Five more books to help you improve your writing, presenting, and design skills.
Summer is in full swing. Following up on our July reading list, here are five more books that we’ve enjoyed and found useful. Once again, we will cover the topics of Writing, Presenting and Design.
Resonate
Full Title
Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences
Author
Nancy Duarte
Category
Presenting
Nancy Duarte, CEO of a communications firm and a renowned speaker, delivers a straightforward guide to creating impactful presentations. A beautiful book (try to get the print version) that’s filled with practical tips on presentation and storytelling. A must-read if you want you’re serious about moving and persuading your audience. For more insights, check out her first book, slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations.
Metaphors We Live By
Full Title
Metaphors We Live By
Author
George Lakoff & Mark Johnson
Category
Writing
This groundbreaking work from the 1980s will make you rethink how you communicate. Metaphors We Live By explores the role that metaphors play in shaping our thoughts, actions, and realities. It’s considered a classic in the fields of linguistics and cognitive science. If you’re short on time, focus on the first five chapters.
Bird by Bird
Full Title
Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life
Author
Anne Lamott
Category
Writing
Anne Lamott is public speaker, political activist and writing coach. In Bird by Bird she shares her experiences and challenges in her writing journey. Instead of the usual tips and ready-to-use writing recipes, Bird by Bird is more about building your motivation and confidence to overcome dreaded writer’s block and self-doubt. An easy, entertaining read, brimming with inspiration.
The Humane Interface
Full Title
The Humane Interface: New Directions for Designing Interactive Systems
Author
Jef Raskin
Category
Design
This is a classic for anyone into software and user interface design. Jef Raskin, a human-computer interface expert at Apple and the initial project leader of the Macintosh. In The Humane Interface he breaks down the limits of human behavior based on cognitive psychology and shows how this should influence interface design.
On Writing
Full Title
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
Author
Stephen King
Category
Writing
Mixing autobiography and practical advice, On Writing gives you insight into the life of one of the most prolific and popular writers of our time. You’ll learn about King’s routine and writing tips that helped him perfect his craft. Inspirational and instructive—highly recommended for both writers and non-writers.
