I first ran this list a few years back. Here it is again, updated for 2025 and in time for last-minute shopping: what to get your favorite public speaking family member or friend for the holidays. Following (in no particular order and at varying price points) are 9 suggestions for anyone who speaks, presents, or just worries a lot about speaking in public.
- A GREAT BOOK
Since it would be immodest to nominate my own books, this year I’m going to propose my good friend Tamsen Webster’s Say What They Can’t Unhear, first published a year ago, all about how to change audience’s minds. Her 9 principles of lasting change are concepts every speaker needs to understand. $20 online.
- A FABRIC STEAMER
There are a number of models online for less than $100, and some for less than $50. The fabric steamer is a handy device for getting your stage suit ready in a few minutes, looking sharp and unwrinkled. A life saver if you’ve ever arrived late at night to your hotel with an early call the next morning!
- BOSE NOISE CANCELING HEADPHONES
Speakers are always on the road, and that means noise and distraction. Save wear and tear on the public speaker in your life with Bose headphones to quiet the storm around them, listen to music, or audio books on speaking, or to take a call. Over or in the ear, depending on your speaker’s preference. Priced around $200 online.
- A GREAT CARRY-ON
Luggage is very personal, but I’ve been happy over the years with both Briggs and Riley and Tumi. In my experience, the Briggs and Riley models I’ve had are a bit more rugged, but the Tumi replacement and repair policy has been top-notch. You want a 22-inch spinner carry on that can expand when needed. You probably want lots of other pieces of luggage, but that is where to start. Prices seem to vary a lot online; $700 and up. Worth shopping around for a good price. Plan to keep the luggage for 10 years.
- A CLOTHES SHOPPING SPREE
You need to feel and look your best when you’re standing up in front of 500 pairs of eyes all looking to you for inspiration and wisdom. It’s worth spending some real money on a great outfit or two, and your speaker will thank you for it. Get one in black, and one in a contrasting color that will stand out from black stage backdrops. Price: varying.
- A YEAR OF IMPROV LESSONS
Still my favorite recommendation. It’s a commitment, sure, but if you’re a serious public speaker, you need to know how to respond in the moment. And nothing improves a speaker’s ability to focus on that all-important moment like a year of Improv lessons. Improv is hard to do, very hard, but you don’t have to become an expert to benefit from the increased ability to be present on stage. And once you’ve done Improv in front of an audience, public speaking will seem comparatively easy work. Price varies.
- A PHOTO SHOOT
Don’t go cheap on your photo shoot. You want high-quality shots so that you can make a claim to being a high-quality speaker. Anything less and it looks like you’re an amateur trying to play in a pro’s game. Give your speaker the gift of a professional photographer and get it done right. Price varies.
- A SESSION WITH A VOICE COACH
Your voice is your instrument if you’re a speaker, and yet most people don’t treat their voices very well—and have no idea how to do so. Most speakers make a number of unforced errors due to misuse of their voice, or failure to use it fully. A really thoughtful gift is to give your speaker a couple of voice coaching sessions to help him or her let that voice soar to its greatest heights.
- A MEMBERSHIP IN AN AIRLINE CLUB
Let’s face it; the successful public speaker will spend a great deal of time in airplanes and airports in 2026. A membership in an airline club will give that grateful public speaker access to a quiet space between flights, along with the friendlier and more helpful staff to sort out those inevitable travel delays. And free food. You can get a membership by flying a lot of miles, or you can just purchase one.
