Browse our handpicked list of third-party products.
These are resources and products that we have successfully used ourselves, and/or recommended to our private clients and students. They can help you enhance your presentations, learn the skills of influence and persuasion, and improve your public speaking.
Also see our recommended books.
(As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.)
Products by category:
Cameras and Microphones
For video conferencing, virtual meetings, and remote work, having a good quality camera makes a big difference in your appearance to colleagues, and your meeting presence.
Logitech has the best webcam options for video conferencing and virtual meetings. They have a variety of options at different price points, depending on how much you want to spend and how high-quality you want your image to be.
A great microphone can totally change the direction of your meetings and calls. Good quality sound makes you clearer, and more easily understood by other participants. For webinars and presentations, high quality sound will help you look more professional and credible to your audience.
Many webcams provide adequate microphones. But if you are interested in taking your sound to the next level, we recommend the Blue Yeti brand. They have professional-quality microphones at an accessible price for most professionals. Blue Yeti is used by many podcasters and YouTube influencers.
For the next level of video quality, you will want to consider a professional camera and lens. Especially if you are going to be shooting big presentations, promotional videos, speaker reels, or creating content for social media.
We’ve successfully used Canon DSLRs like the ones below for years, so we recommend that brand. Also look at other types of cameras like mirrorless cameras.
Canon cameras can also be used as your primary webcam (Canon offers free software on their website to connect your camera to your video conferencing apps).
Lighting for Video Conferencing
Even the best cameras will struggle to produce a high-quality image without enough lighting. If you don’t have access to a window with natural light, consider a lighting source like one of the following. It makes a surprising difference in the quality of your image on your video calls.
Clickers and Teleprompters
The best public speakers take advantage of the latest tech to keep their presentations sharp and impactful.
Clickers (presentation remotes) like the ones below are standard-issue for corporate presenters and professional speakers who want to move through their slide decks effortlessly while on stage or on camera. Logitech is, again, the easy choice for quality and price.
A teleprompter is for more big-time media opportunities, keynote addresses, or other high-level scripted presentations. If you are giving those kinds of presentations from your home or office, then you will need a beam splitter like the one listed below. It connects with your iPad and camera.
VR and Posture Training
We’ve used VR headsets for years to help students beat stage fright. Get a VR headset like the one below and then download the app Virtual Speech. There are a number of VR apps that simulate public speaking for overcoming stage fright, but Virtual Speech is the best we’ve seen on the market so far. It has some of the most realistic looking scenes and really helps you feel immersed in the situation.
Posture is another challenge that many speakers encounter. We all know that having great posture is important for your professionalism and appearance as a speaker, but also for health. We’ve tried out the Upright Go posture trainer and app (which is free with the device), and we think it’s a great solution for those that are working on their posture and body language.
Movie: The King’s Speech
The struggles of public speaking are universal and timeless. The King’s Speech won the Academy Award for Best Picture perhaps partly for that reason. Based on the real story of England’s Prince Albert, his speech impediment, and his work with speech therapists, if nothing else it’s a reminder that even royalty can struggle with communicating effectively.