these are the award-winners.

Award-winning communication books about speech and presentation skills

The Speaker’s Coach: 60 Secrets to Make Your Talk, Speech or Presentation Amazing Graham Shaw, (Business Book Awards 2020).

Goodbye Glossophobia: Banish Your Fear of Public Speaking Esther Stanhope, (Business Book Awards 2020).

The Busy Person’s Guide To Great Presenting: Become a Compelling, Confident Presenter. Every Time Lee Warren, (Business Book Awards 2019).

You Were Born To Speak: So What’s Holding You Back? Richard Newman (2019 Axiom Silver and Rubery award 2019 finalist).

The Leader’s Guide to Presenting: How to Use Soft Skills to Get Hard Results Tom Bird and Jeremy Cassell (Business Book Awards 2018).

Get to the point: Sharpen Your Message and Make Your Words Matter Joel Schwartzberg (IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award silver winner and 2018 Next Generation Indie award winner).

Stop Lecturing Start Communicating: The Public Speaking Survival Guide for Business Maria D. Gallo (International Book Awards 2015, finalist).

Edge Presentation: Your Guide to Trust-Based Presentations Ben A. Ratje (2015 Axiom Bronze).

Boring to Bravo: Proven Presentation Techniques to Engage, Involve, and Inspire Your Audience to Action Kristin Arnold (2012 Axiom Bronze).

Resonate: Present Visual Stories That Transform Audiences Nancy Duarte (2011 Axiom Gold).

Putting Stories to Work: Mastering Business Storytelling Shawn Callahan (2017 Axiom Gold).

The Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures Dan Roam (2009 Axiom Gold).

Disclaimer: I have read some of these books, but have not read them all (although I am working through the list at about one book a month). This list is not my personal recommendation, but they are recommended by the judges at some of the biggest book awards in the world. That alone makes them worth a look.

Affiliate links: If you buy one of these award-winning speech and presentation skill books after using the links on this page, I may earn a tiny commission from the Amazon affiliate program. This in no way influenced the inclusion of a book on this list. These are all legitimate award winners and that is the only criteria I used to put them on the list.

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Fundamental communication skills, improving technical to business communication.

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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Communication for Business Success

(39 reviews)

Copyright Year: 2015

ISBN 13: 9781946135056

Publisher: University of Minnesota Libraries Publishing

Language: English

Formats Available

Conditions of use.

Learn more about reviews.

Reviewed by April Schofield, Senior Lecturer and Director, Metropolitan State University of Denver on 7/15/22

This is a very comprehensive textbook and includes over 600 pages of content. It includes the necessary components to help students communicate effectively in business environments. read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

This is a very comprehensive textbook and includes over 600 pages of content. It includes the necessary components to help students communicate effectively in business environments.

Content Accuracy rating: 4

The included content is very accurate. There are some areas that need updating to reflect the current business environment.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 3

Since the book was published in 2015, newer concepts are not addressed. For example, how to communicate effectively in virtual meetings or via social channels. The nature of how we communicate has significantly changed since 2015 so any business communication textbook that is older will have similar shortfalls. I do believe this content could be added in standalone sections or chapters.

Clarity rating: 5

The book is conversational and engaging. It is appropriate for an introductory level class and for students from various majors. I think all students could benefit from the communication concepts outlined in this book, not strictly business students.

Consistency rating: 5

The format and writing style are consistent throughout the entire book.

Modularity rating: 5

The book is easily broken up into smaller reading sections. I appreciated the questions to start each chapter, the reviews of important concepts, and the exercises at the end of each chapter. These could be used as classroom conversations, homework assignments, etc.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The early chapters are foundational (why communication is important, the science of language and communication), followed by "how to" chapters. The table of contents provides a robust overview of topics, beyond chapter titles.

Interface rating: 5

There are multiple formats available, including PDF, ebook, online, XML, and ODF. I reviewed both the PDF and ebook versions. The various sections in the table of contents are hyperlinked. I found both formats easy to navigate and did not experience any issues.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The book is well-written and I did not notice grammatical errors. This is very important for a book focused on communication!

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

Intercultural and international communication is addressed throughout the book and an entire chapter is devoted to the topic.

Reviewed by Heather Leigh Maher, Adjunct Professor, City Colleges of Chicago on 5/31/22

While the book covers many essential topics in detail, others are less updated than is optimal and yet others are intermingled with other chapter headings, making them harder to find than I am used to in this type of textbook (such as more basic... read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

While the book covers many essential topics in detail, others are less updated than is optimal and yet others are intermingled with other chapter headings, making them harder to find than I am used to in this type of textbook (such as more basic but important principles, such as audience analysis, which is scattered throughout several other chapters beyond the one titled as containing such information). Some ideas are basic, which is great to cover survey and more advanced courses, but I have a feeling I'd be having students read selections from several chapters for several topics I'm used to having more consolidated. While the table of contents is hyperlinked in the online and PDF versions, there is no index, which makes it tedious to identify every location relevant to a topic without extreme front-loading in course planning. Despite this, if it had more information on electronic elements that have changed the business landscape in the past 10 years or so, it might be worth doing the work--and maybe even supplementing missing items.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

It is accurate, but missing definitions for some jargon that may be hard for brand new business students, while including others when they probably aren't necessary. It seems to be biased only in that it seems to have a very specific student audience in mind, but I cannot for the life of me imagine actually meeting a student with that exact blend of needed and unneeded knowledge in one of my classes. Again, good if you like to customize your reading selections a great deal, but not as great if you're looking for a single text to fill the majority of your course content with only a smaller percentage of supplements from other sources.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 2

The book is already missing any significant content on how technology has massively changed business communication in the past 10 years, and while it mentions it indirectly (basically saying "it's affecting things") in several places, without at least one chapter dedicated to those changes, it seems both incomplete and very hard to update and revise.

Clarity rating: 4

Some jargon isn't given enough context to be clear for the range of learning levels the book attempts to cover (by my assessment), but the prose, while very heavy (minimal application of actual business writing principles in terms of white space and using visuals), is clear and well-edited.

Consistency rating: 2

The writing is consistent, but the level of assumed pre-existing knowledge is not consistent from chapter section to chapter section, or across chapters (some are much more consistent than others). The organizational structure is the weakest element of the book, as I mentioned with overlapping concepts discussed in multiple chapters that are not labeled in ways that would lead a reader--much less a student--to expect to find certain pieces of information in them.

Modularity rating: 2

As mentioned, there's overlap across chapters on topics, but not information, so you really need the whole thing. It's loosely organized into "Business Communication", "Business Writing", "Business Presentations", a bit on rhetoric, and then what feels like the author felt was "left over" in that they are important topics that didn't fit into the original outline? Maybe in a revision? I can only speculate. It also is quite prose-heavy without bread for illustrative graphics, which are always better received at the undergraduate level.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 1

One of my comments on "Modularity" is really the core commentary for me on this category, as the structure and organization looked excellent in the chapter titles, but the content proved they were a bit unfocused and, in some cases, misleading as relevant ideas were discussed in completely different sections: "...there's overlap across chapters on topics, but not information, so you really need the whole thing. It's loosely organized into "Business Communication", "Business Writing", "Business Presentations", a bit on rhetoric, and then what feels like the author felt was "left over" in that they are important topics that didn't fit into the original outline? Maybe in a revision? I can only speculate."

Interface rating: 4

The table of contents for the electronic PDF and the online version is all hyperlinked, which is great. The drop-down menus listing sub-sections in the chapters in the online version, is a bit clunky and unintuitive.

Well-edited.

Cultural Relevance rating: 2

All inter- and intra-cultural information in smushed into one of the chapters that feels like an afterthought or revision chapter added later. There is no integration of global business communication in any regular manner throughout the text, and exercises (which are weak in general) are very monocultural. It reads like a textbook for upper-middle class white students, written by one just a generation older. This is definitely an area where you'd need to go find another, *much* more detailed and specific source, especially for examples and possible homework exercises or group activities to put into action.

In general, I feel that this book is dated--not as much in content (but technology and non-American business knowledge and potential issues absolutely need a major addition with details and specific information), but in what it appears to emphasize. Perhaps the author was teaching several levels of skill across various classes and wanted one book that they could pick appropriate sections for all of them, or even just to save students even more money, but it reads as poorly organized and needing a major editorial structural overhaul (although I don't think modern editors even do that much work with authors any more). If you are willing to read the entire book, pretty much make your own index for how you want to organize your class, and don't mind supplementing close to half of your readings with outside sources, it could be extremely useful. However, you will definitely need to find the cultural and technological information elsewhere. I have survey-level students who have offered more specific and detailed information on both areas, but I do teach at an extremely diverse college system with many 1st, 1.5, and 2nd generation immigrants, as well as international students, which are excellent resources themselves in these areas.

Reviewed by Jessica Rick, Assistant Professor of Communication Studies, University of Southern Indiana on 5/20/22

This book is a comprehensive look at business and professional communication. It covers almost everything I would cover in my business and professional communication class. I really like the chapter on intercultural and international business... read more

This book is a comprehensive look at business and professional communication. It covers almost everything I would cover in my business and professional communication class. I really like the chapter on intercultural and international business practices as those are two areas often not included in other books.

This book is accurate.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

I didn't find many errors, but the definitions and models of communication are outdated. I believe the author could have found more recent definitions, models, and conceptions of communication. I also would have liked to see more of a discussion of organizational communication concepts in business communication.

Students were able to read and understand the book and its contents.

The book uses consistent terms and structure throughout. Previous chapters provide a good scaffolding for later chapters.

Modularity rating: 4

This book is almost too comprehensive that it is hard to navigate. But I do like that I can mix and match different parts of the book to fit my schedule and class content.

Students were able to follow the organization of the book. The numbering system makes it easy for students to find what to read for each class period.

No issues with the interface of the textbook.

No issues with the grammar.

Cultural Relevance rating: 4

Some of the examples could be updated to reflect a more nuanced understanding of a variety of perspectives. But overall, I was pleased with the cultural contexts discussed.

Reviewed by Susan Lantz, Teaching Associate Professor, West Virginia University on 4/25/22

The book is comprehensive. It definitely covers the basics. It covers areas of writing that I might not use for more advanced college writers, but would be absolutely vital for beginning college writers. read more

The book is comprehensive. It definitely covers the basics. It covers areas of writing that I might not use for more advanced college writers, but would be absolutely vital for beginning college writers.

The content was accurate. (Except for the page about web-search engines. . . which was outdated.)

For the most part, the authors/editors did a good job of avoiding language or references that were dated. They might want to revisit the page that lists "Some Examples of Internet Search Sites." They listed "Alta Vista" for example. . . which has since been taken over by Yahoo. They also list sites like dogpile, webcrawler, and The Encyclopedia Britannica. This information was pretty cutting edge in 2002, but times have changed.

The material was well-written, clear, and concise.

The text was internally consistent and easy to navigate. (This might change, though, according to formatting. I found the PDF easy to use, though.)

I was pleasantly pleased at how easy to the text was to read, divide, and excerpt.

The text was organized quite nicely. It was easy for me to find what I was looking for, and it followed a logical progression.

Navigation was no problem.

Grammar was fine. It was not (thankfully) overwritten.

I was very pleased to note that the text chose to discuss sensitive cultural issues in a very elegant manner.

Here's the thing about communication: The rules don't change much. Business Communication is all about getting the right information to the right person at the right time. What does change, is the technology we use to make it happen. It is nearly impossible to publish anything current that covers everything one needs to to about current methods of communicating using technology. The information is too "bleeding edge" and changes so quickly, that it would be out-dated almost immediately. The thing that this book does (and does very well) is stick to the basic rules of communication that don't change (with the exception of the search engine page.) Nearly every other section of the book sticks very firmly to the information that students need to know that does not change on a regular basis. The information about social media/videos/tiktok/instagram/facebook/YouTube/thenextbigthing is easily imporable from the web. This division makes it almost the perfect open educational resource.

Reviewed by Christina Wooten, Business Technology Faculty, Rogue Community College on 1/3/22

The material covered in the text is comprehensive as expected from a Business Communications text. Basics of Communication, Message, Audience, Writing, Types of Delivery, as well as three sections on different styles of presentation are included.... read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 3 see less

The material covered in the text is comprehensive as expected from a Business Communications text. Basics of Communication, Message, Audience, Writing, Types of Delivery, as well as three sections on different styles of presentation are included. This text does not have an index or glossary. The table of contents is thorough with chapter and section headings linked for easy navigation.

The text accurately portrays the topics covered. It appears to be overall an unbiased text. The content is, overall, error-free.

Overall, the text is up-to-date with technical information. There are some cultural points that may become outdated quickly (or could feel alienating to some students). For example, in "Demographic Traits" on page 86, there is a heavy focus on male/female as an example of a demographic trait. However, later in the same chapter, a lengthy discussion on "mutuality and non-judgmental-ism" ensues. Chapter 9 covers "up-to-date" communication methods used in the business arena very well. These include text, email, netiquette, memos, letters, proposals, reports, resume, and sales messages. Chapter 18 covers Intercultural Communication. My concern with this section is the references used are from 1958 and 2005. I feel strongly that there are more recent examples of references that could be used.

Clarity rating: 3

The text is written clearly with many bold faced words. There is no glossary or side-bar definitions, so the student would need to be informed to look the words up in a different dictionary.

The book is consistent in terminology, ideology, and framework throughout. The flow would be easy for a student to follow through a course.

The text is laid out in such a way that reading assignments could easily be created. Also, the text is broken up with exercises and images (most of which are relevant, clear, and correctly cited.) While some sections of the text do not have images, the blocks of text are broken up into nice sized sections with headings.

One change I would make if I were to use this text would be as follows: Chapter 18: Intercultural and International Business Communication is the next to last chapter in the book. I would place this far earlier (around the section where Sender/Receiver and Audience are discussed). This was the only place in the text where the material appeared (or felt) "out of order" for overall flow.

The links provided in the chapters and in the additional resources all work accurately. Images are clear and mostly related to text. There are two images that could be changed to a better image (one is the iceberg in Figure 3.4 the second is a clip art type image in Figure 9.6 which looks strangely out of place.

I did not notice any glaring grammar issues or errors.

I did not notice any examples that could be exclusive other than the gender example previously mentioned. There are several images which appear culturally inclusive.

The exercises though out the book (questions) are excellent starter questions for online discussion forums. The "Additional Resources" links at the conclusion of each chapter are excellent and offer the student (and instructor) many additional resources for class. There is no glossary or index for this text.

Reviewed by Steven Bookman, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Pace University on 6/23/21

The text covers all areas in addition to topics (e.g., ) not always covered. However, I wish some topics have more coverage (i.e., business modalities) while others have less. Overall, the this text is good for an introductory business writing... read more

The text covers all areas in addition to topics (e.g., ) not always covered. However, I wish some topics have more coverage (i.e., business modalities) while others have less. Overall, the this text is good for an introductory business writing course.

Content is accurate, error-free and unbiased.

The content is up-to-date. However, I wish the book was updated, so that it includes social media. Having said this, necessary updates would relatively easy and straightforward to implement. I had to bring in my own examples and case studies from other sources to supplement the text.

The author writes this text in a lucid, accessible prose, and provides adequate context for any jargon/technical terminology used.

The text is internally consistent in terms of terminology and framework.

The text is easily and readily divisible into smaller reading sections that can be assigned at different points within the course (i.e., enormous blocks of text without subheadings should be avoided).

The topics in the text are presented in a logical, clear fashion.

The text is free of significant interface issues, including navigation problems, distortion of images/charts, and any other display features that may distract or confuse the reader. There are a few options to read the book as well.

The text contains no grammatical errors.

The text is not culturally insensitive or offensive in any way although there could be some text with diversity, as this is a big issue these days. In the book's defense, it can easily be updated since it was written in 2015.

Reviewed by Karen Gaines, Associate Professor, Kansas City Kansas Community College on 5/7/21

The book is pretty thorough with the topics that are covered. In fact, there are topics in the presentation sections that are not normally covered in the business communications textbooks that I currently use. The order in which the subjects are... read more

The book is pretty thorough with the topics that are covered. In fact, there are topics in the presentation sections that are not normally covered in the business communications textbooks that I currently use. The order in which the subjects are presented is different than what I have been used to, and wanted to know if there was a particular reason for some of the ordering of subject matter.

Information is accurate and free of errors and bias.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The information is relevant and timely. However, there should be more focus on virtual meetings, etiquette, how to productively run them, etc. and how to better engage others as there is less in-person interaction.

It was written in a clear and concise manner. The narrative was conversational and engaging.

Found the writing to be consistent throughout the book.

This book was easy to get to the specific information within each chapter with the use of subsections. Though there were some sections where they were text heavy, the use of the headings helped to break up the information into more visually appealing and practical hunks of information.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

It is easy to follow, but I am more used to having examples of writing styles (routine, persuasive, negative) grouped together earlier in the book.

This was an easy to navigate the book.

I did not see any grammatical errors.

The text is inclusive in its depiction of different groups of people.

