Anyone can communicate in some way or other, but communicating effectively is an art that requires practice. Within organisations, clear communication is a tenet of effective leadership, and lacking this skill will affect your career growth. Fortunately, in this day and age, there are a number of resources that will help you enhance your communication skills, including books! Here are some of our picks.
1. How to Win Friends and Influence People
by Dale Carnegie
The one that makes absolutely every list out there is Dale Carnegie’s book. It’s even more impressive that this book was published back in 1936 and it is somewhat of a classic in the self-help genre and one of the best-selling books of all time.
Quote: “To be interesting, be interested.”
2. Talk Like Ted: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds
by Carmine Gallo
One of the best books out there about public speaking. Carmine Gallo analyses hundreds of TED talks to discover what makes speeches and particular speakers more memorable than others. The book lays out 9 practices that lead to successful presentations – appealing to multiple senses, educating the audience, delivering surprises, and being succinct.
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.”
3. Unleash the Power of Storytelling: Win Hearts, Change Minds, Get Results
by Rob Biesenbach
According to Amazon’s description this book “cuts through the hype to clarify and demystify the storytelling process.” The book reminds you that humans are emotional beings, and narratives appeal to that, enabling them to receive and digest information more easily. That is easier said than done, of course. This book is a practical approach to storytelling, offering templates to crafting a narrative and tips that may apply to your next company meeting or job interview.
Quote: “Storytelling is about condensing and interpreting events in order to better ensure audience understanding.”
4. Boundaries
by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
Boundaries are essential in every aspect of our lives and key to becoming effective communicators. It’s a personal property line that marks our responsibilities. The book delves into why boundaries are crucial in your personal life, at the workplace, and even with yourself.
Quote: “If you continue to blame other people for “making” you feel guilty, they still have power over you, and you are saying that you will only feel good when they stop doing that. You are giving them control over your life. Stop blaming other people.”
5. Five Stars: The Communication Secrets to Get from Good to Great
by Carmine Gallo
The second book by Carmine Gallo on our list! Communication is no longer a “soft skill”, it is the human edge that can make or break you. It’s what earns you that “fifth star”. Gallo turns to Aristotle’s three-part formula for persuasion: ethos (credibility), logos (logic) and pathos (emotion).
Quote: “Relying on the art of persuasion to strengthen emotional bonds makes teams more productive, engaged, cooperative, and, ultimately, successful.”
6. Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone
by Mark Goulston
Psychologist and business coach Goulston offers tools and techniques in this book for breaking down communication barriers, regardless of who you’re dealing with – whether it’s “defiant executives, angry employees or self-destructing management teams.” With experience in training hostage negotiators, Goulston offers tips on how to build empathy, and de-escalate conflict
Quote: “Understanding a person’s hunger and responding to it is one of the most potent tools you’ll ever discover for getting through to anyone you meet in business or your personal life.”
What other books on communications and relationships have you read? Share your favourites with us here.
