How to Win an Argument, 2nd Edition [Paperback]

Michael A. Gilbert (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 29, 1995

Proven techniques for getting your point across and winning arguments

If you've ever felt the frustration of losing an argument—even when you knew you were right—to someone more skilled in pressing their point (and your hot buttons), this book is for you. This practical, often amusing guide gives you the tools you need to make your point clearly in any disagreement, from a formal debate to a roaring shouting match. You'll find:

• Strategies for identifying—and avoiding—the common traps your opponents may set for you
• Sample arguments spotlighting current issues with notes that analyze both weak and strong techniques
• Interactive quizzes that help reinforce your new skills and build confidence—"Insightful, instructive, and enjoyable to read."—Publishers Weekly

Editorial Reviews

Review

This is a HOW to book that makes sense. No doubt because it is based on a thorough understanding of the peculiarities and possibilities of argumentation. (Frans H. van Eemeren )

If argumentation is important, then this book will be of inestimable value. (St. Catherine's Standard )

Praise for the First and Second Editions: Insightful, instructive, and enjoyable to read..... (Publishers Weekly )

Praise for the First and Second Editions: Insightful, instructive, and enjoyable to read. (Publishers Weekly ) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

Proven techniques for getting your point across and winning arguments

If you've ever felt the frustration of losing an argument--even when you knew you were right--to someone more skilled in pressing their point (and your hot buttons), this book is for you. This practical, often amusing guide gives you the tools you need to make your point clearly in any disagreement, from a formal debate to a roaring shouting match. You'll find: Strategies for identifying--and avoiding--the common traps your opponents may set for you Sample arguments spotlighting current issues with notes that analyze both weak and strong techniques Interactive quizzes that help reinforce your new skills and build confidence--"Insightful, instructive, and enjoyable to read."--Publishers Weekly

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 2 edition (December 29, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471123498
• ISBN-13: 978-0471123491
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,363,313 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good for beginners, August 18, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Win an Argument, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

If you find yourself constantly arguing about anything and everything, and you find that you always come up empty, then this is a book for you. Easy to follow and helpful hints that can help even the novice turn professional

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you are Lost in Arguements this is one you have to read, June 19, 2000

By 

Eric - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Win an Argument, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

This book is very basic. But it has great ideas that are needed for any kind of arguement. Even a novice can put use of these skills very effectively. This book is good for practical purpose, and if you get lost while arguing this is a must read book. Personally I learned a lot of things from this book. It is also very organised and you will go through the whole book without feeling clobbered in your head. There are people out there who will change the subject when you are talking about some issues, and if you are not aware of it you feel that you had lost the Argument. This is a basic trap you get into while arguing. The author explains exactly what to look for while arguing. It is a good book.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good introduction to'Argument/critical thinking', July 29, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Win an Argument, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

SUMMARY:

- Informal, yet objective

- More useful from a perespective of executive decision making

- Less structured for GMAT aspirants (though may be a good introduction)

- A 'nice brief book' (around 200 pages)

DESCRIPTION:

This is the first book I am reading on argument/critical thinking and have completed about 80% of the book.

The book is an excellent intro to the subject. I liked the relatively short chapters and the crispness of each topic/theme. The author has managed to objectively introduce key concepts without resorting to heavy-duty theories in reasoning and critical thinking.

One caveat: This presentation is relatively informal - I like it this way. But each idea/chapter has been presented in a deceptively simple fashion. It will help to highlight, reread and discuss with another person to really imbibe the ideas.

I am a person who leans towards picture/sketches and examples; I would give this book a five-star if thus updated.

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