Are there instructor resources available such as PowerPoints, more in-depth assignments, videos, and tests?

Reviewed by Terianne Brown, Lecturer, Hawaii Community College on 4/20/21

This is a thorough book but could benefit from certain chapters being expanded and others being condensed. read more

This is a thorough book but could benefit from certain chapters being expanded and others being condensed.

There are no issues with bias and no errors are evident.

There are a few references to outdated social media platforms, however, the text can be easily updated without taking away from the message of the contents.

The book uses appropriate language suitable for all readers.

The book has a consistent format. Headings and subheadings are standardized, as well as key terms being bolded.

The book can benefit by expanding the sections in Chapter 9 into individual chapters.

The book is well-organized and is easily followed.

Multiple interfaces are available and no immediate issues are evident. It was easy to Zoom into images in the online and digital pdf versions of the book.

There are no evident grammatical errors.

There are no direct references to specific races. The text does refer to race as something to consider in business communication but contains nothing culturally insensitive or offensive.

This is a well-written text that is well-suited for an Introductory to Business Communication course. The book could be improved by including more images and/or infographics to make it more interesting and less text-heavy.

Reviewed by Sharon McDermot, Business Adjunct, Northern Essex Community College on 3/18/21

The book is very comprehensive but I wish there were more coverage of business writing in different modalities. They do touch on texting and email but I think there needs to be more information on those subjects. The book does discuss business... read more

The book is very comprehensive but I wish there were more coverage of business writing in different modalities. They do touch on texting and email but I think there needs to be more information on those subjects. The book does discuss business presentations and audiences which is great. I would also like to see more real life exercises to use with students.

I did not see any inaccuracy.

This book was written in 2015. Many things have changed in business communication. I would like to see it updated to include the use of social media in business and how important that can be to the success of a business.

The book had good clarity.

The text was consistent with terminology and framework.

The text is easily broken up into smaller assignments and chapters.

The book can easily be arranged to prepare for a class using progression.

I did not see any interface issues nor did I have any problems with it.

The book does have chapters on intercultural communication which is great. I have been looking for that in an OER textbook.

If this book were revised to a more current date and included the social media aspect of business communication, I think it would be very useful. It does contain a lot of good information.

Reviewed by Dee Fretwell, Associate Professor, Southern Oregon University on 1/5/21

The subject is well covered for the introduction to Business Communication, with a gap in addressing very specific etiquette around professional communication via digital formats, such as emails, project management software, etc. until mid-way... read more

The subject is well covered for the introduction to Business Communication, with a gap in addressing very specific etiquette around professional communication via digital formats, such as emails, project management software, etc. until mid-way through the book.

Quite on point! I was impressed with the direct nature of the content and the broad audience types the curriculum was trying to reach.

Nicely written for readers of all ages from many backgrounds.

Clean, concise and grammatically on point.

Consistency rating: 4

I noted no inconsistencies.

Chapters were broken up nicely with graphics and such, allowing the reader to not fatigue as quickly as they might otherwise.

Pretty well done, with a request to begin examples of proper business writings earlier in the chapters.

Easy, clean and totally relevant.

Seemed appropriate to me!

Well done! Will likely use next term!!

Reviewed by Katherine Hatzis, Senior Lecturer II, University of Massachusetts Boston on 6/27/20

The book covers everything that one would want to teach in a business communication course. read more

The book covers everything that one would want to teach in a business communication course.

As far as I could tell the book is accurate and free of error and biases.

The book is up to date and it can be easily updated in the future.

The writing is clear and it does not use difficult language so this text would be appropriate for ESL or International business students as well.

I enjoyed the fact that the book used the same format throughout. It started with learning objectives and ended with takeaways and exercises.

The text was well divided into smaller sections which can help when assigning reading homework.

The book was well organized and straightforward. I like that it has a table of contents which helps with reading through the material.

The book's interface was fine. I just wished it was linked at the bottom of the page rather than having to constantly to go back to the main menu to go be able to move and read the next section or chapter. I had to keep going back to the main menu when I wanted to go to the next section of the same chapter. I think it would have been easier if it had a link at the end of the section that connected the next section.

I did not notice any grammar errors.

The book appears to be culturally neutral.

Overall it is a good general Business Communication textbook and it has a lot to offer. This is a textbook that I am going to incorporate into my courses. The only thing that I didn't like was navigating through the textbook.

Reviewed by Kathleen Berry, Adjunct Professor, Massasoit Community College on 6/23/20

The text covers all areas of the subject appropriately. read more

The text covers all areas of the subject appropriately.

I found very few typos. The information was clearly unbiased.

Although the book was updated last year, I think it could use a little updating in both photos and information.

Any jargon that may have been used was explained thoroughly.

The information is consistent. However, it is duplicated in many chapters.

Most of the book is strictly text with limited images.

The book is organized in a clear fashion. However, when I used it, I did teach out of order.

The text does not indicate any interface issues.

I did not find any grammatical errors.

I did not find any culturally offensive material.

I would have liked to see more information about diversity and inclusion in the textbook. The pre- and post- exercises in each chapter were beneficial. Students would have preferred a way to annotate the textbook when reading it.

Reviewed by Alison Schirone, Adjunct Faculty, Roxbury Community College on 6/4/20

I used this book for a recently business communications course. Generally speaking, the book had all the requisite basics of business communications. I added a few modules to address today's social mediums in more detail. A great free text,... read more

I used this book for a recently business communications course. Generally speaking, the book had all the requisite basics of business communications. I added a few modules to address today's social mediums in more detail. A great free text, would have loved to have some supporting materials; test modules, ppt slides.

Highly accurate, may be due for an update soon, just to bring things more current to how today's business communicators operate.

I studied business communications many moons ago. Some aspects of it have not changed since then; but we do have more social business communications mediums. The book can easily adapt to incorporation of more social communications mediums.

Appropriate for first year and beyond college students and community college students and/or management trainees.

Loved the questions prior to the start of the chapters; I often used them for class discussions and prompts. Good review of important aspects of each chapter. Good homework assignment ideas.

I mostly covered the chapters in order. Some I put more emphasis on; others I slid through speedily. For example, I did not spend as much time on International Business Communications.

Foundation chapters first; easy to apply those concepts to all other chapters that follow. I integrated some of the more current business communications tools like Linked In, resume building, and more in the writing sections. I had students who were preparing for the workplace so it was a practical diversion from the text.

Interface rating: 3

There were some useful bits that I wanted to use as handouts but the copying of those items were a bit fussy. Perhaps consider a collection of handouts/electronic worksheets?

I did not notice grammatical errors.

Ethnicity/race neutral. We had a great collection of people from diverse backgrounds in my course when I used this book, so we were able to apply some of the cultural communications ideas into discussion and assignment. I do think that perhaps some of the aspects of diversity could be updated to better reflect today's issues and people.

I did enjoy using it. I would have liked to see more updated business communications methods in use today, especially social mediums. I would have liked to see a workbook or case to be worked throughout the term. Slides would have been a plus! Overall, I enjoyed using it and it was my first OER text.

Reviewed by Adam Falik, Assistant Professor, SUNO on 4/27/20

The greatest asset of this book (and occasionally its weakness) is its attempt to be all encompassing. It definitely seeks comprehensiveness, to introduce a complete spectrum of business communication methodology. This is often effective. The... read more

The greatest asset of this book (and occasionally its weakness) is its attempt to be all encompassing. It definitely seeks comprehensiveness, to introduce a complete spectrum of business communication methodology. This is often effective. The book begins linguistically, introducing concepts of language and communication, shifts to audience and tone before touching upon actual writing. The move to presentation and group dynamics is in keeping with the wide-spectrum the book covers. Sometimes, though, this attempt at comprehensiveness results in the book being dilettantish. I am interested in this book as a textbook for a class in Professional and Technical Writing. My review should be seen through that lens.

Content is accurate enough, though sometimes thin. In Chapter 9: Business Writing in Action, for instance: What is provided is accurate, just somewhat inadequate. 9.2 covers Memos and Letters, but there are many types of business memos/letters. A more thorough exploration per section (instead of, for example, Section 6.3 Making an Argument then much later Section 17.2 Delivering a Negative News Message) would have been welcome. Again, the content is accurate, but it is necessary to hop, skip and jump around to make use of this book. Also, there is a serious lack of examples in this book. Show us some actual business letters, reports, etc. This is a serious deficiency.

This book needs updating to more thoroughly address evolutions in technologies. Business communications are (obviously) more digital than ever. It would be a service for this book to reflect more current communications, including how social media plays in the contemporary cultural and business landscape. As I write this review from the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, Zoom and Skype meetings reign. Let’s see an exploration of these types of presentation environments.

The writing of this book is clear and accessible. There are, in fact, gems of writing to be found throughout. Section 4.4 Style in Written Communication, for instance. Here concepts of communication are clearly articulated enough to additionally demonstrate how writing inaccuracies leads to business miscommunications.

The book is consistent in its style, framework, and the rhythms of its language. It does, occasionally, repeat itself. Section 6.3 Making an Argument repeats itself (not just in ideas, but in complete pages) in Chapter 14.

There is a dependable structural modularity. A student can expect not only a clear, steady framework of Objectives, Takeaways and Exercises, but, most valuably, thorough chapter Reference sections.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 3

This is one of my chief issues with this book (besides the lack of practical workplace examples). The book is big and exploratory, but will require (for my purposes) a great deal of jumping around to make use of. I do not love its organization. Though it does build logically, many of its integral concepts are scattered throughout the book’s many chapters. The lack of index also weighs heavily.

Because this book requires a great deal of jumping around, I wish the interface was a little friendlier, more convenient. Internal, conceptual links would have been welcome. As certain ideas are linked (to inform, to persuade), internal links would have been appreciated. I often find myself having to scroll back to Contents.

This is a well-written and clear book without major grammatical issues.

Much like its technological relevancy, our culture shifts too quickly to give this book the highest marks. Though Chapter 18: Intercultural and International Business Communications is welcome, it does not address the truly identity-charged workplace atmosphere.

I will give this book a try for a Professional Writing class. I am curious to see what students make of it. I find it too expansive, its attempt to be all-encompassing creating qualitative and theoretical deficiencies, and its lack of actual workplace examples a serious deficit, but it does make easy access to core principles in accessible language. A final (negative) comment: The Exercises are often laughable. Their vagueness is connected to the book’s overall lack of practical workplace examples. If the student cannot see an example of how an actual business letter (for instance) is written, how can the book offer practical exercises that can be visualized? Though the book covers a great deal, an instructor had better be prepared to provide their own examples.

Reviewed by Megan Fitzmaurice, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Texas at Arlington on 4/22/20

This textbook address written, oral, nonverbal and interpersonal communication at large. Many business communication textbooks focus solely on written and oral communication, so including these other dimensions brings an important nuance to this... read more

This textbook address written, oral, nonverbal and interpersonal communication at large. Many business communication textbooks focus solely on written and oral communication, so including these other dimensions brings an important nuance to this subject. It also includes the foundational chapters for some of the most common business communication assignments: writing preparation, composition, and revision, business, delivering negative news, team communication, business presentations, etc.

Note: no index or glossary is provided.

Overall, I found no major inaccuracies in the book’s content. Chapter 2’s discussion about the parts of a message though is quite confusing – it is hard to discern what type of messages it is referring to. At some points in the section it seems like they are discussing formal written communication and speeches, while at other times any general kind of message. It isn’t well connected to the rest of the chapter and the explanation is not thorough enough. In general, I think this chapter could better connect fundamental theories about language to the business sphere specifically.

Like any textbook, incorporating technological advancements is a double-edged sword. Ignoring it is foolish, but discussion surrounding specific technologies is often obsolete by the time the book is published. I thought they did a great job not making and part of the text centered on specific technologies, but focused on timeless business communication principles. This should keep the book up to date for sometime.

Some of the included discussion questions are a little outdated. While the content in this textbook is really strong, the included learning exercises and discussion prompts are less helpful. For example, chapter 2 begins with a vocab-matching exercise that includes words such as “phat,” “ player,” “hooptie,” etc.

The language used in this textbook is very accessible for undergraduate students from a wide range of academic backgrounds. It does not assume a student has taken a communication course before, so I think it would work for a general education course. It also ties in theories and vocabulary from many subsets of communication (rhetoric, organizational communication, interpersonal communication, etc.) so it could also be a good choice for classes directed at communication majors.

The chapters are all organized in parallel structure and engage the same terminology. Specifically, chapters 4-7 build on each other and provide a consistent vocabulary and framework through which to teach writing as a process, not a product.

Chapters 1-15 could easily be grouped into three modules: Introduction to Communication, Writing in Business Settings, and Speaking in Business Settings. Chapters 16-19 are a little bit of a grab-bag with regard to their topics. I would think Chapter 17: Negative News and Crisis Communication would be better placed after Chapter 14: Presentations to Persuade. I think having overarching modules would help learners better understand the skills and objectives to be learned through the textbook. Within each chapter though are very distinct sub-sections that do help with modularity, allowing you to easily break up a chapter's reading over the course of a week.

Chapters are well structured. Each one begins with a brief introduction, and then is followed by several subsections. Each subsection starts with clear learning objectives, followed by the main content, key takeaways, and then learning exercises. While acquiring images is a challenge for all open-source textbooks, this one seems particularly text heavy. More charts and diagrams would help with readability.

I read through the book using both a PDF on a computer screen. The text was clear and easy to read. One thing that would be helpful would be including page numbers with the internal hyperlinks – the PDF did not allow me to just click on the blue links that would take the reader to other parts of the textbook (i.e., “Note 2.1 “Introductory Exercises”).

Some charts and graphs are fuzzy, while others could be adjusted for better formatting. For example, the chart on pg. 60 has the last 1-2 letters of the word listed on the subsequent line for several entries. This same issue was not apparent when I looked through the chapter on UMN’s website, so it may be an issue limited to the PDF version of the book.

I was impressed that the hyperlinks to additional resources at the end of each chapter were still active. The book does provide a good number of articles and websites at the end of each chapter for review.

Very small issue, but the references at the end of the chapters need to be reformatted with a hanging indent and consistent margins. Otherwise, I found no glaring grammatical errors or typos.

The book does do a really good job of incorporating a diverse range of experiences and perspectives. The authors have successfully worked to provide a global perspective on business communication. Rather than just incorporating snippets or vignettes in a couple chapters, they actually have a whole chapter dedicated to intercultural and international communication. Moreover, diversity is not just conceived of in racial or ethnic terms, but the authors make sure to incorporate identity topics related to gender, sexuality, age, and disability as well.

Overall, I would definitely consider using this textbook in my Professional and Technical Communication course. The textbook covers all major aspects of business communication – writing, speaking, and team communication, in addition to other important elements like interpersonal communication and nonverbal communication. The book is accessible for an undergraduate audience and uses engaging and relatable examples throughout the text. Each chapter is well organized with distinct subsections which would give the instructor flexibility in how they wanted to assign the text. The drawbacks to using this text include a lack of supplemental teaching resources, minimal graphics in the text, and lackluster chapter exercises. Given students’ preference to learn through group interaction and discussion anyways, these are drawbacks easily made up for in the classroom.

Reviewed by Amanda Carpenter, Associate Professor, John Tyler Community College on 3/30/20

This text was exceptionally well written and very comprehensive. The author was very eloquent in the way that they explained the content. The text covered critical topics for business communication. The book includes learning resources and... read more

This text was exceptionally well written and very comprehensive. The author was very eloquent in the way that they explained the content. The text covered critical topics for business communication. The book includes learning resources and activities included. An index or glossary would have been beneficial to the reader.

The text was timely and accurately overviewed of jobs in communication as well as an overview of business norms.

The content of the text is still relevant today. The text could benefit from a section related to social media usage for businesses. The digital age requires this for those in business communications.

The book was well-written and concise. I was unable to get the search option to work on my Kindle.

I found no inconsistencies in the textbook.

This text is easy to sort into modules for course instruction. I could use the groupings of this text in my course.

Overall, the text was well organized and flowed well.

I had issues using the search option within Kindle with this text. It would be great if that function could be enabled.

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

The text was well written, and I found no grammatical errors.

The text is culturally relevant and would be very useful in business communication courses.

This text is an excellent resource for communications instructors.

Reviewed by Miriam Gershow, Senior Instructor II, University of Oregon on 6/6/19

Covers a broad array of business communication topics, from foundations of language, audience and rhetoric to common types of written and verbal business communications. read more

Covers a broad array of business communication topics, from foundations of language, audience and rhetoric to common types of written and verbal business communications.

Does an accurate job describing norms and responsibilities for different types of business communication tasks.

The real challenge is to stay up to date with technology. References to MySpace and parenthetical explanations of terms such as LOL date the information.

The prose is accessible and clear. Many of the Learning Objectives and Key Takeaways suggest an introductory-level rather than upper-level course.

The framework is clear and consistent throughout.

In considering this text for a Business Writing course, there are clearly chapters and sections that can be parted out for that purpose alone.

As with the consistency, the organization of material is intuitive, clear, and a strength of this text.

I read this book on two different devices, and the interface was clear on both.

