5 Must-Read Books for Presentation Design Enthusiasts

According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 261,600 graphic design jobs in 2014. So, there is a limited amount of individuals who get paid to create stunning, cohesive design. Since most of us weren’t blessed with an eye for design, we are often left to fend for ourselves on visual pursuits. Many presenters struggle with presentation design, but there are opportunities to learn some basic tips and techniques to utilize in your own presentations. These opportunities lie in books. We’ve put together a list of 5 presentation design books every presenter could benefit from reading.

1. Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery

In his book, Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery (2nd Edition) (Voices That Matter), speaker Garr Reynolds outlines ways to use simplicity to communicate with audiences and storytelling to engage them as well. Focusing on design and delivery skills, Garr provides relevant examples to illustrate presentation techniques for the modern day presenter. If you read this book, you’ll learn the foundational elements of Garr’s Zen simplicity and how they relate to the core design principles.

2. TED Talk Secrets: Storytelling and Presentation Design for Delivering Great TED Style Talks

The TED Talk organization has acquired over 8.6 million followers on Twitter and over 9.6 million likes on Facebook. It’s needless to mention, but I will anyway, that TED Talks are extremely popular. And there are several reasons why. In his book TED Talks: Secrets of Storytelling and Presentation Design for Delivering Great TED Style Talks, Jacob explores the value of a brief speech and the resources presenters can utilize to complement their message, rather than dominate it. This book would be particularly interesting to those individuals cultivating a personal brand. For example, thought leaders should give this work a chance if they have any plans to deliver their message on a grander scale.

3. The Business of Design: Balancing Creativity and Profitability

Maybe you are a more experienced designer. Maybe you have entrepreneurial goals in the field of design. Whichever the case, Keith Granet’s The Business of Design: Balancing Creativity and Profitability could appeal to a vast audience. Even marketing directors in companies big and small can collect new information from this book to implement in their respective departments. Written in a story-driven format, Keith’s book provides details for all facets of the design firm creation process – from the beginning steps to dealing with finances and marketing, through project management strategy. Discover the business aspect of the design field to inform your own presentation design efforts.

4. Creativity On Demand: How to Ignite and Sustain the Fire of Genius

In Michael J. Gleb’s work, Creativity On Demand: How to Ignite and Sustain the Fire of Genius, he shares his definition of creativity. According to Gleb, creativity involves harnessing, utilizing, and maintaining energy. If you read this book, expect to conclude with some actionable items and steps to take to improve your current situation. For example, the Ethos3 team read this book recently and found many practical uses of Gleb’s message including:

• Using restorative rest on a daily basis
• Consuming motivational pieces regularly
• Adopting a positive creative mindset that is proactive instead of reactive

5. Design Crazy: Good Looks, Hot Tempers, and True Genius at Apple

The Ethos3 team has also recently read Design Crazy: Good Looks, Hot Tempers, and True Genius at Apple by Max Chafkin. A majority of our staff enjoyed the anecdotes Chafkin included throughout the book, which were essentially an inside look at Apple. They also appreciated the unique perspective from which he approached the topic. Even if you don’t think this book is relevant to you or your situation, read it for the insight into one of the brands that are phenomenal at public speaking and presenting.

If you’d like to read more Ethos3 book reviews, visit our Bookshelf! Interested in reading more? Check out the resources below!

The Story Behind Our Digital Bookshelf

Bestselling Books on Public Speaking

How to Create a Reading Plan for Your Team