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How to Speak How to Listen Paperback – April 1, 1997

by Mortimer J. Adler (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars 39 customer reviews
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Product Details

  • Paperback: 280 pages
  • Publisher: Touchstone; 1st Touchstone Ed edition (April 1, 1997)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0684846470
  • ISBN-13: 978-0684846477
  • Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.2 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,044 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsThe first 90 pages are worth their weight in gold!
By A Customer on November 25, 1996
Format: Paperback
This is the best book, bar none, that I have ever seen on this subject. Adler takes some of the classical Greek writers ideas about persuasive speaking and "updates" them, makes them more understandable, and provides concrete illustrations of how it is done. He helps you to better grasp the process of outlining, and provides an example of a speech he had given that employs the "methodology" of the text. Very readable, very insightful
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3.0 out of 5 starsA Fabulous Teacher
By Edward Jenkins on June 17, 2000
Format: Paperback
I was hoping that this would be the only book I would need as a guide to developing my knowledge and skill as a public speaker. Rather, the book is about the oral communication process in all contexts. Thus delivering prepared speeches, in particular the lecture, was just one element of it. There is considerable emphasis on the listening component--rightfully so, given that Adler argues that listening well is the component of verbal communication that is the most difficult to learn and teach, and hence the most lacking. The book is a companion to Adler's "How to Read a Book", and in fact there are numerous references to it. Although the book turned out to be something different than I had hoped, I nevertheless found it beneficial. It is packed with helpful ideas and guidelines on speaking and listening in various contexts. I also enjoyed reading the book because it helped me to improve my vocabulary, which is one of the side benefits of reading any book by Adler. He is truly a fine teacher.
A few of the key points include: Silent listening vs. active listening, Guidelines for note-taking, Several do's and don'ts of effective conversation, and Instructive speech vs. persuasive speech
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5.0 out of 5 starsClear Points about Speaking and Listening from a Master Communicator
By Philip Vassallo on December 19, 2011
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
Mortimer J. Adler's "How to Speak How to Listen" makes several instructive points for the practical person seeking a theoretical framework as well as the novice professional speaker and meeting participant. These suggestions also connect well to writing at work.

Adler suggests an order for introducing into a presentation Aristotle's time-tested tripartite of persuasion as follows: ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic). In addition, he examines two indispensable considerations of speech preparation, once again borrowing from Greek: taxis (the structure) and lexis (the language).

Some of his observations are memorable:

"Always risk talking over (your audience's) heads."

"Truly great books ... are the few books that are over everybody's head all of the time."

In speeches, "On the one hand, the language employed and the sentences constructed should be clear without being plain. On the other hand, they should have a certain elevation above the ordinary without being obscure."

"The most prevalent mistake that people make about both listening and reading is to regard them as passively receiving rather than actively participating."

"To disagree before you understand is impertinent. To agree is inane."
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5.0 out of 5 starsA truly "must read" book.
By Paul Jones on July 19, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Every school teaches reading and writing. Speaking and listening are harder, and not often attempted. For everyone who uses spoken words to persuade, to sell, to inform, to inspire, there is no better text to study.

Truly listening is an art that seems rare, these days. I have known people who really listen and are a delight to be with. They ignore distractions and are not waiting to top or disagree with what you are saying, but hearing you.

Adler has said, "Before you can say 'I agree' or 'I disagree', you must be able to say,'I understand'".
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5.0 out of 5 starsAn important book
By CMC on October 28, 2013
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This book is valuable for advancing the cause of peace. Adler argues that conversation between two people should be with acceptance of each other as equals. Conversation should aim toward mutual understanding. The participants can disagree, but they should understand each other. He argues that this skill in speaking and listening is vital in escaping war or violence. In the last chapter he puts this concern in a clear perspective. He argues that the skills are vital for the success of western civilization and it's survival. I think he is successful in his writing in making this point. His passion is not so clear until the reader finishes the book. However, a different organization of the book would probably not be quite so good. Only the diligent reader tastes the sweetest fruit.
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5.0 out of 5 starsExcellent
By Taeyun LIM on December 29, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
this book taught how to listen well and speak,before i read this book i Did not even know there was importance in Speaking and listening, i learned so many important things from things from this book. i think you should try this book,those who are reading my review, It can change your listening skills and speaking skills! IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

WRITTEN IN KINDLE PAPERWHITE.
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5.0 out of 5 starsI Love it
By Lois Belle on April 7, 2014
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
This book is very helpful for class. Listening is an art. I would recommend this book to everyone . Fast food drive through window associates need to read this book. I would recommend this book to everyone that has to associate with people in all areas of life.
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5.0 out of 5 starsWonderful how-to book.
By Totoro on July 10, 2015
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
If all how-to books were written like this I would read them for the sheer enjoyment of the writing. The writing style and format are clear, well-structured, approachable, and concise. Learning lots of valuable tips and approaches for better speaking and listening without coming off like a used car salesman, and am learning a lot about writing well by example in this book. I have How to Write as well and haven't read it yet, but Mr. Adler practices what he preaches. Really enjoyed his chapter describing the true, uncorrupted definition of rhetoric and its value.
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