No notable errors.

I was glad to see that inter- and intra-cultural communication was addressed throughout the book, not relegated only to the second-to-last chapter.

Reviewed by Shawn Gilmore, Senior Lecturer, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign on 5/14/19

The text descriptively covers nearly all the requisite topics and subtopics under the banner "business communication," as well as a number of related rhetorical and conceptual approaches that are fairly typical in the field. The text is divided... read more

The text descriptively covers nearly all the requisite topics and subtopics under the banner "business communication," as well as a number of related rhetorical and conceptual approaches that are fairly typical in the field. The text is divided into fairly compartmentalized chapters, which could be selectively assigned, but this leads to some issues of repetition across the full book, as well as some difficulty finding specific material. The text does not contain an index, though the table of contents is good, and the full text is searchable.

Most of the descriptive material is quite good, succinct, and explanatory, making it pretty easy to follow. The prose is fairly conversational, which makes some of it dated (slang from the mid-2000s, for example), but allows for the conceptual and practical material to shine. Most of the content appears clear and accurate, if sometimes selective.

Some aspects of the text are dated by their cultural and technological references--this is a perennial issue for texts that describe how to use specific software, document types and methods, etc. None of these passages seemed debilitating, and could likely be avoided by assigning chapters or sections selectively across the text.

The text is clearly written throughout, relying on a few pages of prose per section, which are well-segmented, and followed by "key takeaway" boxes and exercises. Jargon is used selectively and well-explained.

The text is presented in a consistent fashion, but varies in terms of depth and type. The sections on business communication and approaches are clearest and most consistent. Those on rhetorical approaches and issues vary from rhetorical theory to interpersonal analysis and considerations, which makes them feel a bit more scattered.

The text is quite modular, and selections or chapters could easily be grouped for different teaching purposes/approaches.

The text takes nearly a hundred pages to really get to writing and communication specifics, and it is not entirely clear why some (of the 19) chapters appear where they do. This might be to allow individual instructors a good deal of flexibility, but it also might leave some a bit at sea.

This might be the text's weakest point. The text is well-formatted and presented, but it is a lot of repetitive-looking material, with little breaking up the few formatting and interface choices that have been made. This is alleviated in other texts by the inclusion of example documents--which are very rare here--or by varying page layouts. Students and instructors alike might find it hard to parse some of the more visually-similar passages, though there are some tables and images periodically that help.

There were no significant or glaring grammatical issues.

Efforts seem to have been made to include a variety of cultural inclusion as appropriate. However, this text might need more framing for students for whom English is not their primary language, or who have been educated in other systems/backgrounds.

This is an easy text to recommend for more experienced instructors, as they may have assignments, exercises, and example documents already at hand. However, glaringly, this textbook doesn't quite have enough material to be as comprehensive as I would have liked, though it does include exercises after each section. This may depend on the other course materials already in play, and the text would serve very well in most business writing courses, given the right conditions.

Reviewed by Bonnie Buchanan, Associate Professor, OhioLink on 3/28/19

From A to Z, the main communication topics and concepts are covered in this text. From the basics of the communications model to group work effectiveness, this book has the components to teach students important skills they will need in the... read more

From A to Z, the main communication topics and concepts are covered in this text. From the basics of the communications model to group work effectiveness, this book has the components to teach students important skills they will need in the business environment.

I was not able to find inaccurate information, based upon my background and ares of expertise. Information was accurate, supported and relevant to the subject.

Business communications, different speeches with different areas of focus and team work skills will always be relevant. Didn't see enough information on distance/telecommuting and communicating via video.

The text was written in a very straight-forward fashion and should be easily understood by most college students.

The activities and assignments found in each chapter are great and easy for students to quickly find. They are consistent among each chapter and offer relevant activities to reinforce learning. The text chapters were consistent in their layout, form and function.

Well-organized, easy to navigate and aligned with chapter objectives in a consistent fashion.

Topics are well-presented and done so in a logical format/layout. The topics/chapters flow nicely from one to the next.

I found all links working properly and all images used supported the subject and topics in the text.

Well-written, concise and succinct text. Free of major grammatical errors.

I did not find the text offensive or insensitive and found it to include a variety of examples so that no one group might feel excluded or offended.

I really enjoyed reviewing this text and think that countless students can benefit from the information and concepts it contains. From the basics, to targeted speech formats, all areas vital to good business communication skills are covered. I would have liked to have seen a formal proposal chapter, but overall, I would recommend this book for business programs and courses that want to engage students and teach them important skills vital to their success.

Reviewed by Cara Chang, Instructor, Leeward Community College on 2/10/19

This textbook was comprehensive in the sense that it covers broad concepts in communication and then narrows down specifically to business writing and oral communication. This semester, when I used part of this textbook for my business writing... read more

This textbook was comprehensive in the sense that it covers broad concepts in communication and then narrows down specifically to business writing and oral communication. This semester, when I used part of this textbook for my business writing class, I had to find and create more examples for my students to view and analyze. Though the content in this text is good, I wish more examples were given in this textbook.

Furthermore, though this textbook does explain how to write a resume, memo, letter, business proposal, and report, it does not include any information on how to improve writing style or mechanics. If my students needed help with grammar, they would need to consult other resources for this.

There wasn’t an index or glossary, but there was a Table of Contents, which made it easy to navigate.

This text was unbiased and free from error. It covered a range of topics in a consistent manner.

I do think the information in this text is relevant. However, I did wish there were sections on other types of business writing. In my classes, I had my students create a website and blog, which to me, are important parts of business writing. Chapter 9, which shows Business Writing in Action covers other parts of business writing, which I taught and assigned to my students, but I also told students that blogging and creating a website are also important parts of maintaining a business. In this digital age, more topics related to online writing is necessary. It would be an easy addition.

The text is written in lucid, accessible prose. It would be appropriate for many different audiences: a business writing class, an oral communication class, etc.

This text was consistent in terminology and framework.

When teaching with this text, I had an easy time breaking up information and chunking it into sections that made it easy for my students to digest. I was also able to breakup information and organize in a way that best fit the flow and schedule of my teaching. The Table of Contents/headings made it easy to see how the text is organized, so anyone who wants to jump around and customize their teaching is able to.

The structure of the text is presented in a logical and clear fashion. It begins by explaining what effective business communication is and then moves to identifying what effective business writing looks like. Next, the text explains how to write different forms of business writing, clarifies different presentation strategies, and explores group communication.

This book is easy to navigate with clear headings. There was no problems accessing the text and viewing the images.

I did not notice any grammatical errors.

Cultural Relevance rating: 3

The book is not insensitive or offensive to any cultures, but it does not have many references to various races, cultures, etc. Incorporating different examples could be especially important in the International and Intercultural Business Communication chapter.

The main page states that the textbook is available in multiple formats, but I was only able to access it as a Pressbook and as a PDF. I do feel that more images and media can be added.

Reviewed by Kara Wicklund, Instructor, Lead Instructional Designer, Bethel University on 11/13/18

This book covers almost of all the topics I need to cover in my Business Communication course. The index is clear and easy to navigate, and the chapters are clearly labeled. read more

This book covers almost of all the topics I need to cover in my Business Communication course. The index is clear and easy to navigate, and the chapters are clearly labeled.

This textbook is error-free and accurate. It handles informative text with clarity and analyzes communication problems by applying concepts, without leaning too much on a specific bias.

The content in this text is specific and clear, and it it up-to-date. It is general enough, however, that it should remain generally relevant for several years. Some sections discuss the use of written and/or electronic communication, noting the prevalence (in percentages) of these communication forms in certain settings. These details may change or become outdated over time, but the general topic will likely remain relevant.

The clarity of this text is one of its strongest features. New vocabulary works are typed in bold and defined as well as supported with examples and/or cases to illustrate their context. Paragraphs are well-structured and easy to read, and sentence flow is easy for readers.

The text adheres to the same structure throughout each chapter. Concepts are referred to and applied in consistent ways throughout the text.

Modularity is another great strength of this text. It is easy to assign chapters and sections out of order, avoid a section, or substitute a section for another resource due to the self-sufficiency of the sections. Sections generally begin, develop, and wrap up concepts clearly within each section so students don't need to rely on other chapters/sections in the text to further explain the topic.

While I did not utilize the sections in this book the way the chapters are organized, they do seem organized overall in a logical fashion. Within the chapters, the information is laid out in a clear manner. Typically the chapters begin with basic concepts and vocabulary and then proceed to application. In some chapters, there are cases for students to read about, as well. This progression seems very effective for readers.

This book is very easy to navigate. The chapters are easy to locate and the images and text display well on screens.

There were no grammatical errors in this text.

This text has a strong focus toward the end of the book on culture and communication. In addition to handing interpersonal communication dynamics, the book includes a chapter regarding Intercultural and International Business Communication. This chapter explores cultural characteristics of communication and how these characteristics impact communication, both personally and in the workplace.

Reviewed by George Boone, Visiting Assistant Professor, Augustana College on 11/13/18

Overall, the book covers a wide range of topics. However, it offers breadth over depth, which is fine for an introductory business communication course. It lacks an index section, however, so unless your students know how to search a PDF for... read more

Overall, the book covers a wide range of topics. However, it offers breadth over depth, which is fine for an introductory business communication course. It lacks an index section, however, so unless your students know how to search a PDF for information, they might run into trouble searching for specific information.

The book provided very accurate overviews of different theories and positions on communication.

The book had multiple examples, although some of the references might feel a bit dated for our students (ie. the Bush examples, for instance). However, the author could easily update the examples with more recent events.

The book was very clear and easy to understand.

The book has the strong ability to present multiple ideas relevant to business communication (and its underlying communication research) without getting lost in the theoretical differences that might go along with these different perspectives. Ultimately, those looking for a deeper theoretical look at the book will need to look elsewhere. More pragmatically oriented classes, however, will benefit from this instructional approach.

The book has nice chapter and section breakdowns with clear headings and effective demarcations.

The book needs a bit more explicit logic to chapter order. As a reader, I do not have a clear sense as to why chapters appear in a particular order. Perhaps overall chapter groups or headings might help resolve this issue.

The interface for the book has no issues that I noticed.

I did not notice any grammar issues.

I did not notice any particularly offensive texts or ideas.

Overall, the book provides a strong and pragmatic approach to communication in business and workplace contexts. I would gladly adopt it as a general text for a low-level 100 or 200 level course. Teachers looking for more in depth analysis of studies or more theory-driven analysis, however, might find the book lacking.

Reviewed by Jason Harper, Senior Lecturer and International Coordinator, Fort Hays State University on 11/12/18

The contents do offer instructors a comprehensive list of key writing areas that should be covered in a college writing class. For example, it includes topics like writing styles, active reading, writing a summary, and assessing writing situations... read more

The contents do offer instructors a comprehensive list of key writing areas that should be covered in a college writing class. For example, it includes topics like writing styles, active reading, writing a summary, and assessing writing situations to more practical areas like conventions, revision, and checklists. It also includes discussions on common challenges for multilingual and ESL writers from diverse backgrounds. Perhaps an instructor might see these as good guideposts, yet this reviewer believes that supplemental materials will be needed for a more in-depth and detailed coverage of these areas. Overall, the text is useful as a starting point for teaching to her/his strengths and contexts.

One of the outstanding strengths that this textbook offers is its lack of bias. The coverage given to the writing process and its practices is also particularly good -- something not often included in business communication-related texts.

Coverage of text messages, E-mail, and how social customs influence the ways we interact with each other in the online environment will not be difficult to update, as these norms and mores are changing by the minute. As these change, this textbook can still apply as strong beginning points for discussion in class.

Overall, a detailed process of business communication is shown in readable and clear style. Vocabulary and terminology is covered and there are avenues for instructors to add on.

Business Communication for Success is a consistent collection of significant skill sets accented by "Key Takeaways" that correlate well with the topic at hand. The book’s use of multiple sub-chapters helps to make the textbook much more detailed. While at times the bland blocks of content may render the page a bore, the instructor can breathe life into what is considered by many to be a dull subject. The creators' knowledge of the topic is obvious throughout the book. The credibility of the content is strengthened by the consistency.

The orderliness of the book conforms to an academic curriculum. While the chapters create neat packages, some skills to be taught can be better covered by the instructor creating additions to the chapter or by adding additional sections. Overall, the textbook provides well-organized material and content, which is held well by clear chapter numbers.

The organization of the book lends itself well to the study of business communication. Each chapter is broken down into sections, which typically fit logically into the topic of the chapter. All chapters are composed of several defining parts that maintain a sense of continuity throughout the volume. The Key Takeaways" sections leads refers well back to the introduction and the chapter goals.

With so few graphics in the book overall, display features are subsequently not so much of an issue. Within the text of the chapter, there are at times photo boxes that assist the learner in understanding particular points. Unfortunately, the open-sourced photos may also confuse readers when they are not as well-paired as a paid photo might have been. Navigation is not at all difficult, as the chapters are clearly segmented and there is a drop-down "Contents" bar for finding other sections fast. However, the textbook's overall appearance is quite bland.

It's refreshing to see a textbook so carefully edited. Once a textbook is provided to students, a certain expectation of correctness and clarity is expected, and cleanly edited chapters must be in place when teaching the units and individual lessons. This does not mean that the opportunity for learning about errors is lost -- even the cleanest of texts might still contain a hiccup here or there. Yet, with the goal being teaching toward the learning needs of the students in our classrooms, we educators need to set good examples for those educational needs and show, not tell, good grammar, without losing sight of the end goal.

Chapter 18 is pretty in-depth about the intercultural/international aspect. While certainly not comprehensive, variety of races, ethnicity, and backgrounds is addressed in general terms in Chapter 18 as strong beginning points for discussion in class. As stated as a Key Takeaway in 18.3, "All cultures have characteristics such as initiations, traditions, history, values and principles, purpose, symbols, and boundaries," and the instructor could certainly work with the class to develop how this applies or cold apply in different contexts.

Reviewed by Margarette Connor, Adjunct Assistant Professor, Lehman College/CUNY on 6/19/18

This text covers all the areas I would want to cover in my 300-level business writing class, including non-verbal communications and international communications, two topics I find are often underrepresented in many texts. Very clear and... read more

This text covers all the areas I would want to cover in my 300-level business writing class, including non-verbal communications and international communications, two topics I find are often underrepresented in many texts. Very clear and comprehensive table of contents facilitates use.

I've read a good portion of the book and find it accurate and error-free. Excellent quality.

I have been teaching business writing for over 20 years, and while the methods of communication have changed, how we write hasn't really. This book is certainly up to date, but not so much so that it will be obsolete within the next few years.

I would have liked to have seen a little more on online writing--blogs, websites, digital white papers--because while we can always upload a PDF of a traditional report to a website, many Millenials read differently and have different expectations of what they will read on the internet. This might be my personal soapbox, though, and the materials here can be easily adapted.

I very much like the writing in this book as I find it clear and to the point, much more so than the text I had been previously using. I think my students will find this more accessible. My students are mostly junior or senior business majors, and while there is jargon in the text, by this point, this is part of my students' professional vocabulary, so nothing that I find alienating for students.

Many of my students like pared down yet comprehensive texts, and I think they'd like this. They don't like to "waste" time with "unnecessary" material.

Very good job with consistency.

The modularity of the text is very well done. As I was reading it, I had the feeling that my students would find this easier to access than our current text. I can already see the course syllabus falling into place. Although I see myself changing the order of the text, I think jumping through the book will be quite easy.

The flow of the chapters is clear and logical, and while I'd change things, isn't that what we do as professors? I've never used a text book as if it were a novel.

Clear, easy to use. I've used other online texts, and I found this one to be very user friendly.

I am a stickler for grammar, and I found no errors in my reading. That's sadly rare!

There was nothing culturally insensitive or offensive in the parts of the text I read, which was much.

I am definitely adopting this book for my business writing course next term. It has everything my students need from a text at a price they can afford. That has been a problem for many. I actually like this text better as I think it's clearer and easier to follow. Excellent choice for an upper level business writing course.

Reviewed by Shannon Breske, Assistant Teaching Professor, University of Missouri on 6/19/18

Business Communication for Success provides an overview of the main areas of communication and highlights additional resources at the end of each chapter. When reviewing other texts, this text is consistent with topic areas covered. The text is... read more

Business Communication for Success provides an overview of the main areas of communication and highlights additional resources at the end of each chapter. When reviewing other texts, this text is consistent with topic areas covered. The text is organized well and can be navigated seamlessly with how each section is labeled. Students found this text easy to use, comprehend, and then able to apply knowledge to their assignments and in-class work.

Content is accurate. Consistent topics covered in Business Communication in Success text compared to other Business Communication texts. Some references, activities, and examples could be updated to provide a more inclusive tone.

The text is up to date but could include more details on how to communicate using social media platforms as well as customer relationship management (CRM) software. Could add the importance of how to successfully develop a communication plan using CRM.

Easy to read, understand, and apply. Students found it easy to read the chapters and comprehend.

The text is consistent with other texts and current literature. Liked how the earlier concepts are built upon in later chapters.

