Making assumptions can be a dangerous thing to do. But I’m going to take a risk here and make one about you:
You are a life-long learner!
I am, too!
Here are some reasons why I assume this:
- You are here – either at my website or on social media, seeking avenues for expanding your knowledge.
- You attended a Speaker’s Lab, workshop or business lunch-n-learn. (You were there to improve your speaking skills!)
- You receive my monthly newsletter. (I hope you are learning some useful tips.)
- For many of you, we’ve crossed paths at professional development events. (So many thing to learn – not enough time!)
To follow-up on my hunches, I’m passing along four remarkable, inspiring and highly informative books I’ve read this spring and summer. If I know you as I think I do, you will love them, learn from them and they will add new and pertinent information to your tool-box.
*I’ve provided Amazon links – and when possible – support your local independent bookstores!
Talk Like Ted, The 9 Public Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds
Ideas are the currency of the twenty-first century. In order to succeed, you need to be able to sell your ideas persuasively. This ability is the single greatest skill that will help you accomplish your dreams. Many people have a fear of public speaking or are insecure about their ability to give a successful presentation. Now public speaking coach and bestselling author Carmine Gallo explores what makes a great presentation by examining the widely acclaimed TED Talks, which have redefined the elements of a successful presentation and become the gold standard for public speaking.
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The Hook, How To Share Your Brand’s Unique Story To Engage Customers, Boost Sales, and Achieve Heartfelt Success
Corporations can no longer just worship the bottom line. Consumers and customers want to be associated with brands that align with their values. For business success today, your company needs to tell a compelling story that creates engagement, word-of-mouth, and brand loyalty.The Hook gives you a proven methodology to create a compelling narrative, then shows you how to share your story with the world and get consumers and customers to listen to and remember your message.
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The Road To Character
With the wisdom, humor, curiosity, and sharp insights that have brought millions of readers to his New York Times column and his previous bestsellers, David Brooks has consistently illuminated our daily lives in surprising and original ways. In The Social Animal, he explored the neuroscience of human connection and how we can flourish together. Now, in The Road to Character, he focuses on the deeper values that should inform our lives.__________________
Braving the Wilderness, The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone
“True belonging doesn’t require us to change who we are. It requires us to be who we are.” Social scientist Brené Brown, PhD, LMSW, has sparked a global conversation about the experiences that bring meaning to our lives—experiences of courage, vulnerability, love, belonging, shame, and empathy. In Braving the Wilderness, Brown redefines what it means to truly belong in an age of increased polarization. With her trademark mix of research, storytelling, and honesty, Brown will again change the cultural conversation while mapping a clear path to true belonging.These books should fill up the rest of your summer! Come September, if you’re ready to refresh your speaking skills or be a part of the most comprehensive program to learn public speaking, check out my Learning Labs in September and October.