As the weather gets warmer and days grow longer, it’s hard to deny that summer is officially here – offering solace to those of us in Boston still traumatized by the New England winter. Summer is the perfect time to sit back, relax and get lost in really good book — and why not learn something along the way?
Whether you summer at the beach, on a lake, by the pool or in the air conditioning, here are some must-reads to tackle this summer that will expand your PR skills and make you a better communicator.
Pitch Perfect: How to Say It Right the First Time, Every Time
Not to be mistaken for the fourth installment of the hit movies; Pitch Perfect is authored by Bill McGowan, an Emmy Award-winning correspondent, advisor and coach who has worked with some of business and entertainment’s biggest names (Kelly Clarkson, Eli Manning and Kenneth Cole.) McGowan uses his one-of-a-kind experience to teach readers how to carefully craft and deliver the right message, overcome common communication pitfalls and master the art of persuasion. Pick up (or download) a copy today and start communicating like a PR pro.
Between You & Me: Confessions of a Comma Queen
More than three decades in the copy department at The New Yorker has allowed author Mary Norris to truly master all things grammar and punctuation. In Between You & Me Norris uses her humor and real-life experiences to illustrate common grammar mistakes and how she overcame them during her time at The New Yorker. You should read this book if you are looking for a light-hearted way to expand your grammar and usage repertoire, especially if you are someone like me who is constantly reaching for her AP Style Guide.
Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die
Co-authored by Chip and Dan Heath, this New York Times Bestseller reveals the anatomy of ideas that “stick” and outlines ways to make some ideas even “stickier.” At times it seems like there is no method to the madness when it comes to what can be coined as a good idea, but in Made to Stick we learn the six traits that sticky ideas all have in common and how to improve the longevity of your ideas – this is must-read in the age of “fake news.”
Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds
Now that we know how to make our idea’s “sticky,” learn how to deliver them persuasively. In Talk Like Ted, Carmine Gallo, public speaking coach and best-selling author, breaks down hundreds of TED Talks and explores the anatomy of a great presentation. Dive into Talk Like Ted this summer if you are looking to overcome your insecurities of public speaking and grow your presentation skills.