The text covers a lot of information however it is easily divided into subsections and does a nice job highlighting the important pieces in each area. Organized extremely well and easy to navigate through the online text.

Great job on the organization of the text. Found it clear and logical.

The interface is basic but functional and meets the needs of the user.

Well written. I did not find any grammatical errors.

Some references, activities, and examples could be updated to provide a more inclusive tone.

Great text! I use for 400+ students in an introductory course, and it is a great option. I supplemented additional information for class materials but overall extremely satisfied with text.

Reviewed by Alicia Edwards, Adjunct Professor, Business Management, Marketing and Communications, Northern Virginia Community College, Annadale Campus on 6/20/17

I was definitely impressed with the comprehensiveness Business Communication for Success. For every concept of the author introduced, he gave context, the why and if needed consequences if the conventions are not heeded. While there is not a... read more

I was definitely impressed with the comprehensiveness Business Communication for Success. For every concept of the author introduced, he gave context, the why and if needed consequences if the conventions are not heeded. While there is not a glossary or an index, he does provide additional resources after each chapter.

Each chapter is effectively mapped out with subheadings so you could easily find the topic that you need. Because of this attention to detail, I can envision this book being an excellent resource for an entry level junior manager or a refresher for a seasoned professional as their communication needs evolve throughout their career.

In general, I felt that the author did pretty balanced job of avoiding stereotypes and clichés. He used a variety of quotes from people with origins in all parts of the world and historical periods.

I was disappointed with the slang used in Chapter 2's introductory exercises. The words used were outdated at the least and mildly offensive. All 10 examples of page 35, appeared to be derived from African American slang...certainly not inclusive. The population that attends NOVACC are very diverse culturally and linguistically so this would not go over well.

This book was written in 2010 and focused more on written and verbal communication. Social media is not addressed but text, email, and netiquette were briefly touched upon. The information is still current and accurate but clearly lends itself to frequent updates. Since the bulk of business communication is online now, I would like to see at least full chapter dedicated to texting, email and internet communication. The way the book is laid out, this could be can easy addition.

Social Media is now an integral part of business communication internally and externally but it is STILL treated as an afterthought or footnote in academia. While not every platform is mainstream, the ones that are increasingly used in professional settings certainly need to be taught at the collegiate level in a comprehensive manner. LinkedIN, Twitter, Instagram and to some extent Pinterest have proven their marketing prowess and are structured enough to teach the business applications.

The concepts that text introduces are consistent within each chapter and throughout the book as a whole. Other than expanding on email/text and internet communications and including social media, I did not see any gaps in knowledge.

Since I did read the book on Apple device, Apple has built in technology that is helpful. For example, the book reference Aristotle and his concept of "ethos". While I knew he was from ancient Greece, I used the lookup feature on his name to fill in the historical timeframe that helped me fully understand what may have shaped his views. The look-up feature took me to several books, wesbites and a Wikipedia page.

Each chapter is effectively mapped out with subheadings so you could easily find the topic that you need. Because of this attention to detail, I can envision this book being an excellent resource for an entry level junior manager or a refresher for a seasoned professional as their communications needs evolve throughout their career.

While the book flows well from start to finish, the chapters and subheading are very specific and are quickly referencable. I read the book on my Ipad and I easily bookmarked pages when and highlight notes as needed. Each section can be understood independently, I didn't find myself having to reference previous chapters to make sense to the current one.

I downloaded the entire book as a PDF. It would be nice to have the option to download sections as needed.

The interface is very basic but effective. I read the book on my Ipad within the iBooks platform. I quickly find the section I wanted and go straight to whatever page I wanted. There are a lot of links to internet sites, I referenced quite a few and they seemed to load up quickly.

The charts and pictures that are included are without distortions. However, I would like to see more videos and visuals. Since readers will most likely reference this book from a laptop/phone or tablet, the assumption is that they would be able to seamlessly go from reading the material to answering the discussions via BlackBoard or whatever learning software their school adopts.

The author took the time to edit very well. I didn't see any glaring errors of any kind.

In general, I felt that the author did pretty balanced job of avoiding stereotypes and clichés. He used a variety of quotes from people with origins in all parts of the world and historical periods. I was disappointed with the slang used in Chapter 2's introductory exercises. The words used were outdated at the least and mildly offensive. All 10 examples of page 35, appeared to be derived from African American slang...certainly not inclusive. The population that attends NOVACC are very diverse culturally and linguistically so this would not go over well. Since slang and pop culture are moving targets, I would have eliminated that exercise completely and let the students self-direct this exercise by sharing slang words in their own language with the class. I would further reinforce the exercise by letting students that speak the same language but are from different countries share words that differ within their culture. I would also have them give examples of how they would speak around their peers, parents, and elders to drill down appropriateness and context.

The concepts that text introduces are consistent within each chapter and throughout the book as a whole. Other than expanding on email/text and internet communications and including social media, I did not see any gaps in knowledge. This book was written in 2010 and focused more on written and verbal communication. Social media is not addressed but text, email, and netiquette were briefly touched upon. The information is still current and accurate but clearly lends itself to frequent updates. Since the bulk of business communication is online now, I would like to see at least full chapter dedicated to texting, email and internet communication. The way the book is laid out, this could be can easy addition.

Social Media is now an integral part of business communication internally and externally but it is STILL treated as an afterthought or footnote in academia. While not every platform is mainstream, the ones that are increasingly used in professional settings certainly need to be taught at the collegiate level in a comprehensive manner. LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and to some extent Pinterest have proven their marketing prowess and are structured enough to teach the basic business applications.

Since readers will most likely reference this book from a laptop/phone or tablet, the assumption is that they would be able to seamlessly go from reading the material to answering the discussions via BlackBoard or whatever learning software their school adopts.

In general, I felt that the author did a pretty balanced job of avoiding stereotypes and clichés. He used a variety of quotes from people with origins in all parts of the world and historical periods.

I was disappointed with the slang used in Chapter 2's introductory exercises. The words used were outdated at the least and mildly offensive. All 10 examples of page 35, appeared to be derived from African American slang...certainly not inclusive. The population that attends NOVACC are very diverse culturally and linguistically so this would not go over well. Since slang and pop culture are moving targets, I would have eliminated that exercise completely and let the students self-direct this exercise by sharing slang words in their own language with the class. I would further reinforce the exercise by letting students that speak the same language but are from different countries share words that differ within their culture. I would also have them give examples of how they would speak around their peers, parents, and elders to drill down appropriateness and context.

Reviewed by Brandi Quesenberry, Advanced Instructor, Virginia Tech on 6/20/17

Solid overview of foundations of business communication. I would prefer a more advanced textbook but this text works well for a lower level or introductory course. Broad overview of both written and oral communication considerations and best... read more

Solid overview of foundations of business communication. I would prefer a more advanced textbook but this text works well for a lower level or introductory course. Broad overview of both written and oral communication considerations and best practices.

Content is correct and consistent with other texts.

Due to nature of subject matter, some references will become outdated. Overall examples are current and helpful. Technology references can be easily updated due to formatting and section headings.

Clear language, easy to read, relevant examples.

Accurate use of terminology and framework.

Divided well. Only complaint is the redundancy of information across multiple chapters.

I would prefer oral communication chapters to come before written communication. Overall, flowed well.

Well written.

Relevant and diverse examples. Good discussion of cultural differences in business setting.

Good choice for an introductory business communication class.

Reviewed by Catherine Wright, Associate Professor, George Mason University on 6/20/17

It covers too many areas, would need to be "chunked" into smaller clusters. It tries to do too much for one text. read more

It covers too many areas, would need to be "chunked" into smaller clusters. It tries to do too much for one text.

I found it to be accurate.

I found it to be relevant. Since the format of Open Textbooks allows for things to be quickly updated, anything the authors found in need could be easily changed.

The overall writing in the text is great. Easy to read, easy to digest, easy to follow. It’s not taxing and presents information in a way that will engage the reader. The style is casual and informative. I found it inviting and I believe that students will want to read the chapters assigned.

I found it to be consistent with current literature and other texts.

It tries to cover too much in one text and would absolutely need to be made into modules.

Overall the organization is fine. The structure of the book in its entirety is too grand. It could/should be no less than three books.

I was easily able to gather information. I found no issues with this book.

so far, so good ;o)

This appeared to be fine too. I had no complaints.

The scope of the book, however is too broad. I would not use it for any Business Communication class that I personally taught.

The reason for this is that it focuses on several areas, which could not be adequately covered, or covered well, in one semester. I believe you would be able to do all of it at a very cursory level and none of it well in order to produce informed and prepared students. It really doesn’t cover “business.”

My recommendations for application follow: Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 could easily be one full semester, as they focus on writing. Chapters 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 are another semester, as they focus on public speaking. Chapters 16, 17, 18, and 19 are individually entire courses and almost seem extraneous here.

Part of what appeals to me about Open Textbook Library is the opportunity to take a text offered and to adjust it to make it something you could use in you class. This book has the potential to do so if the teacher reduces the number of chapters assigned during a semester. Rather than trying to do everything adequately, teachers would need to focus on only a few chapters to use this book well.

Reviewed by Rathin Basu, Professor, Ferrum College on 2/8/17

The text is quite comprehensive in its coverage of the key (and standard) topics and compares favorably with the very well known and widely used conventional text that I have been using in my Business Communications class, as well as others that I... read more

The text is quite comprehensive in its coverage of the key (and standard) topics and compares favorably with the very well known and widely used conventional text that I have been using in my Business Communications class, as well as others that I have used or reviewed in instructing the subject over the past 20 years. The sequence of the topics is somewhat different from some of the conventional texts but, over all, the content covers all aspects expected in this subject area. However, some of the important and fast developing and changing areas of communication which have developed in recent times (e.g. social media) and their models, challenges and impacts might have been included. They would also need to be discussed in the context of ethical communication as well. Another topic of importance that needed discussion is communication relating to applying for a job and preparing for interviews. A third aspect that I cover in my Business Communication class is formal business report writing, and this would need more coverage and even a chapter devoted to it. Despite these gaps, which are common to most current texts though, it generally covers the standard and essential areas of the subject well. It would have been useful, especially in an introductory text such as this, to have had a comprehensive index.

The content, in terms of the concepts and theories of communication, and the explanations and examples presented, is accurate and supported by citation of relevant and relatively recent sources. In addition, some of the seminal publications which may not be as recent but are essential sources are also referenced. There is no suggestion of any bias in the discussion and presentation of ideas and perspectives. It would have been helpful to have used colors or fonts in such a way that embedded active links could be clearly distinguished from highlighted terms. Also, if what might be more completely addressed is considered under this item, then inclusion of some of the most current, dynamic and important aspects of developments in communication especially relating to technology and society might be included.

Since the concepts and theories discussed are, in general fundamental ones, these aspects are not likely to require short-term changes. The examples used are also ones that are not limited in time or context and hence less susceptible to change. However, this does mean that some of the more dynamic areas of communication such as technology, social media, virtual teams might have been covered in greater depth given their increasingly important roles in communication. This is possibly the most important area that has been most dynamic in recent years and would need updating, when included. In addition, recent case studies of specific firms and incidents are one aspect that would be found in publisher based texts that open texts, by their nature, must sacrifice.

I found the very accessible prose and the personal and informal tone to be a particular strength of the book. Terms and jargon are explained with appropriate examples which students are generally likely to be able to relate to. In addition, not making this a reference text and overwhelming the undergraduate student with too many examples and too much detail has added to the clarity and relevance for the intended audience. The inclusion of pithy quotes, short exercises after each section, and sections and chapters which are not too long have also enhanced clarity and readability.

The text is internally consistent in terms of its tone, explanations, audience, and structure. In addition, the exercises have a consistency in framework and resulting time required to do them. The approach of starting sections with some questions which are then addressed with examples and explanations makes for an engaging, more Socratic and less pedantic method.

I found the breakdown of the topics into chapters and the chapters into sections, both of which are in sizes manageable for students, to be a strength of the text. This is contrast to many available texts which have long chapters which are dense with content, much of which is too much detail for an undergraduate course. The relatively short modules also suggested several possible ways in which I could smoothly reorganize them and use them in a class without making the sequence seem disjointed. The text draws in outside sources rather than being self-referential.

The organization of the text is something that I usually find to be one that I do not stick to, even with private market texts. The organization of the current text is also one that I would change to suit the particular circumstances of my students and institutional facilities (such as availability of the career center for mock interviews as part of course). However, with digital texts, I have had no difficulty in making the changes and even rearranging the chapters as needed.

In general, the book has no interface issues that I encountered, except the one that I found the use of the brown font for both terms (which were not live links) as well as live links was confusing. It would be helpful to have the standard blue font for the live links to distinguish them.

The book shows an appreciation of diversity and inclusion of various perspectives. Given the nature of the subject matter, which calls for discussion of various cultural perspectives, this is done in an interesting way that encourages exploration. It is particularly interesting that the cultural aspects are not confined to the standard understanding of the scope of such differences (such as races, ethnicities and nationalities) but also includes artifacts and examples which students can relate to and demonstrate that cultural differences can also be local, inter-generational, etc.

I found the text to be very readable, engaging and interesting and one that I am considering adopting. I would need to draw in some current case studies that involve relevant aspects of communication as well as introduce the topics of career related planning and communication (resume, cover-letter, job-related interviews and interviewing, follow-up), as well as formal business report writing.

Reviewed by Carrie Gay, Adjunct Professor, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Richmond, VA on 2/8/17

This book is very comprehensive. Contains an vast array of business communication principles applicable to today's business environment. However, there is no index or glossary which makes the book somewhat ineffective for quick reference points. read more

This book is very comprehensive. Contains an vast array of business communication principles applicable to today's business environment. However, there is no index or glossary which makes the book somewhat ineffective for quick reference points.

I found the content of the chapters accurate and up-to-date. No grammatical errors were found. Material appears unbiased with prejudice.

Once again, the material is up-to-date. I enjoyed the introductory exercises and the learning objectives presented in each section. Students know exactly what to expect in each chapter. Easy to read and comprehend.

The text is well written, easy to understand. Technical terminology was comprehendable and use of jargon was acceptable. No errors detected.

The book is consistent in its chapter presentations. I appreciated the resources presented after each chapter. Great sources of additional information if the student is interested in searching for it.

The sections were easy to read and were divided adequately. Subunits could be reorganized and realigned if need be without too much effort. Readers should still be able to follow printed material even if it has been rearranged.

This appeared to be the weakest part of the book...the chapter arrangements. I believed the last chapter of the book, Chapter 19, could have appeared somewhat earlier in the book. I compared this book to a couple of others I have seen in recent years and the flow was "off." I still say good material presented throughout, however.

Very few graphics presented in the book overall. I clicked on several Web sites and had no interface/nor navigation issues.

I found no grammatical errors during my first reading of the material which speaks well of the book and the authors/proofreaders. Well written sentences and paragraph structure.

I did not find the book culturally insensitive in any way. I asked three students of Asian, Hispanic, and African-American descent to read Chapter 18, Intercultural Communication--none were offended.

Again, I believe the book requires an index or glossary. These would make word or phrase searches less time-consuming. Perhaps review the table of contents for chapter rearrangements too.

Reviewed by Bonnie Yarbrough, Lecturer, University of North Carolina at Greensboro on 12/5/16

This text covers all areas of the subject appropriately and provides a good Table of Contents. At roughly 600 pages, coverage of the subject matter is extensive. There is no glossary, however, and the index is less comprehensive than I would have... read more

This text covers all areas of the subject appropriately and provides a good Table of Contents. At roughly 600 pages, coverage of the subject matter is extensive. There is no glossary, however, and the index is less comprehensive than I would have liked.

The text has been updated (2015) from the first edition. In subject matter, the text is accurate, although there are occasional mechanical errors and typos that should have been caught.

The content is up to date, but will need to keep pace with evolving technology over each year. For example, the chapter containing a long discussion of mobile communication messages will need revision next year to accommodate changes in the marketplace and in the workplace. Some of the information here is basic, almost elementary, when measured against other more specialized texts. Still, it should be easy to update; discussions could be accommodated for individual audiences.

The text is extremely clear and compelling in its discussions of the material. Each area of the field is covered substantively and with effective examples.

Consistent in its terminology and organization. Concepts introduced early in the text and followed up in later sections of the book and built upon.

This text is already divided into small reading sections and each is numbered in a clear way, manageable online. The headings are descriptive and each section has numerous graphics, video links, and "key takeaways" that provide an ongoing summary of the material covered.

The organization raised some questions. There are several chapters that could be re-arranged or collapsed and presented in a different order. "Organization and Outlines," for example, is presented long after "Revising" and "Presenting" writing.

I ran across a couple of problems with connectivity or dead links.

This is a text about business communication; the grammar is accurate and contains no errors.

The text makes a point of being culturally inclusive, particularly since that is so important in business today. The examples are relevant and illustrative--compelling.

I would recommend this text for a course particularly in oral business communication--although it also covers writing. It has numerous helpful exercises in each chapter and ideas for further exploration of the subject matter. I didn't see any options for text banks, however; I would have liked to have additional resources for quizzes.

