PR Must Read Books in 2022

Now is the time of the year to think about your 2022 PR reading list and start the new year with big ideas. Sometimes books come into our lives just when we need them. Whether you are a communications professional on the lookout for case studies from leaders in your field, a chief executive, a mid-career professional or an entrepreneur wanting to improve the way you communicate, there is something in my list of PR & communications books for everyone.

1. Surrounded by Idiots: The Four Types of Human Behavior and How to Effectively Communicate with Each in Business (and in Life) - Thomas Erikson

This book will help you understand yourself better, hone communication and social skills, handle conflict with confidence, improve dynamics with your boss and team, and get the best out of the people you deal with and manage. He also shares simple tricks on body language, improving written communication, advice on when to back away or when to push on, and when to speak up or shut up. Packed with 'aha!' and 'oh no!' moments, Surrounded by Idiots will help you understand and communicate with those around you, even people you currently think are beyond all comprehension.

2. Social Media Strategy - Keith A Quesenberry

Social Media Strategy includes every facet of the field. Keith Quesenberry’s comprehensive guide to social media marketing is filled with in-depth information, ranging from a definition of social media marketing and strategy, an updated overview of jobs involving social media marketing and strategy, and the many ways in which social media influence and inform modern business practices. Quesenberry’s book is a wonderful resource for anyone looking into social media marketing, from novice to professional, and can be used as a guidebook, textbook, and resource for practical tools to improve social media marketing.

3. Crisis averted - Evan Nierman

Crisis Averted explores the unpredictable world of crisis management and the decisions that make or break a company's future. A no-nonsense playbook offering practical guidance, applying its principles and strategies will empower you to approach potential challenges with confidence and competence. The lessons are universal and cut across every industry, meaning all organizations can use Crisis Averted to safeguard their single most important asset: their reputation.

4. The Public Relations Handbook - Alison Theaker

Split into four parts exploring key conceptual themes in public relations, the book offers an overview of topics including strategic public relations, politics and the media; media relations in the social media age; strategic communication management; public relations engagement in the not-for-profit sector; activism and public relations; and the effects of globalisation and technology on the field. Featuring wide-ranging contributions from key figures in the PR profession, this new edition presents fresh views on corporate social responsibility, public relations and politics, corporate communication, globalisation, not-for-profit, financial and public sector public relations.

5. Planning and Managing PR Campaigns - Anne Gregory

Taking a public relations campaign from planning through to implementation can seem overwhelming. Planning and Managing Public Relations Campaigns provides a blueprint for success, and is widely regarded as one of the best 'how-to' guides for students and practitioners. Digestible and easy to read, this fifth edition presents a 12-point plan for ensuring success of campaigns of all sizes, covering vital areas including the role of public relations in organizations, the importance of context, research and analysis, setting objectives, strategy and tactics, timescales and resources, evaluation and review.

6. Embracing Chaos - Stavros Papagianneas

Embracing Chaos is about the value of communications and true leadership. It is about why humanity needs more empathy and compassion. The book describes the new normal due to the pandemic. It is a call for more empathy and compassion in the world and about the different crises during the last decade: the financial crisis, the identity crisis, the migration crisis, the Brexit crisis, the COVID19 crisis and the climate crisis. We live on the edge, from crisis to crisis, and one of the main things we can do is become more resilient and respect our planet.