And Homer Simpson Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion

Heinrichs has made rhetoric chic again! My students enjoy reading this book, mostly because they enjoy learning techniques to be more powerful rhetoricians, especially when arguing with parents. I enjoy the book because I can continue refer to aspects and chapters to enhance my classroom lessons.

I would say to Jay, though, that although this version is updated, he still has a couple of out-dated allusions such as the Eddie Haskel ploy. Teens today (and many adults even -- I asked my 30 year old nieces) have no clue who Eddie Haskel is; I understand the reference completely, but trying to explain the persona of Eddie Haskel (or even the show Leave it to Beaver) is challenging.

Was cringe worthy and I winced often. The writing style felt embarrassingly personal and relaxed. Writer seemed to embellish on his real life success examples of his tactics to the degree of painting himself as a heroic conquistador. I felt like he was trying to impress me or tell a fish story with narcistic hyperbolic framing. Overall this was one of the worst books I've read this year.

Was cringe worthy and I winced often. The writing style felt embarrassingly personal and relaxed. Writer seemed to embellish on his real life success examples of his tactics to the degree of painting himself as a heroic conquistador. I felt like he was trying to impress me or tell a fish story with narcistic hyperbolic framing. Overall this was one of the worst books I've read this year.

This book enlightened me as to the art of argument. I used to just argue with people using whatever arrows in my quiver that I could grasp for. Now I am equipped with an arsenal that I will carry with me everywhere. Heinrichs does a fantastic job of categorizing the tools of persuasion, as well as providing some examples to get started on the art of rhetoric. I hope rhetoric comes back, because we lack a true appreciation for heated discussion in the United States.

... or rather, rediscovering how to argue in a productive way. Sounds like an oxymoron? I thought so too before I started reading. This book can vastly change the way you communicate with others, especially those who disagree with you. This is not a book that will teach you to selfishly manipulate others. This is not a book that will teach you about the intricate science of rhetoric. Rather, this is a very digestible (and entertaining) guide to expressing your views in the most effective way possible. Namely, without the need for yelling or hurt feelings. Sounds refreshing, right? I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Use it in homeschooling. Love the way the book is laid our visually (makes it easy to read and absorb) as well as many humorous antidotal examples of concepts. Have found that the examples and analogies provided are for more experienced people than 8th grader and one may find themselves looking up people mentioned to understand more fully what is being discussed.

Would definitely recommend books to others and I personally think every personal library should have a copy on their bookshelves.

This book will change your life!!! I loved this book! It is one of the few that I have read that highlight the use of rhetoric and how it was used historically as THE way to convince and win over others. I especially like the historical references. Starting out with John Adams, Jay Heinrich uses a rich diversity of examples that allow us to step back from our current day talking heads and reflect on real orators. Their words--and the passions behind them--created lasting epithets on our history. And yet, Jay's opening example of his son and the toothpaste (you must read to get more info!!) reminded me that as sophisticated as rhetoric--or the process of using it to manipulate--might appear to be, if a child can utilize it effectively, then it is doable for the rest of us.

My only regret is that if EVERYBODY reads this book, then the skills Jay teaches won't work because everyone will know "the secret"

"...and so in closing, my fellow Americans...my brothers and my sisters...i ask that you share this book...judiciously...and thoughtfully....with others...such that they, too, will know that grey twilight that shines when one has leveraged a rhetorical victory!". Lol!!

Long live Jay Heinrich!!

It takes the old, arcane and boring art of rhetoric, jazzes it up, peppers it with humor and presents it in a neat little package. I loved this book through and through although I have to admit I was confused with all the terminologies and don't remember much of it. But I understood the fundamental concepts pretty well and they are going to stay with me for a long time.

When we think of arguments as a narrow topic but the teachings in this book is about a lot more than that. This book gives a well rounded education on how to converse, argue, persuade, and even give a good presentation. I am glad I read it.

In school I learned about philosophy. Aristotle was one of my favourites, especially Rhetoric. Heinrichs' book is filled with great stories of persuasion and clearly shows the difference between being persuasive and fighting. He brings back Aristotle's Rhetoric into the current century, sharing the notion of Logos, Ethos and Pathos and how that in daily use can benefit oneself in the art of persuasion.

I was hoping for a strong book on classic rhetoric that wouldn't put me to sleep.

A friend recommended this book and I am so glad he did. I've reread it and forced friends to buy it as well. An instant classic.

I have spent some real time going through this book to be more thoughtful when I speak to try to overcome obstacles at work and to subversively get people to follow my lead and its worked very well so far.

The book is fine, though the chapters are separated strangely at times. Sometimes a chapter will be 7 pages with 2 concepts, sometimes they will be 15 pages and cover 8 topics. Also, I ordered mine from Book & Treasure Isle, but they unfortunately sent me the third edition instead.

An excellent book for those new to rhetoric. It gives plenty of examples and highlights referencing current events and even some practical applications. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone interested in getting their feet wet with the subject. There are plenty of books in this realm and I found the conversational style refreshing.

I bought this one because my son requested my hard copy of the previous version. Nothing is one hundred percent when engaged in persuasion, but this book provides some sound techniques and philosophy to draw upon when needed.

I really enjoyed the humorous introduction to rhetoric and it's various tools. If you never studied rhetoric we did not pay attention in college this is definitely a great book to pick up and begin your journey on how to effectively argue the points of your viewpoint.

Condition was excellent and it looked new. This book was great in itself and it was such a pleasure to read because of the humor, wit and practical tools that you can use in your everyday rhetoric. It probably influenced me more than any other book and has struck in me a new curiosity in the field of language, public speaking and ancient oration. Excellent introductory material to AP language and it was a joy to read!

Educational and easy to grasp walkthrough of Artistotle's more than 2000 year old theories on rhetoric. The author comes across as somewhat pretentious, but provides a useful introduction to the art of persuasion. Should prove useful for sales reps, ad guys, politicians and others who would like to improve their arguing skills.

It's easy to identify the rhetorical tools being used in politics and advertising as you read through this book. Very entertaining prose with great real-life examples. Definitely won me over to his argument that we give rhetorical training a prominent place in our education system.

This book is enchanting. I have read other books on rhetoric and debating but not like this. I am president of my college's Mock Trial & Debate Club, and this has truely helped me, and my executive officers work better, and DEFINITELY helped me win more of the debates. I like it, and I'd definitely recommend it to kids from 0-99.