The Top 10 Books on Communication Skills

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

A true classic on human behavior and psychology that’s withstood the test of time. There are no tricks or cheesy cliche’s is this book.  He just shoots straight and gives you what you need to become an influencer through improving your communication skills.

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

Isn’t this what we all want?  How not to lose it when the stakes are high.  It’s how to be James Bond when things are blowing up all around you and everything is on the line.  Or it could be as simple as a prospect meeting and not blowing it!  This is a keeper and a re-reader for anyone wanting to improve his communication skills!

3.  Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most  by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, Sheila Heen, and Roger Fisher
The title pretty much sums it up.  This book gives you a step by step approach to having the conversations that matter the most which as we know, in many cases, are the most difficult ones to have.  You can almost consider this a text  book on how to make difficult conversations easy. The world would be a much better place if everyone had read this book.

4.  How to Have Confidence and Power in Dealing with People  by Les Giblin

If you’ve ever struggled with a lack of confidence in your communication ability, this book is a must read. I read this when I was 18 years old out by the pool when I was working as a lifeguard. At the time, I felt like I was a lousy communicator and many of the specific strategies I learned from this book are strategies I still utilize today. This has been a major bestseller for many years and definitely worth your time.

5.  Skill With People by Les Giblin
Yes, Les Giblin is so good he’s captured the #4 and the #5 positions. This book, originally written in 1968, has sold over 2 million copies and has been translated into 20 different languages. This book is simple, to the point and a very quick read. In fact, it’s worth reading several times. Whether you want to increase your communication skills at home, at work, or in any environment, this book will help you tremendously.

6.  Bringing Out the Best in People  by Aubrey Daniels

Aubrey Daniels is a renowned Behavioral Psychologist who’s written several books on performance management.  What grabs me is this book is how he uses several examples with people of all ages, backgrounds, etc…. and how to use positive reinforcement to bring out the best in each of them.  Imagine knowing how to communicate with every new recruit, your kids or coworkers to bring out the absolute best in them. LOVE this book.

  7. The Definitive Book of Body Language by Barbara and Allan Pease
Oh boy!  Now this one is a huge eye opener.  Most of us know that the majority of communication isn’t spoken.  However, you’re often so focused on what others are doing and their nonverbal ques, that we often forget to think of our own!  This is an international bestseller that offers loads of insights on how to read others and how you’re being read!

8.   Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone by Mark Goulston

You may have the best idea, argument or product but if people are unwilling to listen, it doesn’t matter.  Goulston is a genius at sharing how to get the busiest people to listen.  He manages to teach you how to turn them into allies.  It’s really about how do you get through to people who don’t want to hear what you have to say.

9.  Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time  by Keith Ferrazzi

Keith Ferrazzi is a master networker with very humble beginnings who’s made an art of building relationships on the power of helping one another.  SOunds simple, right?  But this Harvard MBA takes it to an entirely different level which is why he’s recognized as one of Crain’s 40 under 40 who networks with Hollywood’s A-List and DC’s who’s who.

10.  Power Questions: Build Relationships, Win New Business, and Influence Others  by Andrew Sobel and Jerold Panas

The Authors share interviews with Billionaires, CEOs and the like which emphasize the power of asking the right questions and LISTENING.  I think my favorite part of this book was the list of 200 questions at the end that are very thought-provoking for both personal and professional relationships. I haven’t come across another book like this one.  It’s an original.