Glossophobia—or the fear of public speaking—is one of the most commonly shared phobias, affecting a majority of the population. There's something about getting up in front of people—whether it’s a group of 10 or 10,000—that many of us dread. But this fear is not insurmountable; there are a wide range of useful tricks and tips to learn how to overcome your fear of public speaking and enhance your delivery style. Here are a few of our suggestions for audiobooks to help you conquer your anxieties and prepare for a speech that will have you seeming calm, collected, and confident.
TED Talks are one of the most famous, widely shared forms of spoken-word entertainment in the 21st century. They're highly informative, passionate speeches on a wide variety of subjects by experts and enthusiasts all over the world. So it’s safe to say that TED’s insights on public speaking are sure to be incredibly valuable. TED’s head curator, Chris Anderson, pairs with other TED execs, Tom Rielly and Kelly Stoetzel, to share tips on how to deliver an impassioned speech that will captivate your audience—while also discussing a few favorite TED Talks along the way.
While TED Talks may be the notable form of public speaking these days, Dale Carnegie, author of the legendary self-dev classic How to Win Friends and Influence People, is among history’s most celebrated names when it comes to getting up in front of an audience. Public Speaking for Success was first published in 1926, but as the audiobook version makes clear, Carnegie's best ways to practice public speaking still hold true today. Audie-nominated narrator Sean Pratt skillfully guides listeners through each of Carnegie’s exercises on diction, self-assuredness, vocal technique, and gesticulations.
Carmine Gallo, a public speaking coach, has interviewed dozens of TED Talk presenters and people who work in the fields of psychology, communications, and neuroscience. The result is this author-narrated listen that breaks down hundreds of TED speeches and condenses the findings into nine secrets that make for amazing public speaking. With this title, you’ll be able to harness your passions and talents into communicating effectively and confidently.
In this listen, you’ll discover the root cause of your fear of public speaking and learn valuable tips on how to master your nerves, build confidence, and even become a professional public speaker. Sam Slydell embodies the results of applying such skills as he lends a crisp, authoritative delivery to Williams’s master guide on overcoming anxiety and optimizing your voice, pitch, tone, and body language.
In this author-narrated listen, Robin Kermode shares his own theories behind the fear of public speaking. In his sharp English accent, he examines many aspects of spoken communication and offers insight into how to find your confidence when presenting in front of an audience, how to channel more of your private self into your public appearance, and how to speak authentically so people will listen.
Author Mike Mitchell knows that public speaking isn’t something that comes naturally to most people—it is a skill that has to be practiced and honed. Casey Bassett relays the author’s helpful hints for tightening your public speaking skills with conviction, highlighting both pitfalls that should be avoided and the essential elements of public speaking, along with quotes from great and effective public speakers.
Don’t let your fears get in the way of nailing your presentation, whether it’s a toast at a wedding or a speech for work. Learn how to calm your nerves before public speaking, make your points clearly, display confident body language, and more. This author-narrated listen is further enhanced by its author’s own performance abilities—Beck has a strong, yet tranquil voice to help you relax before a speaking engagement.
