Skills
![Mehdi Hasan - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_B007IVCFAM.jpg)
Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
Win Every Argument shows how anyone can communicate with confidence, rise above the tit for tats on social media, and triumph in a successful and productive debate in the real world.
MSNBC's Mehdi Hasan isn't one to avoid arguments. He relishes them as the lifeblood of democracy and the only surefire way to establish the truth. Arguments help us solve problems, uncover new ideas we might not have considered, and nudge our disagreements toward mutual understanding. A good argument, made in good faith, has intrinsic value―and can also simply be fun.
Arguments are everywhere―and especially given the fierce debates we're all embroiled in today, everyone wants to win. In this riveting guide to the art of argument and rhetoric, Hasan shows you how. As a journalist, anchor, and interviewer who has clashed with politicians, generals, spy chiefs, and celebrities from across the world, Hasan reveals his tricks of the trade for the first time.
Whether you are making a presentation at work or debating current political issues with a friend, Mehdi Hasan will teach you how to sharpen your speaking skills to make the winning case.
Win Every Argument shows how anyone can communicate with confidence, rise above the tit for tats on social media, and triumph in a successful and productive debate in the real world.
MSNBC's Mehdi Hasan isn't one to avoid arguments. He relishes them as the lifeblood of democracy and the only surefire way to establish the truth. Arguments help us solve problems, uncover new ideas we might not have considered, and nudge our disagreements toward mutual understanding. A good argument, made in good faith, has intrinsic value―and can also simply be fun.
Arguments are everywhere―and especially given the fierce debates we're all embroiled in today, everyone wants to win. In this riveting guide to the art of argument and rhetoric, Hasan shows you how. As a journalist, anchor, and interviewer who has clashed with politicians, generals, spy chiefs, and celebrities from across the world, Hasan reveals his tricks of the trade for the first time.
Whether you are making a presentation at work or debating current political issues with a friend, Mehdi Hasan will teach you how to sharpen your speaking skills to make the winning case.
Editorial Reviews
"Impeccably timed, speaking to a moment when many people find themselves drawn into arguments but also fearful of saying something that will hurt someone or (and) get the person saying it into trouble...An entertaining primer on rhetorical techniques."
―Jennifer Szalai, The New York Times
"I refused to write this blurb for Mehdi Hasan. He won that argument! Now I am doing it. That's how good he is at arguing! I better start reading, quick."
―Judd Apatow, Emmy Award-winning writer and director
"Mehdi Hasan's book is a masterpiece of rhetorical argument and effective persuasion! From Demosthenes to Churchill, Cicero to Martin Luther King, Hasan lays bare the essential elements of how to delight, instruct, and move an audience. His erudition is as impressive as his wit. And his moral passion is as authentic as his love of words and life."
―Cornel West, Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary
"I've seen Mehdi win every argument he's entered since we were at school. This is a masterclass from one of the most formidable debaters and interviewers of our time."
―Riz Ahmed, Oscar-winning actor and musician
"Mehdi was one of the toughest interviews I did in the White House. In this book, he takes us on a journey through his own experience over years as a journalist and through compelling examples from history to capture the thrill of winning arguments. His book includes the kind of specific advice and applicable tactics that will make readers want to finish the book and immediately go find a sparring partner."
―Jen Psaki, former White House Press Secretary
"Mehdi is a generationally talented interviewer. He has mastered his craft, and in this book, he generously spills his secrets."
―Jonathan Swan, Emmy Award-winning reporter at The New York Times
"Win Every Argument is hugely entertaining, deeply knowledgeable, and filled with illuminating tips and stories from Mehdi Hasan's life of debating, interviewing and advocating for his beliefs. Read this book to find your own voice while learning both the art and history of persuasion."
―Ben Rhodes, author of After the Fall
"Inside our digital echo chambers, it is fa...
―Jennifer Szalai, The New York Times
"I refused to write this blurb for Mehdi Hasan. He won that argument! Now I am doing it. That's how good he is at arguing! I better start reading, quick."
―Judd Apatow, Emmy Award-winning writer and director
"Mehdi Hasan's book is a masterpiece of rhetorical argument and effective persuasion! From Demosthenes to Churchill, Cicero to Martin Luther King, Hasan lays bare the essential elements of how to delight, instruct, and move an audience. His erudition is as impressive as his wit. And his moral passion is as authentic as his love of words and life."
―Cornel West, Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary
"I've seen Mehdi win every argument he's entered since we were at school. This is a masterclass from one of the most formidable debaters and interviewers of our time."
―Riz Ahmed, Oscar-winning actor and musician
"Mehdi was one of the toughest interviews I did in the White House. In this book, he takes us on a journey through his own experience over years as a journalist and through compelling examples from history to capture the thrill of winning arguments. His book includes the kind of specific advice and applicable tactics that will make readers want to finish the book and immediately go find a sparring partner."
―Jen Psaki, former White House Press Secretary
"Mehdi is a generationally talented interviewer. He has mastered his craft, and in this book, he generously spills his secrets."
―Jonathan Swan, Emmy Award-winning reporter at The New York Times
"Win Every Argument is hugely entertaining, deeply knowledgeable, and filled with illuminating tips and stories from Mehdi Hasan's life of debating, interviewing and advocating for his beliefs. Read this book to find your own voice while learning both the art and history of persuasion."
―Ben Rhodes, author of After the Fall
"Inside our digital echo chambers, it is fa...
Readers Top Reviews
Vonlew27Nourddine
Go to an actual bookstore & look at the Table of Content. Very lame for a review.
Bob MulliganVonle
I just received this book and the thought occurred to me - upon finishing reading this book, what will happen if I get into an argument with someone who has read it as well?
MoviefaninVABob M
Given our times, sometimes you just need to win an argument convincingly and just move forward. Mehdi Hassan lays out the basics and the not so obvious techniques to win arguments or more importantly how to see through others arguments. Whether you agree or not with Mehdi’s politics or not (I don’t always), this is well worth reading. Also highly recommend seeing some of his debates or shows.
ZMoviefaninVABob
I was hooked from the start, the story-telling method of teaching science-based, proven strategies on debating and winning arguments is useful to teenagers starting their careers and seasoned politicians alike. This was a lesson on life for those who seek and support truth, but shy away from defending it. Bravo, Mehdi for doing it again. This is a must-read for everyone!
AlasZMoviefaninVA
Introduction: The Art of the Argument ... ix PART ONE: THE FUNDAMENTALS ... 1 1. Winning Over an Audience ... 3 2. Feelings, Not (Just) Facts ... 18 3. Show Your Receipts ... 38 4. Play the Ball ... and the Man ... 56 5. Listen, Don't (Just) Speak ... 75 6. Make Them Laugh ... 92 PART TWO: TRICKS OF THE TRADE ... 109 7. The Rule of Three ... 111 8. Judo Moves ... 122 9. The Art of the Zinger ... 133 10. Setting Booby Traps ... 147 11. Beware of the Gish Galloper ... 160 PART THREE: BEHIND THE SCENES ... 181 12. Confidence Is Everything ... 183 13. Keep Calm and Carry On ... 201 14. Practice Makes Perfect ... 212 15. Do Your Homework ... 229 PART FOUR: IN CONCLUSION ... 249 16. The Grande Finale ... 251 Notes ... 267 Acknowledgements ... 301 Index ... 305