Reviewed by Joy Koesten, Lecturer, University of Kansas on 8/21/16

This textbook is very comprehensive, both in breath and depth. I would have like more information regarding how to facilitate a meeting, ethical communication, and organizational culture. The topics were well selected, though formal speaking... read more

This textbook is very comprehensive, both in breath and depth. I would have like more information regarding how to facilitate a meeting, ethical communication, and organizational culture. The topics were well selected, though formal speaking always seems out of place in a business communication text. While some may need to make formal presentations, the majority of workers do not. It's more likely they will need to hone their interpersonal skills and how to speak up in a group.

I did not find an index or glossary, which would have been nice.

I think some might find the use of an egalitarian approach to be biased, but not me. Otherwise, I thought the book was well written, error free and unbiased.

I think the content is relevant and up to date. I'm seems updates would be easy and straightforward.

Very clearly written. I liked that key terms were highlighted. I thought the highlighted terms were linked to a glossary, but that wasn't the case. I downloaded it in KIndle, so maybe that was the problem.

I didn't find any inconsistencies in the text.

It seems this text could easily be divided into units or sections as needed. That is what I plan to do, so I hope that this is the case.

The presentations n section seemed out of place to me. But, otherwise the organization worked fine.

the only navigation issue I ran into was when I went back and forth to the table of contents. I always had to start at the top of the table for f contents and scroll all the way to the most recent chapter. Otherwise, I was not distracted by anything else.

Well written. No grammatical errors were found.

I didn't encounter anything in the text offensive, though I don't recall an emphasis on multiculturalism or a variety of races dipicted in the visuals. There weren't a lot of photos in the book.

I am very likely to use a good portion of this text in an upcoming course.

Reviewed by Sally Stanton, Senior Lecturer, UW-Milwaukee on 8/21/16

Comparable to most business communication texts available commercially. Coverage seems to be missing of social media as business communication (mentioned as a communication channel but not otherwise addressed specifically) and of how to... read more

Comparable to most business communication texts available commercially.

Coverage seems to be missing of social media as business communication (mentioned as a communication channel but not otherwise addressed specifically) and of how to cite/attribute sources in writing and speaking (styles and methods)

No index or glossary that I could locate in the e-pub version reviewed.

Appears to be accurate, error-free, and unbiased.

Some of the communication theories seem rather outdated, given the undeniable role of social media in the digital marketplace and the instant, global nature of communication in 2016. Thus, the text does not seem to reflect the significant need for theories and approaches that address the ability of today's customers, shareholders, competitors, etc. to immediately influence businesses through immediate and very public forms of communication. A bad review on Yelp! or Trip Advisor requires thoughtful handling; organizational communications strategies for dealing with such scenarios should be presented, along with relevant theory or/or research from the professional literature on online business communication. It's no longer enough to just "understand" your audience - business communicators now have a very much two-way, real-time relationship with them.

The topics of social media and managing interactive stakeholder communication could perhaps be added in Chapter 3 or Chapter 16.

Coverage of organizational communications theory and strategies is woven into much of the text but not in an explicit way - the focus is more on developing the individual's own strategy. When that conflicts with organizational strategy, what then?

Detailed coverage of ethics/ethical communication is limited and somewhat difficult to locate (especially since there is no index or glossary) - the chapter devoted to it is very short and lacks sufficient grounding in the professional literature.

Clear and conversational, easy to read.

Consistency rating: 3

It is definitely a broad, general overview of the subject matter. In the first three chapters it covers terms and theories common to both writing and speaking, and then devotes six chapters specifically to each. I would prefer to have chapters 16-19 at the beginning of the text along with chapters 1-3, as these topics equally relate to both writing and speaking, and are very timely - specifically intercultural communication and crisis communication. (Unfortunately topics presented at the end of the text/semester often get short shrift from students, or are cut because they don't fit easily in a 15-week semester. The framework would then proceed more logically from the general to the specific.

Modularity is very good; subheadings are used frequently to break up text, especially for online readers. I was surprised not to find hypertext links other than those in the citations - but I suppose that would make it difficult to publish in multiple formats, and managing broken links would be a nightmare.

An index/glossary would be a very strong addition.

As mentioned previously, I would prefer to have chapters 16-19 at the beginning of the text along with chapters 1-3, as these topics equally relate to both writing and speaking, and are very timely - specifically intercultural communication and crisis communication.

Serviceable interface, but it didn't particularly wow me. Use of grayed lines on charts makes it hard to see, especially on a smaller digital device (let's face it, students read books on their phones and iPads). Still it seems like it would be easily customized, which is a plus.

I understand that copyright issues prevent the use of the many photographic images found in commercial texts, but I find the lack of images is one downfall of using this kind of digital text. Students seem to read increasingly less, or if they do, don't comprehend well information presented only in lengthy textual form. Meaningful images can enhance understanding.

No problems found. Conversational tone makes it accessible.

Good specific coverage of intercultural communication, although as I mentioned before, this should come earlier in the text given how critical this topic has become in a globalized economy. Examples used seem to be quite diverse and appear throughout the text, not just in the specific chapter on intercultural communication. More examples of intercultural business writing would be helpful, though.

Overall, it seems to be a useful secondary text, or one used to provide additional coverage of specific topics, rather than as a primary text. However, it is difficult to find a textbook that provides both sufficient breadth and depth of coverage whether open-source or not. So, if you are interested in "slicing and dicing" content to fit your curriculum, this text would be a good place to start.

Reviewed by Eric Dodson, Instructor of ESOL, Portland State University on 1/7/16

This book includes a review of sentence grammar, paragraph structure, process writing, rhetorical styles, principles of judging sources, and business genre forms. The grammar sections provide a backbone; generally good examples provided. The... read more

This book includes a review of sentence grammar, paragraph structure, process writing, rhetorical styles, principles of judging sources, and business genre forms. The grammar sections provide a backbone; generally good examples provided. The individual grammar points require supplementary material for review of more examples and grammar-focused exercises. However, there are some exercises that marry both grammar and business writing functions.

The grammar points and exercises that I browsed were accurate. Rare typos.

Business norms may change, but the main focus is on underlying writing and rhetorical competency, and any updates will be relatively easy and straightforward to implement.

Some of the grammar for native speakers seems to be targeted for students who know some grammar terms, but do not know others. For example, the term “clause” is given a rough definition, but later the term “phrase” is used without a clear definition, in the context of “prepositional phrase.”

When discussing the specific genre of business writing (Ch. 10), the text often focuses on academic writing demands. Some sections are really focused on overall rhetorical styles and classical rhetoric, with a bit of business window dressing.

\The text is organized and composed in a perfect way for picking-and-choosing chapters or sections. Important concepts that are shared by several chapters (sentence fragments, for example) are generally introduced and explained in each chapter they appear in (though with different levels of detail, depending on the chapter).

No table of contents in the document, and correspondingly, no hyperlinks between sections. The first chapter’s grammar review and the second, punctuation, offer the chance to review a wide range of sentence grammar topics, but the topics are not ordered in a sequentially logical way. For example, adjectives and adverbs are tackled after sentence fragments and other sentence-level errors (which are unanalyzable if readers do not understand basic word-level grammar). The third chapter on word choices has a similar issue.

Some editing exercises are single-spaced, which makes them very difficult to correct via pen-and-paper. Example writing often is not clearly labeled or differentiated from the main text.

Rare omitted words or punctuation (e.g., p. 141). Otherwise clear and accurate.

Occasional glimpses of a multi-cultural reality via examples or use of names from different backgrounds. However, the focus is on (presumably) North American business English demands. The only issue with this is that this is not explicitly explained, and learners would need supplemental materials in order to raise awareness of the existence of different genre expectations internationally.

This work would offer a good set of resources for introductory university student writing courses or business English for speakers of other languages. For example, Chapter 3 has a welcome list of commonly confused words. However, this work would likely be most useful as a teacher planning supplement or to provide readings/exercises on specific topics. Much of the grammatical information, including the chapter for ESL students, does not offer much application to business contexts. For example, there is a review of the concept of idioms, and some example idioms, but not commentary on how students should use them in writing, or if they should use them at all. For the presentation of grammar and mechanics, I would supplement with more genre-specific projects, but the succinct and broad overview of grammar makes a good basic resource.

Reviewed by Judy Boozer, Business Faculty/AOP Program Lead, Lane Communicty College on 1/7/16

The book is comprehensive in regards to business communication, but it lacks a table of contents, index, or glossary for ease in finding the concepts presented in it. read more

The book is comprehensive in regards to business communication, but it lacks a table of contents, index, or glossary for ease in finding the concepts presented in it.

Content Accuracy rating: 3

This book has a few errors throughout--spaces missing between words, inconsistent formatting, lack of first line indents for paragraphs, etc. The content does appear for the most part to be unbiased and often gives both sides of concepts/views of proper communication.

Because paragraphs are not indented, it makes it extremely hard to see where paragraphs begin and end.

Content is relevant to today's world, but it lacks some of the more current digital communication options available to us. This would be easy to add.

The clarity of the book is quite good. The author has done a good job of explaining all content, especially if new or unusual terminology is used.

Each chapter in this text has been organized the same way. Although it is nice to be consistent, it almost makes it boring. A list of terms used in each chapter would be helpful.

As mentioned before, there is also inconcistency with the formatting of the contents of this book.

Modularity rating: 3

The book is clearly organized by chapter content and then by objectives within each chapter's topic(s). There are times, however, when few side headings are used, which makes it difficult to comprehend the material presented.

The topics are presented in a logical manner, and they often refer to previous topics as the reader progresses through the book.

There are no interface issues, except that there is not much to excite the reader into reading. There are very few graphics, tables, charts, used. A text only book is difficult to read and comprehend.

I find almost no grammatical errors. (necessary for a book on business communication)

The book is not insensitive or offense to any cultures, but it does lack too many references to various races, cultures, etc.

This book has a wealth of information with resources provided, but it lacks those elements that appeal to those learners that require more than just reading text in order to learn a topic. There are a wealth of exercises at the end of each lesson that students can complete to gain competency in the chapter's concept(s).

Reviewed by Carolina Selva, Adjunct Faculty, BA and MSD, Portland Community College on 1/7/16

Extremely comprehensive. Covers all critical areas of business communication including electronic messages, team communication, presentation skills, and even "language." Learning resources such as exercises and activities are included - many of... read more

Extremely comprehensive. Covers all critical areas of business communication including electronic messages, team communication, presentation skills, and even "language." Learning resources such as exercises and activities are included - many of them quite useful and very relevant to the material.

Accurate and timely as of the date of publishing (2010). Good blend of theoretical and practical applications bolsters credibility. I found no errors or hints of bias.

Relevant in today's dynamic business environment. Many of the principles are (almost) timeless, but the book also includes chapters on newer dynamics of communication in the current climate. These chapters (specifically the last two - on intercultural communication and teamwork) may require more review/updating in coming years than much of the other material.

Clear and to the point - as business writing should be.

Very consistent tone and voice throughout.

Absolutely divisable into specific modules in order to assign at different points. I envisioned using this text in my current Business Communication course and thus assigning chapters out of order and it would work with no problems whatsoever.

Organization/structure is logical. If I were to assign chapters in sequential order, flow would be no problem here. As mentioned in the section on modularity, however, the chapters could stand on their own provided context was present.

Good interface and easy navigation. Some of the graphical elements were not as sharp as others, and some were a bit small. Overall, the book seemed text-heavy and could use visual elements (such as white space and/or more graphics/images) throughout.

No grammatical errors - good modeling of grammar usage.

No cultural insensitivities were perceived. I was impressed with the section on intercultural communication.

Reviewed by Gail Emily Fey, Ph.D., Lecturer, Eller College of Management, University of Arizona on 6/10/15

At nearly 800 pages, the text is immensely comprehensive. It includes both pre- and post-lesson exercises. Some of the exercises seem a bit “silly”; and the author seems to prefer “fives and sixes” for just about every exercise. Still, because... read more

At nearly 800 pages, the text is immensely comprehensive. It includes both pre- and post-lesson exercises. Some of the exercises seem a bit “silly”; and the author seems to prefer “fives and sixes” for just about every exercise. Still, because many options are offered, the instructor or learner would be free to find something appropropriate.

One especially interesting section was LANGUAGE. It was thorough enough to get the main points across but not SO deep as to be offputting to those not into linguistics. Language seems to be a topic that is often eliminated or minimized in other business communication texts.

The author includes references at the end of each chapter. Moreover, the author’s brief bio makes it clear that he has expertise in the subject of Speech and Communication. That ethos lends credibility to the text.

The overarching principles of business writing (clarity, knowing audience, understanding context, bottom line on top, concision) are not likely to change any time soon. The last 2 chapters (intercultural and teamwork) are especially relevant for the near future. According to the SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) “Changing demographics, relocation patterns and the globalization of business will be among the key trends influencing the workplace in the next five to 10 years.”

Fine job of clear writing. The author does a good job of modeling clear writing... necessary for business writers.

Since one individual authored the entire text, it has a consistent voice and tone.

Yes, the chapters can be individual modules for study.

However, as indicated below under my structural comments, really the modules are “Writing”, “Presentations”, and “Context”.

The structure can be thought of as comprising 3 parts: Background, Writing, Context. The author might consider 3 overarching headers under which to place the current chapter titles (e.g., “Writing” is the high-level category; then “Revising your Writing” would go under it. Similarly, “Context” would be the high-level category with “Intercultural and International” under it.).

The inclusion of “key takeaway” would be re-enforcing to students… especially those who read words but are not so good at making meaning of those words.

As much as I appreciated the Language section, its title of “Delivering your message” seems misleading. That title implies presentation/writing techniques. Why not entitle it simply “Using Language”?

No grammatical errors that this reviewer noticed.

Yes, absolutely. For the 21st century worker (in ANY discipline, but especially in business), communication is crucial. Warren Buffet stated that he thinks “The most valuable investment that you can make in yourself is to improve your ability to communicate. ‘Communication is enormously important; oral and written,’ said Buffett.” (Lukas Partners, posting on 3-2014, http://www.lukaspartners.com/communication-important-says-warren-buffett/).

One area that could be improved is that of visual design. The version I reviewed had next-to-no graphics. Quite possibly the no-graphics approach was an effort to prevent the book from becoming even longer.

Another formatting item that this reviewer found annoying was the omission of extra line space between paragraphs. I would vote for single line spacing within paragraphs and double line spacing between para’s to signal the reader a new paragraph was beginning.

Reviewed by Brandy A. Brown, Assistant Professor, University of Arizona on 6/10/15

I integrated this book as a supplement in a Psychology of Leadership course. Communication is such an essential leadership skill and myself and a fellow Associate Professor teaching this course found that student's skills in that area were... read more

I integrated this book as a supplement in a Psychology of Leadership course. Communication is such an essential leadership skill and myself and a fellow Associate Professor teaching this course found that student's skills in that area were deficient.

One of my criticisms of the majority of open texts is that they do tend to fall out of date. This text uses a very simple communication model and doesn't provide additional information or models which would apply better to virtual teams and their communication.

This text is comprehensive enough to actually be used for a full business or professional communication course - several of my students chose to explore the entire book despite only being assigned specific chapters because they found it relevant and helpful to their lives, not just to their coursework.

For the majority of my students this was appropriate for their current level of knowledge. Nothing struck me as inaccurate, there were research bases for the material, however, my criticism of a lack of additional models and examples which would better apply to current prevalent business communications is appropriate for this as well (e.g. virtual distributed teams). Those would be expected in a publisher supported text.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this text does feel slightly limited (only one model of communication) and behind the current communication trends (virtual teams). Previous reviewer, Dr. Emery, said it perfectly, '....I'd like to see a deeper grounding in persausion, organizational communication, and business discourse."

Students found the text very clear, including my Japanese native student who struggles with English quite a bit. Another student remarked that it was an enjoyable read and that they at times found it funny. Those are quite the complement for a textbook.

The book felt like it was almost two separate books put together - which is part of why it can be considered so comprehensive. There were chapters focused on descriptions and definitions and lists, but then some which were very applied and focused on specific communications. I was able to assign these together (something I will address under modularity), but the book could have a better flow and be more narrow, given the focus of the title.

As noted under consistency the text can easily be mixed together, which is very important given the differences in certain types of chapters (list/definition chapters vs. actual applied writing chapters). I chose to assign only the chapters I felt were most relevant to the topics of leadership communication, but allowed students to do the others and provided quizzes they could complete for bonus points. They loved that approach, and how well it worked speaks to the appeal and flexibility of the text.

I did not follow the organization or structure of the text as it was in any way, that was the only challenge I found with using this text. While it was 'modular' based on the definition provided here and I did like the structure and flow of individual chapters, remixing the text was difficult and required students to find their own places in a Word document or PDF version which displayed differently than mine usually. If it were to be posted on a platform that made that easier to do that would be a large improvement.

