Persuade Like a Boss: Top 5 Books to Become the Best at Communic

When I was 19 y.o I’ve struggled a lot with talking to others, even with my peers. My voice is shaking, my muscles are tense, and my anxiety begins to rise. I couldn’t even think about talking to strangers. Shutting myself in my room to the end of my life wasn’t an option, and only one solution came to my mind — I should find a job in sales. That’s right, I put myself in an environment where I was forced to talk to people every day. Funny enough, I worked there for five years.

After I finally found a job, my sales training was not how I imagined it to be… Well, I’ve got kicked in the butt with the words:” Go ahead, sell something.” From there on, my studies began.

I wasn’t a fan of some sort of sales gurus, and sales techniques seemed boring to me. I started by learning human psychology: their emotions, behavior, thought process, and generally how the mind works.

I truly believe that confidence comes from knowledge, and I am happy to share with you my top 5 books on how to deal with people.

1. The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene

The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene

Honestly, I’m a huge fan of his books. They are absolutely fascinating and very structured. Every law gives food for thought with many historical examples, which makes this book even more interesting.

You will discover strategies for understanding and dealing with different types of people and how to use these strategies on yourself. You will also be provided with tools to help you understand yourself and what to work on to improve.

“If you come across any special trait of meanness or stupidity . . . you must be careful not to let it annoy or distress you, but to look upon it merely as an addition to your knowledge — a new fact to be considered in studying the character of humanity. Your attitude towards it will be that of the mineralogist who stumbles upon a very characteristic specimen of a mineral.”

— Arthur Schopenhauer

2. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie.

It is a classic. Written in 1936, it is one of the best-selling books ever.

“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”

― Dale Carnegie

There is a lot of practical advice for your everyday life. You will learn powerful aspects of communication and achieve mutual understanding.

Timeless wisdom is relevant in our fast-paced, complex, competitive modern world.

3. Never Split the Difference. Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss

Never Split the Difference. Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss

Written by a former FBI agent hostage negotiator. Human lives depend on techniques provided in this book; they absolutely should work.

“He who has learned to disagree without being disagreeable has discovered the most valuable secret of negotiation.”

― Chris Voss

The book is filled with real-life stories. You will learn why “no” is better than “yes” and how to bargain and end up a winner in any negotiation.

4. The Like Switch: An Ex-FBI Agent’s Guide to Influencing, Attracting, and Winning People Over by Jack Schafer

The Like Switch: An Ex-FBI Agent’s Guide to Influencing, Attracting, and Winning People Over by Jack Schafer

“People have a need to be right, but people have a stronger need to correct others. The need to be correct and/or to correct others is almost irresistible.”

― Jack Schafer

The Like Switch, written by a former FBI Special Agent specializing in behavior analysis, will become your handbook on how to read people like a book.

Learn how to influence people based on behavior analysis and take your communication skills to the next level. You will know what people really think of you, and you will learn techniques that can be applied immediately, whether you are on a first date or in a job interview.

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

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

As a psychiatrist, business consultant, and coach, author Mark Goulston will teach you how to listen effectively and how to make a positive first impression. You will learn how to deal with angry and aggressive people or even complete strangers and make them feel understood.

“So when you encounter problem people, realize that there’s a reason they’re behaving the way they do. It may be a new problem: a health scare, money problems, or job pressures. It may be a long-term problem: anxiety about not being good enough for a job, anger at not being respected, fear that you don’t find them attractive or intelligent. And, yes: It may be that they’re actually just jerks (but they’re usually not). Open your own mind and look for the reasons behind the behavior, and you’ll take the first step toward breaking down barriers and communicating with an “impossible” person.”

― Mark Goulston

Remember, knowledge is only the first step. Each technique or tip should be viewed as a skill that requires practice. Reading and applying the lessons learned from such books can be the foundation for stronger communication skills, greater confidence, and a better understanding of others.

I hope you enjoyed this selection. What books have helped you improve your communication skills or confidence? Share your recommendations in the comments.