Book Review: Thank You For Arguing

You can teach an ole arguer new tricks! If you love to persuade, strategize, analyze with thought, intent and goals then Thank You for Arguing by Jay Heinrich will definitely enrich your skill set. The new edition of Thank You For Arguing delves into pop culture and current politics for real time examples of to persuade and the tactics needed to refute the arguer in your life.

Rhetoric – Thank You For Arguing

Jay Heinrich’s describes his introduction to rhetoric when he randomly found the lectures of John Quincy Adams at Dartmouth College Library many years ago. John Quincy Adams was a professor at Harvard as well as a United States Senator from 1805-1809.

Heinrich emphasizes that mastering the use of rhetoric is to not just use words to persuade, but as a means to argue without anger. Now that is something we call can use in todays’ turbulent and divisive society; words can be weapons, words can be persuasive, but the art of arguing without anger to persuade can be a lofty goal to attain.

The Yin And Yang

One of the most helpful and relevant features of this book as we traverse the different types of arguments and goals of each participant is the tactics on how to persuade the different types of arguers depending upon the topic and strategy. The author presents all sides of the argument and the pitfalls with different tactics in detail. I particularly enjoyed the sections on persuasion when faced with an opponent whose tactic is alternative facts, illogical conclusions and blah blah! These ‘opponents’ are difficult competitors for those who attempt to persuade with facts. The author offers excellent suggestions and a turn of tactics when faced with the “sky is green” opponent.

Thank You For Arguing – Teacher Guide

Thank You For Arguing has become an integral teaching tool for students whether in debates, AP classes, law school and colleges. The latest  edition of Thank You for Arguing has a free teachers’ guide available for download on Arguelab. The guide includes exercises, quizzes and teaching tips for educators.

I received this book from the Blogging for Books program in exchange for an unbiased review.

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