Students registered no complaints, and overall I have no major issues with it. Nothing is distracting or confusing, but I also wouldn't rate it high on engagement (visuals are different in different formats and sometimes have issues with clarity). Students (and I) appreciated the chapter structure and outlines, but again the format to interact with the text (Word or PDF unless I find my own method to host or remix it) was limiting and not necessarily ADA compliant in the current formats.

Students commented on the accessibility of the tone, and I have found no errors.

Students in my program are often multicultural, they and I had no issues with the text. However, I am always looking for more examples to help them see the differences in cultures and how to handle communication in those instances.

This textbook saved my students and I from two large issues: 1) needing to deal with a difficult enrollment and grading interface process on another website, and 2) paying for the additional materials needed in this course on top of our current required items (which I am not able to break free from currently). It reduced both friction with our course materials and my need to be technical support, while increasing engagement through allowing students choices and the ability to pursue additional knowledge on their own. That is why texts like this one matter so very much. Many of my students struggle financially, and the option to enable them to learn more without adding any financial burden is invaluable.

Reviewed by Daniel Emery, Associate Professor of Business Communication, University of Oklahoma on 1/12/15

The book is exceptionally comprehensive, comparable to other large omnibus collections for business communication. The book would be suitable for business communication courses or business and professional speaking. It's arrangement and scope of... read more

The book is exceptionally comprehensive, comparable to other large omnibus collections for business communication. The book would be suitable for business communication courses or business and professional speaking. It's arrangement and scope of coverage are comparable to the largest for profit books used in the field.

I would describe the content as accurate and a good portion of the material presented had a clear basis in writing research. I find the author's sender/message/receiver model for communication somewhat dated theoretically, but that is also my critique of most textbooks in the area. In later chapters, the book could stand more examples from professional contexts and would benefit from thorough research in the business communication literature. I wouldn't call it inaccurate, but I find it underdeveloped.

Several of the examples and allusions are recent and relevant, but the development of the content is not what I would hope for developing a state of the art introduction to the field. It's no worse than the majority of books in the area, but I wish it were better. Specifically, I think the communication generalist approach of the text makes it somewhat accessible for a wide variety of instructors, but I'd like to see a deeper grounding in persuasion, organizational communication, and business discourse.

Very clear and often clever.

I would describe the book as somewhat over broad in its lexicon. Part of the issue may be with arrangement, but the opening chapters were rife with lists and redefinition of common terms. One of the challenges of working in Communication as a field is that much of our content is taken for granted or treated as common sense. A narrower focus and an emphasis on key ideas would be very helpful. An adopter of the book might do well to adopt the elements on communication or language, but probably not both to keep the content clear.

It looks very good to me. One of the things I appreciated most was that the elements of the book I think were strongest could be realigned and revised with relative ease. The volume tries to be an "everything book" in many ways, so the opportunity to cut and remix is its most useful property. Facutly who use the giant comprehensive industry standard books end up excising a ton of content anyway.

The weakest chapters of the book were those that discussed research in business writing. I'd recommend that the aothor consult with a buisiness librarian who migh offer a more comprehensive and effective review of sources of business information. Those modules should be much stronger.

The organizational strategy makes sense, but it isn't how I might prefer the book to be laid out. The opportunity to cut material would be an advantage here.

Textually, the book is solid. I appreciate the typographic choices and the chapter outlines are very clear and straightforward. The visuals are less effective, as the are occasionally too small and somewhat unfocused. The choice to use gray text boxes or filters over sample documents was a poor one.

Unsurprisingly, it's very good. I appreciated the converstional tone.

The book makes frequent mention of inrercultural issues in business communication, which is absolutely relevant to the globalized marketplace of today's graduates. Additional examples of itnernational correspondence would be potentially invaluable, even amid the chapters on genres.

I deeply appreciate McLean's Business Communication for Success as the first truly effective and customizable open source text in our area. The coverage of the book equals or exceeds that of the majority of the books available from publishers, and the exercises and activities are appropriate to a wide variety of teaching circumstances and environments. For an instructor or program looking for a low cost option for students, the content and customizability of this book is a welcome starting point regardless of the disciplinary or curricular home of a business communication course.

Table of Contents

• Chapter 1: Effective Business Communication
• Chapter 2: Delivering Your Message
• Chapter 3: Understanding Your Audience
• Chapter 4: Effective Business Writing
• Chapter 5: Writing Preparation
• Chapter 6: Writing
• Chapter 7: Revising and Presenting Your Writing
• Chapter 8: Feedback in the Writing Process
• Chapter 9: Business Writing in Action
• Chapter 10: Developing Business Presentations
• Chapter 11: Nonverbal Delivery
• Chapter 12: Organization and Outlines
• Chapter 13: Presentations to Inform
• Chapter 14: Presentations to Persuade
• Chapter 15: Business Presentations in Action
• Chapter 16: Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Business Communication
• Chapter 17: Negative News and Crisis Communication
• Chapter 18: Intercultural and International Business Communication
• Chapter 19: Group Communication, Teamwork, and Leadership

Ancillary Material

About the book.

Business Communication for Success (BCS) provides a comprehensive, integrated approach to the study and application of written and oral business communication to serve both student and professor.

This series features chapters with the following elements:

• Learning Objectives
• Introductory Exercises
• Clear expectations, relevant background, and important theories
• Practical, real-world examples
• Key Takeaways or quick internal summaries
• Key terms that are easily identified
• In-chapter assignments
• Postchapter assessments linked to objectives and skills acquisition

Each chapter is self-contained, allowing for mix-and-match flexibility and custom or course-specific design. Each chapter focuses on clear objectives and skill demonstrations that can be easily linked to your syllabus and state or federal requirements. Supported by internal and external assessments, each chapter features time-saving and learning-enhancement support for instructors and students.

BCS is designed to help students identify important information, reinforce for retention, and demonstrate mastery with a clear outcome product.

The text has three content categories:

• Foundations
• Process and products

The first three chapters form the core foundation for the study of oral and written business communication. The next sequence of chapters focus on the process of writing, then oral performance with an emphasis on results. The final sequence focuses on contexts where business communication occurs, from interpersonal to intercultural, from groups to leadership.

In each of the process and product chapter sequences, the chapters follow a natural flow, from prewriting to revision, from preparation for a presentation to performance. Each sequence comes together in a concluding chapter that focuses on action—where we apply the skills and techniques of written or oral communication in business, from writing a letter to presenting a sales speech. These performances not only serve to reinforce real-world applications but also may serve as course assessments.

This text has been used in classes at: Ohio University, Miami University – Oxford, Kent State University – Salem Campus, Cuyahoga Community College – West, University of Toledo, Cuyahoga Community College – District, Northern Arizona University, Gateway Community College, University of Arizona, Arizona Western College, Boise State University,Western Governors University, Doane College, Mcpherson College, University of Nebraska Med Center, Suny Fredonia, State University of New York Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome, Trinidad State Junior College, University of Delaware, Brenau University, Brewton-Parker College, Loras College, Kapiolani Community College, Muscatine Community College, Greenville College, University of Illinois – Chicago, Millikin University, Rockland Community College, Cornell University, National-Louis University – Lisle, St. Gregory's University, University of Southern Indiana, Missouri State University – W Plains, Bucks County Community College – Newton, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Pulaski Technical College, Temple University, Dixie State College of Utah, Averett University, Virginia Polytech Institute, Fond Du Lac Tribal Community College, Lipscomb University, Edgewood College, University of Wisconsin – Stout, Wisconsin Lutheran College, Virginia State University, North Georgia Technical College – Blairsville, Paradise Valley Community College, Fordham University – Lincoln Center, New England College of Business/Finance, Eastern New Mexico University, University of Alabama, Albertus Magnus College, Pepperdine University, Fullerton College, Santa Ana College, Miracosta College – Oceanside, San Jose State University, De Anza College, University of The Southwest, Florida Institute of Technology, Forida State University, Dean College, California State University, University of Massachusetts, Suffolk University, Stevenson University, Worcester State College, University of Maryland, Clover Park Technical College, Minnesota State University – Moorhead, College of St. Scholastica, Ferris State University, Concordia University, Southern New Hampshire University, Lower Columbia College, University of North Carolina – Greensboro, Rockingham Community College, Stanly Community College, Wayland Baptist University, Bunker Hill Community College, Salve Regina University, University of The Incarnate Word, St. Mary's University, University of Rhode Island, Texarkana College, Renton Technical College, Tarleton State University, Wayland Baptist University – Plainview, University of Houston, Stephen F. Austin State University, Bates Technical College, Chabot College, Bakersfield College, Azusa Pacific University, University of Houston – Downtown, California Southern University, Miracosta College, American Public University, American Public University System, Huntington Junior College, Flat World Knowledge University, Jackson Senior High School, Holmes High School, Dlielc, Clintondale High School, American University in Kosovo in Conjunction with Rochester Institute of Technology, Southeast Lauderdale High School, Benedict Business Hotel Management School, University of the People, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, New England School of English, Comsats Institute of Information Technology, Wayland Baptist University – Anchorage, Volcano Vista High School, Wayland Baptist University – San Antonio, Morrill High School, North Island College – B Campus, Seneca College, APOU, University of North Carolina – Greensboro, Southern New Hampshire University, University of Maryland University College, Harrisburg High School

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50 Top Business Communication Books to Enhance Leadership & Communication

• How effective communication leads to business growth (and the best books to help you achieve it!)
• Top 25 business communication books for learning new skills
• 25 bonus titles: books about leadership and communication

When it comes to being the best in business, sometimes business communication books are the key to getting a leg up in the workplace. Want to hone a new skill, learn how to read people, or deep-dive into a particular business mindset? Then this blog featuring plenty of captivating books on communication and leadership is a great place to start. And I promise — there will be a title in here for everyone.

Before we dive into the best books on leadership and communication, let’s take a moment to explore why effective communication is the cornerstone of business growth. Whether it comes to leading a startup or steering an established enterprise, the ability to communicate effectively can be the difference between stagnation and rapid success.

At its core, communication isn’t just about exchanging information — it’s about building trust, aligning teams with a common vision, and inspiring action . Companies that master communication experience smoother collaboration, higher employee engagement, and better decision-making. When everyone in a business is clearly aligned behind the “why” and they understand the values of their company and the direction of its communication, then business goals become far easier to achieve.

From articulating value propositions to managing internal changes, words can shape an organization’s future. And what better way to learn the right words to use to sharpen communication skills than to turn to trusted authors and authority figures in the comms world?

Ready to dive into the top twenty business communication books out there? The below picks have been hand-selected with an emphasis on what learnable aspects drive modern business success. These books cover everything from mastering one-on-one dialogue to delivering compelling strategic narratives that inspire both employees and customers.

1. How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Author Overview: Dale Carnegie was an American writer and lecturer who developed courses in self-improvement, salesmanship, corporate training, public speaking, and interpersonal skills. He is considered one of the pioneers of the self-help movement.

Summary of the Content: This timeless classic, originally published 88 years ago in October 1936, offers practical advice on how to improve personal and professional relationships. Carnegie provides a roadmap for influencing others, gaining trust, and fostering cooperation.

Key Takeaways:

• Proven methods for winning people over to your way of thinking
• Techniques to handle people in a way that makes them feel valued
• The power of listening and encouraging others to talk about themselves.

Reasons for Recommendation: This is one of the best books on leadership communication because it highlights essential principles for building relationships in both business and personal settings. It’s a foundation for anyone seeking to enhance their interpersonal communication skills in the workplace and beyond.

2. Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss

Author Overview: Chris Voss is a former FBI hostage negotiator and now serves as the CEO of The Black Swan Group, a company that provides negotiation training for businesses.

Summary of the Content: Voss applies his high-stakes negotiation experience to the business world, offering unconventional tactics for negotiating in any situation. He emphasizes emotional intelligence and empathy as crucial tools in achieving the best outcomes.

• Practical examples of negotiation strategies that work in the real world
• How to leverage tactical empathy to get more out of negotiations
• The importance of staying calm and listening in high-pressure situations

Reasons for Recommendation: This is one of the best books on communication in business, especially in negotiations. It’s particularly valuable for leaders and communicators who need to manage complex discussions like change management communications and ensure successful outcomes.

3. Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time by Susan Scott

Author Overview: Susan Scott is a leadership development expert and the founder of Fierce Inc., a company focused on building effective leadership and communication skills.

Summary of the Content: Scott’s book stresses the power of honest, real conversations in fostering growth and solving issues. She argues that mastering difficult conversations is a critical skill for leaders and team members alike.

• How to resolve conflicts while maintaining respect and dignity for all parties
• Techniques for turning difficult conversations into productive discussions
• Strategies to foster openness and trust through dialogue

Reasons for Recommendation: This is among the best books on communication in the workplace because it focuses on authentic, candid communication as the backbone of effective leadership and team dynamics.

4. Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler

Author Overview: Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, and Switzler are experts in communication, leadership, and organizational behavior. They co-founded VitalSmarts, a corporate training company.

Summary of the Content: This book equips readers with tools to navigate conversations where emotions run high and the stakes are significant. It offers a step-by-step guide for mastering crucial conversations that can impact relationships and results.

• How to stay calm and focused during intense discussions
• Tactics for making difficult conversations safe for all participants
• The importance of speaking persuasively, not abrasively

Reasons for Recommendation: A top choice for books on communication in the workplace, this book is ideal for those who want to handle high-pressure conversations without damaging relationships.

5. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini

Author Overview: Robert Cialdini is a renowned psychologist and professor who has spent decades researching the science of influence and persuasion.

Summary of the Content: This book reveals the six universal principles of persuasion and how they can be used to influence others ethically. Cialdini provides real-world examples to illustrate the effectiveness of these principles in business and everyday life.

• Understanding the six principles of influence: reciprocity, commitment, social proof, authority, liking, and scarcity
• How to recognize when someone is using these principles to influence you
• How to ethically apply these principles in your own life

Reasons for Recommendation: This is one of the best books on business communication because it dives deep into the psychology of influence, offering practical strategies for persuading others and understanding why people say “yes.”

6. Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller

Author Overview: Donald Miller is a bestselling author and CEO of StoryBrand, a company that helps businesses clarify their messaging. His book is a staple for communicators.

Summary of the Content: Miller teaches how to simplify your brand’s message to better connect with customers. His StoryBrand framework focuses on crafting a narrative where the customer is the hero, and the brand acts as a guide.

• How to simplify complex messages to improve communication
• How to create a clear, customer-focused narrative
• The seven universal story points all humans respond to

Reasons for Recommendation: This is an essential read for anyone looking to refine their business messaging and is one of the best books on communication in business, especially in marketing and branding.

7. Influential Internal Communication by Jenni Field

Author Overview: Jenni Field is a communication strategist and founder of Redefining Communications, where she helps organizations transform their internal communication strategies.

Summary of the Content: Field emphasizes the importance of strong internal communication to foster engagement and drive business results. She offers tools and strategies for leaders to improve how their teams communicate internally.

• The role of leadership in shaping internal communication
• Strategies for building an effective internal communication framework
• How to connect communication strategies to business outcomes

Reasons for Recommendation: This book is a must-read for leaders and internal communication professionals , making it one of the best books on communication in the workplace.

8. Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World by General Stanley McChrystal

Author Overview: General Stanley McChrystal is a retired four-star general in the United States Army, recognized for his leadership of the Joint Special Operations Command. He is known for revolutionizing the way military teams operate in fast-moving environments.

Summary of the Content: In Team of Teams , General McChrystal explains how traditional hierarchical structures fail in complex environments and offers a new approach to leadership based on decentralized decision-making. He advocates for empowering small, adaptable teams that can work autonomously while staying connected to a broader network and provides insight to implementing this framework.

• Strategies for leading in complex, rapidly changing environments
• The value of decentralized leadership and decision-making
• How to build trust and communication across teams to foster collaboration

Reasons for Recommendation: This is one of the best books on leadership communication because it emphasizes the importance of flexible, transparent communication structures in modern organizations, making it highly relevant for today’s leaders.

9. Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences by Nancy Duarte

Author Overview: Nancy Duarte is a communication expert and CEO of Duarte Inc., a design firm specializing in creating presentations and visual storytelling for influential brands.

Summary of the Content: In Resonate , Duarte shows how to use visual storytelling techniques to create persuasive presentations. She emphasizes the need to craft a narrative that resonates emotionally with audiences while being clear and compelling.

• Techniques for creating visually engaging slides that support your message
• The importance of structuring presentations with a clear narrative arc
• How to connect with an audience emotionally through storytelling

Reasons for Recommendation: This is one of the best books on communication in the workplace for anyone who needs to deliver impactful presentations. It’s a go-to resource for creating engaging, persuasive narratives in a professional setting.

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

Author Overview: Chip Heath is a professor at Stanford and Dan Heath is a Senior Fellow at Duke University’s CASE center. Together, they have written several bestsellers on communication and business strategy.

Summary of the Content: This book explores why certain ideas stick in people’s minds while others fade away. The Heath brothers provide a framework for creating messages that are simple, unexpected, concrete, credible, and emotional, with a strong story.

• Practical strategies for ensuring your ideas gain traction and stick in people’s minds
• The SUCCES model (Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, Stories) for making ideas memorable
• How to craft messages that are more engaging and impactful

Reasons for Recommendation: Known as one of the best books on communication in business, this read is ideal for anyone in marketing, leadership, or communication roles who seeks to make ideas memorable and impactful.

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

Author Overview: Carmine Gallo is a communication coach and author who has worked with some of the world’s top leaders and executives, helping them refine their communication and presentation skills.

Summary of the Content: Talk Like TED explores the techniques used by top TED speakers to deliver engaging and memorable presentations. Gallo breaks down these techniques into nine actionable steps, focusing on authenticity, storytelling, and emotional engagement.

• Practical tips for making your talks more engaging and persuasive.
• The importance of passion and storytelling in public speaking.
• How to use visuals and body language to enhance your presentations.

Reasons for Recommendation: This is one of the best books on leadership and communication, offering practical advice for anyone looking to improve their public speaking and presentation skills.

12. The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business by Erin Meyer

Author Overview: Erin Meyer is a professor at INSEAD, one of the world’s top international business schools. She specializes in cross-cultural management and helps leaders navigate the complexities of global business communication.

Summary of the Content: Meyer’s book explores the differences in communication styles across cultures, providing a guide to navigating these differences in global business settings. She uses case studies to illustrate how cultural gaps can affect communication and offers strategies to bridge these gaps.

• Practical advice for adapting your communication style to different cultural contexts
• A framework for understanding cultural differences in communication, such as direct vs. indirect communication styles
• Insights into how cultures vary in the way they perceive authority, trust, and feedback

Reasons for Recommendation: This is one of the best books on communication in the workplace for anyone involved in international business, offering insight into adapting to different cultural sensitivities.

13. Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity by Kim Scott

Author Overview: Kim Scott is a former Google and Apple executive who now teaches leadership seminars. She is an expert in developing healthy and productive workplace cultures.

Summary of the Content: Scott’s book focuses on the concept of “Radical Candor,” which involves giving feedback that is both honest and kind. It’s a must-read for leaders looking to improve communication with their teams while fostering a supportive environment.

• How to challenge directly while caring personally
• How to deliver feedback effectively without being hurtful
• The importance of creating an environment where employees feel safe to speak up

Reasons for Recommendation: It’s one of the best books on leadership and communication because it addresses the delicate balance of being both a leader and a compassionate communicator.

14. The Narrative Age by Frank Wolf

Author Overview: Frank Wolf is an expert in corporate storytelling, specializing in helping businesses create strategic narratives to engage audiences and drive transformation.

Summary of the Content: The Narrative Age explores how businesses can leverage the power of storytelling to connect with stakeholders, build brand loyalty, and inspire employees. Wolf emphasizes the importance of crafting a clear and compelling narrative that resonates with both internal and external audiences.

• Practical advice for using storytelling to drive transformation and engagement
• The role of narrative in shaping corporate culture and brand identity
• How to build strategic narratives that align with business goals

Reasons for Recommendation: This book stands out among books about business communication as it provides a unique perspective on using narrative as a strategic tool in communication and leadership.

15. Supercommunicators: How Great Leaders Spread Ideas Through Stories by Charles Duhigg

Author Overview: Charles Duhigg is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author known for his bestselling book The Power of Habit . His work focuses on understanding human behavior and how habits can drive success in both personal and professional life.

Summary of the Content: Supercommunicators explores how great leaders use storytelling to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively. Duhigg emphasizes the power of narrative in engaging audiences and spreading influential ideas.

• How to use storytelling to simplify complex ideas
• Strategies for engaging and inspiring your audience through narrative
• The importance of clear communication in leadership and organizational success

Reasons for Recommendation: This is one of the best leadership books on communication, offering insights into how effective communication through storytelling can drive influence and change.

16. The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White

Author Overview: William Strunk Jr. was a professor of English at Cornell University, and E.B. White was a distinguished writer and editor. Together, they created one of the most enduring style guides for writers.

Summary of the Content: This concise guide offers practical rules for clear and effective writing. Strunk and White provide timeless advice on grammar, style, and composition, making it a valuable resource for anyone who writes professionally.

• How to avoid common writing mistakes and improve readability
• The importance of clarity, brevity, and precision in writing
• Simple rules for structuring sentences and paragraphs effectively

Reasons for Recommendation: This is an essential reference for anyone in a communication role , making it one of the best books on communication in the workplace for improving writing skills.

17. Positioning: The Battle for Your Mind by Al Ries and Jack Trout

Author Overview: Al Ries and Jack Trout are renowned marketing strategists and are often credited with developing the concept of positioning in marketing. They have decades of experience helping brands carve out a unique space in the marketplace.

Summary of the Content: Positioning focuses on the importance of creating a distinct position in the mind of the consumer. The book outlines strategies for standing out in a crowded market by creating a clear, compelling, and differentiated message.

• How to create a brand position that resonates with consumers
• The importance of simplicity and clarity in messaging
• Strategies for positioning your business to stay top of mind for customers

Reasons for Recommendation: This is one of the best books on business communication because it emphasizes the importance of crafting clear, strategic messaging that resonates with your audience. It’s a must-read for anyone in marketing or communications.

18. How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling by Kate Tellers

Author Overview: Kate Tellers is a senior director at The Moth , a nonprofit dedicated to the art of storytelling. She has extensive experience in helping individuals craft and share their stories compellingly.

Summary of the Content: This book provides a step-by-step guide to creating and delivering powerful stories that captivate and inspire. Tellers breaks down the essential elements of storytelling, offering practical advice for both personal and professional narratives.

• How to craft a memorable story using structure, emotion, and pacing
• Techniques for engaging audiences and making stories resonate
• The power of storytelling in building connections and conveying messages

Reasons for Recommendation: This is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their storytelling skills, making it one of the top business communication books for marketers, leaders, and public speakers.

19. To Sell is Human: The Surprising Truth about Moving Others by Daniel Pink

Author Overview: Daniel Pink is a bestselling author and expert on work, business, and behavior. His books have been translated into 42 languages, and he’s known for his insights into motivation and the modern workplace.

Summary of the Content: In To Sell is Human , Pink argues that we are all in sales, whether we realize it or not. The book breaks down the art and science of selling, emphasizing how persuasive communication is key in both personal and professional contexts.

• The importance of attunement, buoyancy, and clarity in sales communication
• The shift from traditional sales tactics to a more human-centered approach
• Practical tips for persuading and influencing others in everyday situations

Reasons for Recommendation: This book is essential for understanding how communication can influence behavior, making it one of the best books about communication in business. It’s particularly useful for sales and marketing professionals .

20. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Author Overview: Susan Cain is a former Wall Street attorney and negotiation consultant turned bestselling author. She is a prominent advocate for introverts and has been credited with changing the way we perceive introverted leadership.

Summary of the Content: This book explores the role of introverts in a society that often favors extroversion. Cain argues that introverts can be powerful leaders and communicators, offering insights into how they can leverage their strengths in business.

• Tips for introverts to communicate more effectively in the workplace
• The value introverts bring to leadership and teamwork
• How to create environments that allow both introverts and extroverts to thrive

Reasons for Recommendation: This a crucial book for understanding how different personality types communicate, making it one of the best books on leadership and communication.

21. Friend of a Friend: Understanding the Hidden Networks That Can Transform Your Life and Your Career by David Burkus

Author Overview: David Burkus is a bestselling author, speaker, and associate professor of leadership and innovation. He is known for his research on business networks and organizational culture.

Summary of the Content: In Friend of a Friend , Burkus reveals how hidden social networks can impact your success. He explains how to leverage these networks to build connections, improve communication, and foster collaboration within organizations.

• How to identify and utilize hidden networks to build influence
• The importance of relationships in business communication and leadership
• Strategies for fostering meaningful connections in a professional setting

Reasons for Recommendation: This is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their networking and communication skills, making it one of the top business communication books for leaders and professionals.

22. The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell

Author Overview: Malcolm Gladwell is a bestselling author, journalist, and public speaker known for his works on sociology and psychology. His books explore the hidden forces that drive human behavior.

Summary of the Content: The Tipping Point examines how small actions can lead to large, widespread changes. Gladwell discusses how ideas, trends, and behaviors can reach a tipping point, leading to significant shifts in business and society.

• The role of connectors, mavens, and salesmen in spreading ideas
• The concept of the “tipping point” and how small changes can create big impacts
• Understanding how ideas spread and influence behavior

Reasons for Recommendation: This is one of the best books about communication in business because it demonstrates how communication and messaging can influence large-scale trends, making it highly relevant for marketing and leadership professionals.

23. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni

Author Overview: Patrick Lencioni is a business consultant, author, and speaker specializing in organizational health and teamwork. His books have become essential reading for leaders looking to improve team dynamics.

Summary of the Content: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team is a leadership fable that explores common pitfalls in team collaboration and communication. Lencioni outlines five key dysfunctions that prevent teams from working effectively and provides strategies for overcoming them.

• Practical steps for improving collaboration and accountability in the workplace
• The five dysfunctions that undermine teamwork: absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results
• How to build trust and foster open communication in teams

Reasons for Recommendation: This is a must-read for leaders looking to improve team communication and collaboration, making it one of the books on communication and leadership.

24. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Author Overview: Stephen R. Covey was an internationally respected leadership expert, speaker, and author. His work focuses on principles of personal and professional development.

Summary of the Content: Covey’s classic book outlines seven habits that lead to effectiveness in both personal and professional life. These habits are based on timeless principles of fairness, integrity, and human dignity.

• How to be proactive and take control of your life and decisions
• The importance of prioritizing tasks and focusing on what truly matters
• Strategies for effective communication, collaboration, and leadership

Reasons for Recommendation: This is one of the most influential books on communication and leadership, providing practical tools for building strong relationships, improving productivity, and leading with purpose.

25. Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant

Author Overview: Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist, bestselling author, and professor at the Wharton School of Business. He is known for his research on leadership, teamwork, and organizational culture.

Summary of the Content: In Give and Take , Grant explores how giving, rather than taking, can lead to long-term success in business and life. He demonstrates how generosity and collaboration can enhance communication, leadership, and team dynamics.

• The three types of people in business: givers, takers, and matchers
• How giving can lead to higher levels of success and influence
• Practical strategies for balancing generosity with assertiveness in the workplace

Reasons for Recommendation: This is another great book on leadership and communication, offering a fresh perspective on how collaboration and generosity can drive both personal and professional success.

Have you already read every one of my picks for the best business communication books? Well then — I have compiled a bonus list of books designed to appeal to professionals seeking additional workplace communication books that explore topics including leadership, building a communications strategy , and personal development.

• Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Liz Wiseman & Stephen Covey
• Leading from Anywhere by David Burkus
• The Fearless Organization: Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace for Learning, Innovation, and Growth by Amy Edmondson
• Leading Change by John Kotter
• How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge: Leveraging Influence When You Lack Authority by Mark Fritz
• Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age by Jonah Berger
• What Every BODY Is Saying by Joe Navarro
• Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies by Jim Collins and Jerry L. Porras
• The New Rules of Work: The Modern Playbook for Navigating Your Career by Gary Bolles
• It’s Your Ship: Management Techniques from the Best Damn Ship in the Navy by Mike Abrashoff *This business communications book comes highly recommended by former Yum! Brands CEO Greg Creed .
• Impact Players: How to Take the Lead, Play Bigger, and Multiply Your Impact by Liz Wiseman
• Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek
• Managing Oneself by Peter Drucker
• Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
• Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
• The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande
• Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Dr. Carol Dweck
• Hit Refresh: The Quest to Rediscover Microsoft’s Soul and Imagine a Better Future for Everyone by Satya Nadella
• The Jolt Effect by Matthew Dixon
• Escape Velocity: Free Your Company’s Future from the Pull of the Past by Geoffrey Moore
• The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni
• The Art of War by Sun Tzu
• Grit by Angela Duckworth
• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown

Enjoy these books about leadership and communication at your leisure! Because remember, learning should also be fun.

Further reading: Communications

Staffbase is your mission control for strategic, secure employee communications..

• Business & Money

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Communication Skills: A Practical Guide to Improving Your Social Intelligence, Presentation, Persuasion and Public Speaking (Master Your Communication and Social Skills) Paperback – July 11, 2015

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Are your communication skills holding you back from the success you deserve.

Have you ever walked away from a conversation, replaying it in your head, knowing you said the wrong thing? Maybe you missed out on a promotion, stumbled through an important interview, or even let a promising relationship slip away. The frustrating truth is, most of us aren’t aware that what we say—and how we say it—can either open doors or close them. Communication is much more than just words. It's about timing, tone, body language, and even knowing when to stay silent. If you've ever felt misunderstood or unable to express yourself clearly, you're not alone—and the good news is, you can change that.

Take Control of Your Conversations and Transform Your Life

Imagine walking into any room, conversation, or meeting with confidence—knowing exactly what to say and how to say it. No more second-guessing, no more awkward silences, no more wondering what went wrong. Communication Skills Training is your roadmap to mastering the art of communication and unlocking success, both personally and professionally. Just like oil keeps an engine running smoothly, effective communication can fuel your ambitions, helping you get more out of every interaction and opportunity. In this book, you won’t just learn how to talk better—you’ll gain the tools to understand why communication breaks down and how to fix it. You’ll discover how to navigate difficult conversations, build meaningful connections, and project confidence in every situation.

Inside, You’ll Discover:

Proven strategies to break through communication barriers and make your voice heard. Conflict management techniques to express emotions like anger or frustration without escalating tension. The secrets of body language and how to read faces to predict behavior. Effective feedback strategies —learn how to give and receive feedback without causing conflict. How to build rapport and network like a pro, making you stand out in any crowd. Master the art of active listening —and get people to open up and trust you.

...and so much more.

Why This Book is Different

This isn't just another generic book about communication. This is a practical, actionable guide designed to transform the way you interact with the world. Whether you’re navigating your career, strengthening personal relationships, or simply trying to get your point across more effectively, this book provides the blueprint you need.

Make Communication Your Superpower

Effective communication is the key to achieving your goals. Whether it's landing that dream job, improving your relationships, or becoming more influential in your professional life, mastering communication will set you apart from the rest. If you're ready to stop letting poor communication hold you back and start building the life you deserve, it's time to take action. Click 'Buy Now' and start developing the skills that will take your personal and professional success to the next level!

• Part of series Master Your Communication and Social Skills
• Print length 280 pages
• Language English
• Publication date July 11, 2015
• Dimensions 6 x 0.64 x 9 inches
• ISBN-10 1515031918
• ISBN-13 978-1515031918
• See all details

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From the Publisher

Unlock the power of words—transform your relationships and influence with unstoppable communication skills.

Master Any Conversation with Confidence and Clarity

In today’s fast-paced world, clear communication is more than just a skill —it’s your gateway to success in both personal and professional relationships.

Discover actionable techniques to improve your listening, sharpen your speaking skills, and handle even the most difficult conversations with ease.

Whether you're navigating a business deal, resolving conflict, or simply looking to strengthen personal connections, Ian Tuhovsky's communication skills books will arm you with the tools you need to thrive.

Discover the power of communication with Ian Tuhovsky’s proven strategies. Start your journey toward personal and professional growth today.

About Ian Tuhovsky :

With over a decade of experience in the fields of HR and coaching, Ian Tuhovsky has worked with r enowned companies, helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential.

His books are rooted in both his professional expertise and his personal growth journey, offering practical strategies that readers can immediately apply to their own lives.

Whether it's improving communication, developing leadership skills, or mastering emotional intelligence, Ian's approach empowers readers to thrive in both personal and professional environments.

Join thousands of readers and transform your communication skills today. Your journey to better relationships, leadership, and confidence starts now!

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (July 11, 2015)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 280 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1515031918
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1515031918
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.8 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.64 x 9 inches
• #535 in Communication Skills
• #627 in Communication & Social Skills (Books)
• #3,671 in Personal Transformation Self-Help

About the author

Ian tuhovsky.

Ian has visited more than 50 countries so far, connecting with people from all over the globe. Sharing stories, experiences, and music with those he crossed paths with. Taking on the role of an observer of people and reality.

He noticed that despite the cultural and language differences, we all strive for the same things; better connections with one another and fulfillment.

After all, humans are social creatures. Driven by dreams and aspirations.

His dream is to help people connect and support each other. He does this through creating music that brings people together in joy, and books that teach people how to build better relationships with others.

Ian spent more than ten years studying sociology, and investigating communication, and mindful goal achievement.

Specifically, focusing on how ANYONE can achieve their dreams and goals by mastering communication and mindfulness.

He doesn’t claim to know it all and be perfect. In fact, Ian had to overcome shyness, communication issues, and blockages himself. That’s what makes his work compassionate and realistic.

He is determined to share his knowledge and experience with as many people as possible. That’s why he divides his time between consulting in the Human Resources sector, coaching, and writing.

His books are relatable, educational, and entertaining. Based on research and life experiences. Bound with his smooth writing style.

His publications have accumulated thousands of reviews. Readers say that his books are effective, easy to understand and simply incredible!

Join the community of Ian’s readers and start your journey towards a life full of meaningful connections and success.

Author's blog: http://www.mindfulnessforsuccess.com/

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Customers say

Customers find the book great, easy to read, and well-written. They also say it's informative, practical, and provides guidance on what to consider.

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Customers find the book excellently well-written, easy to read, and educational. They say it's short, to the point, and helpful. Readers also mention the chapters are perfectly structured and provide great exercises and insights on how verbal communication works. Overall, they describe the book as an all-around great product.

"...to the book twice, and I think I’m going to listening again , a lot of good material " Read more

"...to communicate better in a wider variety of situations, this book was a good read . It was jammed packed with information and references to research...." Read more

"Just finished the book and all in all it was a good read ! Some of the chapters felt like review or “common sense”...." Read more

"...way you explained the different ways to communicate, made it easy to read and learn ...." Read more

Customers find the book extremely informative, with practical teaching, tips, and case studies. They say it exposes them to ideas and concepts they would never have thought of. Readers are also impressed with the amount of actionable advice given within the book. They mention the subject matter is covered in great detail and depth.

"...by the way and the content of this book, it is certainly a guidance on what to consider , what to change, what to do ...." Read more

"...It was jammed packed with information and references to research . I particularly found helpful-..." Read more

"...I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of actionable advice given within this book. Finally, YES...." Read more

"The tips the author gave were okay . But I thought they were kind of manipulative to use on your working colleagues...." Read more

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What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation

by Carmine Gallo

Summary .   

I was sitting across the table from a Silicon Valley CEO who had pioneered a technology that touches many of our lives — the flash memory that stores data on smartphones, digital cameras, and computers. He was a frequent guest on CNBC and had been delivering business presentations for at least 20 years before we met. And yet, the CEO wanted to sharpen his public speaking skills.

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10 Communication Books for Free! [PDF]

Explore the fascinating world of communication with our collection of free PDF books that cover everything from theory to the practical skills necessary in the field of communication.

We invite you to dive into our virtual library and discover a range of resources that will enrich your understanding of communication in various contexts and situations.

Communication Books

Communication and Audio-Visual Techniques

Prof. C.P.O. Obinne

Interpersonal Communication: A Mindful Approach to Relationships

Jason S. Wrench, Narissra M. Punyanunt-Carter, Katherine S. Thweatt

Mass Communication, Media, and Culture

University of Twente

Communication for Business Success

Jasmine Roberts

Assertive Communication

Social, personal and health education

Shannon Ahrndt

Well, this was our collection of Communication books in PDF format. We hope you liked it and find your next book!

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15 Essential Books on Communication for Effective Interaction and Understanding in 2024

Fed up with miscommunication mishaps in your career and personal life? Let’s flip that script.

Our lives rotate around communication with family, friends, and work. The books on communication we have selected cover a range of topics.

The Assist is a free, enjoyable weekly email offering actionable tips for professional development and communication skills. It's like that reliable friend you turn to for work and life advice, sending advice 4x a week to problem-solving go-getters like yourself.

❤️  Why we love this resource:  

• Improve your communication skills by discovering new tools.
• Learn how to handle difficult conversations with expert guidance.
• Strengthen public speaking skills and boost confidence.

So what are you looking to improve upon? Are you sharing a goal, giving a presentation, resolving a conflict, or having small talk?

These books on communication will prepare you for what you want to say, to whom it needs to be said.

Page Contents (Click To Jump)

15 Must-Read Books on Communication

Do you want to have effective communication skills ? Dive into the world of books on communication!

You’ve just stumbled upon your ultimate treasure trove — savvy books that pack a powerful punch when it comes to boosting your interpersonal prowess. It’s about understanding how to effectively get your message across, and connect with people.

In these pages are a wealth of wisdom on best communication practices, and you’ll be learning the following:

🚀 Build trust with others

💼 Ace business negotiations , be it your next job interview or a business deal.

🌐 Navigate the online world of email, ensuring your message is clear.

🧩 Equip yourself to deftly handle conflicts and misunderstandings.

💡 Ease the pressure of public speaking by building strong communication habits .

⭐ Communication Tip from The Assist : Actively listen without interruption and reflect back on key points to ensure understanding before crafting your response in important conversations.

These will not just be books on your shelf; they will become catalysts for your personal and professional well-being. So, let’s see what all the hype is about!

You may have seen the book cover for this globally renowned self-help book on communication. In 1936, Simon and Schuster published “How to Win Friends and Influence People” which became a bestseller. The principles Dale Carnegie discusses are considered timeless pieces of practical wisdom, in everything from business to personal relationships.

❤️ Why we love this book on communication: It’s a quick read that is written in plain English. It offers actionable strategies of cooperation based on real examples. This book’s lessons have appealed to anyone seeking an enriching go-to guide about personal and professional relationships.

⭐️ Key Takeaways:

• Give honest appreciation to everyone.
• Concise paragraphs pack a punch.
• Good communication is based on a few key skills.

Douglas Stone's “Difficult Conversations” emphasis on perspective and emotion makes this seminal work worth reading. For those difficult moments with co-workers, business partners, friends and family, this book gives step-by-step guides on how to approach communication through such times. With three decades of research, it exemplifies impactful communication. Through relatable life instances, it showcases how meaningful conversations yield positive results, making it vital for better conflict resolution and enhanced relationships.

❤️ Why we love this book on communication: This is valuable for leaders to motivate an office with low morale, or to break through barriers of difference of opinion that result in a stalemate. The step-by-step approach leaves little guesswork on our part.

• Presents a methodical approach to handling challenging dialogues.
• Arrive at the heart of the matter in ways that build relationships.
• Redefine conflict resolution as an opportunity for growth and understanding.

In “Words that Work” by Frank Luntz, language becomes a potent tool as Luntz gives words and phrases a prominent place as the major factor of communication. Luntz delves into linguistic techniques, showing how words shape perceptions, decisions, and attitudes. His stories emphasize empathy and authenticity's role in impactful communication.

❤️ Why we love this book on communication: Not only do we gain respect for individual words, but Luntz gives us a shortlist of words that can make an immediate impact. He gives 10 fundamental rules of communication. The more we can adhere to, the better chance our words will be a home run.

• Language shapes perceptions and drives influence effectively.
• Actionable strategies set forth as a list of fundamental rules to follow.
• Learn to craft impactful messages and connect effectively.

"The Art of Communicating" by Thick Nhat Hanh is a must-read gem on proficient communication. This book takes you on a journey through the thickets of daily interactions. It guides you to communicate meaningfully, listen with empathy, speak with authenticity, and enhance the way you impact and experience the world.

❤️ Why we love this book on communication: This distinctive guidebook is the encouragement for us to communicate with more passion when passion is desired, and to communicate with nourishing language when it is called for. On one hand, it empowers us to express ourselves, and on the other hand, to listen empathetically to whomever we are speaking, with anyone in the world.

⭐ Key Takeaways:

• Improve self-expression.
• Enhance empathetic listening.
• Improve social skills.

Are you ready to up your communication game? In "Simply Said: Communicating Better at Work and Beyond," Jay Sullivan’s ultimate guide gives your business communication the upper hand. Have you ever wondered why your ideas fail to get the nod? Or why your email seemed harsh? It all boils down to your communication skills. This book is essentially a treasure trove of techniques that will make you a better listener, presenter, and influencer.

❤️ Why we love this book on communication: It strengthens our communication skills tremendously. It's practical, filled with real-life scenarios, and helps us effortlessly connect, inspire, and influence others. This book is all about reinventing your ideas to hold up in conversations.

• Focus less on self, more on others.
• Mastering persuasive, clear messages.
• Listening is part of the art of communicating.

Ever wondered why some people can easily command a room? This book unravels the mysteries behind influential communication. Think of it as a helping hand guiding you through the jungle of social interaction, the first impressions of job interviews, and the body language of public speaking. Because let's face it, when you practice better communication, the moments that you prepare for go even better than expected.

❤️ Why we love this book on communication: This book simultaneously empowers and educates readers on communication strategies central to awe-inspiring speeches, clear conflict resolution, and impactful small daily meaningful conversations.

• Understand the role of body language.
• Master active listening techniques.
• Improve written communication.

Looking for five keys a leader needs that unlock authentic relationships? This fast-paced guide swiftly tells stories of self-help, personality patterns, and leadership voices. With "5 Voices," becoming a top-notch leader is no longer about navigating a labyrinth of complicated dynamics but exploring the thrill of self-discovery and embracing diversity.

❤️ Why we love this book on communication: "5 Voices" breaks down the complexity of emotional intelligence, personality traits, and leadership styles into a super simple vocabulary. It helps you not only to discover your own leadership voice but also to value others' voices, enabling good communication for all relationships.

• Discover your unique leadership voice.
• Gain insights into different personality patterns.
• Boost your emotional intelligence.

Ever notice how email correspondence is more difficult than face-to-face? Do you type out the same message ten times because it doesn’t sound right? "Effective Emails: The Secret to Straightforward Communication at Work" presents a robust solution. The topics speak about managing professional correspondence via email. Chris Fenning, a multi-award-winning author, curates effective mail-writing techniques and combines them with expert advice for good measure.

❤️ Why we love this book on communication: "Effective Emails" is our ticket out of mundane, dragging email chains. Packed with practical frameworks and examples, it shows us how to write meaningful, concise emails ensuring faster replies and less confusion. Who wouldn't appreciate that?

• Master writing short and accurate emails.
• Take steps to avoid fussy group emails.
• Includes a case study showing transformation of a disorganized email into a comprehensible one.

Drawing out of experiences of iconic figures from Steve Jobs to Warren Buffet, Carmine Gallo weaves together a must-read tapestry. From these top minds of business, come techniques to communicate in ways that demand attention, resonate with audiences, and leave an indelible mark.

❤️ Why we love this book on communication: Finally a book written for professional communication by the best-selling author, Carmine Gallo. He has written memorable anecdotes that have been sticking with us throughout the day.

• Gives practical strategies based on real-world examples.
• Emphasizes storytelling as a way to communicate.
• Practice business communication like the best business minds.

“Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences,” by Nancy Duarte, focuses on the art of giving a presentation to a group of colleagues. Duarte compares presentations to anatomy, giving them parts, which she exercises and strengthens. Presentations are a form of public speaking that blend visual components with spoken word, and her tips are designed to build up all its aspects.

❤️ Why we love this book on communication: She brings out the heart of a presentation: to inspire others to action. Her goal is for us to view presentations as communication that drives the audience to action, and this is a goal we can’t agree with more.

• New strategies are unveiled for crafting captivating, impactful visual narratives.
• Presentations should deeply resonate with audiences.
• A well-presented story engages, inspires, and persuades.

Get more FREE communication tips by subscribing to The Assist , a free 4x weekly email newsletter to help you become a better professional in just 5 minutes.

"Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking when Stakes are High," by Kerry Patterson is a masterclass in navigating high-stakes conversations with finesse and poise. Patterson's emphasis on fostering open dialogue, cultivating mutual respect, and defusing tension sets this book apart as one of the best books on conflict resolution. This communication book is full of real-life examples, relatable advice, and actionable techniques transforms difficult conversations into opportunities for growth, understanding, and stronger connections.

❤️ Why we love this book on communication: Certain upcoming events are defining moments in our lives, and there will be communication on that day. Conflict is unavoidable, but the outcome is better when we communicate effectively. This book focuses on difficult interactions.

• Learn to turn high-stakes conversations into opportunities for growth and understanding.
• Framework provides a structured process for handling tough discussions, setting it apart as a practical guide to navigate complex interactions.
• The focus on emotional intelligence, helps readers manage their own emotions and understand others' feelings during crucial conversations.

In "How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Successes in Relationships" by Leil Lowndes, the expertise of effective communication is unraveled. She discusses the secrets of building rapport, mastering body language, and crafting engaging meaningful small talk. This versatile toolkit is for anyone looking to enhance their social skills, as it offers a blend of actionable tips, relatable anecdotes, and psychological insights that empower readers to connect effortlessly with others.

❤️ Why we love this book on communication: The small ways she teaches us are fun and memorable, and most importantly effective. We especially love how easy her tips are to remember, when we need them most, because each tip has its own catchy phrase.

• Gives a treasure chest of techniques for mastering the art of engaging conversations.
• Offers a unique approach to foster personal magnetism through small talk and body language.
• Applicable in diverse scenarios, equipping readers to excel in social interactions of all kinds.

According to "Just Listen: Discover the Secrets to Get from Good to Great," by Mark Goulston, the best communication skill is active listening. Goulston’s expertise as a psychiatrist, business consultant, and business coach come together to form powerful techniques for better teamwork. His techniques break down barriers, diffuse conflicts, and foster empathy. This practical guide offers readers a practical roadmap to enhance relationships and create positive impacts, in both personal and professional spheres.

❤️ Why we love this book on communication: The most valuable conversations require active listening, and this book delves masterfully into that aspect. Whether we hear out a request from a family member, or a new idea from a partner, active listening is more than just receiving information but also about taking action.

• Practical guidance for empathetic and attentive listening.
• Turn “impossible” and “unreachable” people in our lives into collaborators.
• Focus on fostering meaningful relationships by truly understanding and engaging with others.

In “It's the Way You Say It” by Carol A. Fleming, vocal communication's significant impact is explored, including tone, pitch, and cadence nuances. The book highlights that mastering communication, including speech, grammar, and nonverbal cues, is crucial for success in a competitive world. Fleming's work offers insight into enhancing presentation skills and overcoming stage fright.

❤️ Why we love this book on communication: The techniques she outlines are told in her amazing style. Each story outlines a person figuring out how to communicate better and is highly relatable.

• Power of vocal communication in leaving lasting impressions.
• Convey intelligence through speech.
• Project confidence, credibility, and engagement.

This comprehensive guide offers readers practical strategies for navigating the intricacies of assertiveness, active listening, and conflict resolution. Backed by real-world examples and grounded in psychological insights, Bolton recognizes that language can effectively resolve long disputes, remedy miscommunications, and prevent barriers from forming between people who should be cooperating.

❤️ Why we love this book on communication: We can communicate our needs with simple techniques. He views disputes as “roadblocks” that damage relationships, and these tools act as communication repairs to get people back on track.

• Navigate assertiveness, listening, and conflict resolution.
• Effective communication strategies for understanding and resolving conflicts.
• Healthy relationships via dialogue and empathy.

People Also Ask These Questions About Books on Communication

Q: how can i use the communication techniques from these communication books to resolve disagreements at work.

• A: You can employ the communication techniques from these books by using active listening strategies with your colleagues during disagreements, practicing empathy to understand their viewpoints, and using assertive communication to express your thoughts respectfully. Applying these methods can lead to more constructive conversations and effective resolution of conflicts in a workplace setting.

Q: How can I create a plan to consistently practice takeaways learned in communication books?

• A: To establish a consistent routine for takeaways learned in communication books, start by setting aside dedicated time each day for focused practice. Break down the takeaways into manageable steps and create a schedule, ensuring you gradually increase the complexity as you become more proficient. For a pro-tip, try listening to the Amazon audiobook version of the book while you are doing morning meetings. Tracking your progress and seeking an accountability partner or group can further enhance your commitment to honing your communication skills.

Q: Which books provide guidance on fostering effective team communication within organizations?

• A: Books such as “21 Days of Effective Communication: Everyday Habits and Exercises to Improve Your Communication Skills and Social Intelligence” by Ian Tuhovsky and “Leading Without Authority” by Keith Ferrazzi offer valuable insights into fostering effective team communication within organizations. These books available on Amazon delve into techniques for handling difficult conversations, building trust and habits , and promoting open dialogues, which are essential for cultivating a healthy and collaborative team communication environment.

Q: Which communication books are essential for understanding cross-cultural communication and its challenges?

• A: For a comprehensive understanding of cross-cultural communication and its challenges, consider reading “Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands” by Terri Morrison and Wayne A. Conaway, along with “The Culture Map” by Erin Meyer. These communication skills books delve into cultural nuances, communication styles , and strategies for bridging gaps to ensure effective interactions in diverse settings, offering valuable insights for navigating cross-cultural communication challenges.

Q: What are the best books for enhancing public speaking and presentation abilities?

• A: To enhance your public speaking and presentation abilities, I recommend reading “Talk Like TED” by Carmine Gallo and “Presentation Zen” by Garr Reynolds. These books that can be found on Amazon offer practical techniques to captivate your audience, structure compelling narratives, and employ effective visual aids, enabling you to deliver impactful and engaging presentations.

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5 Books That Will Boost Your Communication Skills: HZ Upskill

• Itisha Arya
• Updated - 2024-11-13, 04:00 IST

5 Books To Improve Communication Skills

‘how to talk to anyone’ by leil lowndes, ‘five stars: the communication secrets to get from good to great’ by carmine gallo.

‘Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone’ By Mark Goulston

‘we need to talk: how to have conversations that matter’ by celeste headlee.

‘The Art of Communicating’ By Thich Nhat Hanh

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