Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars | 1,172 ratings

Price: 13.12

Last update: 12-24-2024


About this item

This program is read by and contains archival audio of the author from MSNBC, BBC Question Time, Oxford Union, and other sources.

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.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt & Company.


Top reviews from the United States

A.K.
5.0 out of 5 stars I'm hooked, it's Brilliant!
Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2024
Great book!! Mehdi is a brilliant author. I haven't read the entire book yet but I find myself reading more and more pages throughout the day. Once you start you'll want to keep reading. Packed with lots of knowledge and information to help you sharpen your skills, Love this book! Would Highly recommend it.
Clay Shannon
5.0 out of 5 stars Very useful for public speakers, researchers, and writers — and interesting!
Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2023
"Win Every Argument" is very useful for debaters, interviewers, interviewees, speakers, writers, and researchers. I have been a public speaker for decades (in a religious setting and as a Mark Twain interpreter/impersonator), and a writer on-and-off throughout most of my life (both of which require researching). The tips and examples in this book, though, will take me to another level with both endeavors, especially public speaking. Mehdi Hasan's book is well worth the money, and more importantly the time it took to read and absorb it. I will use it as a reference to refresh my memory on the techniques and guidance it provides — it inhabits an honored position on my virtual (electronic) bookshelf.

I only found one thing in the entire book that I take issue with, and am even willing to argue with Mr. Hasan about it. That is his statement at the 67% mark in the kindle version (I don't know what the page number in the dead-tree version would be) that of the four Ps in speaking (pitch, pace, power, and pausing), pitch is your tone of voice. Pitch is actually the "notes" you are using (varying from high to low). Tone of voice is not necessarily tied to pitch, but is an aural clue to how you feel about what you're saying / the matter under discussion. e.g., you can speak in a sarcastic tone of voice, which will be spoken at different pitches/notes depending on your natural speaking voice (typically higher pitch for women than men). Typically pitch goes up when the speaker is excited, but the tone may stay the same. Pitch is related to notes; tone of voice is more closely associated with a person's body English or facial expression. So pitch is only indirectly related to tone of voice.
Customer image
Clay Shannon
5.0 out of 5 stars Very useful for public speakers, researchers, and writers — and interesting!
Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2023
"Win Every Argument" is very useful for debaters, interviewers, interviewees, speakers, writers, and researchers. I have been a public speaker for decades (in a religious setting and as a Mark Twain interpreter/impersonator), and a writer on-and-off throughout most of my life (both of which require researching). The tips and examples in this book, though, will take me to another level with both endeavors, especially public speaking. Mehdi Hasan's book is well worth the money, and more importantly the time it took to read and absorb it. I will use it as a reference to refresh my memory on the techniques and guidance it provides — it inhabits an honored position on my virtual (electronic) bookshelf.

I only found one thing in the entire book that I take issue with, and am even willing to argue with Mr. Hasan about it. That is his statement at the 67% mark in the kindle version (I don't know what the page number in the dead-tree version would be) that of the four Ps in speaking (pitch, pace, power, and pausing), pitch is your tone of voice. Pitch is actually the "notes" you are using (varying from high to low). Tone of voice is not necessarily tied to pitch, but is an aural clue to how you feel about what you're saying / the matter under discussion. e.g., you can speak in a sarcastic tone of voice, which will be spoken at different pitches/notes depending on your natural speaking voice (typically higher pitch for women than men). Typically pitch goes up when the speaker is excited, but the tone may stay the same. Pitch is related to notes; tone of voice is more closely associated with a person's body English or facial expression. So pitch is only indirectly related to tone of voice.
Images in this review
Customer image
Rose S. in Florida
4.0 out of 5 stars Hasan puts his expertise into words for the rest of us.Highly recommended.
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2023
Hasan can be harsh but he proves himself time after time in the public eye. Many examples, current & historical. He always brings the receipts &his timing is precise. Love him or hate him, you have to admire his mastery and he explains it methodically in this book. E.g. ramaswamy was defrocked in minutes.
Saeed
5.0 out of 5 stars Great choice to improve your argument skills, give its audio book a try
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2024
Like many others, I was frustrated with improving my soft skills in making arguments and public speaking. I've always enjoyed watching Mehdi Hasan's debates, from his time on Al-Jazeera to MSNBC, and even his independent videos on YouTube. Although I didn't always agree with him, I admired his ability to convey his message and make compelling arguments, even when his side was really in minority. What stood out to me was his civil attitute toward the opposing side and his refusal to engage in dirty tactics (even though he has a chapter about this in his book lol). All these qualities are present in his book.

What I appreciated most about the book is that it doesn't just list bullet points to follow. Instead, much like his debates, it takes you on a journey, making you a student of his process and helping you learn step by step.

This book is like a handbook. I read the first two chapters in one night, but a friend suggested I read it gradually to let the concepts sink in over time. I also got the audiobook, narrated by Mehdi Hassan himself, and I loved his storytelling style. In the beginning I didn't like the idea of making examples from his own experiences and I found them a bit show off, but later on, there were more famous examples and they really helped him making his point. Moreover, I guess it was not only show-offs, but trying to imply that he also trained himself and got the skills, which gives confidence to the reader.

This book isn't just about winning debates. It can transform how you make arguments and connect with your audience, even if it's just one person, helping you effectively convey your message. I strongly suggest it!
Sue
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Good
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2024
Very well written. very smooth, no repetition, not complicated. I really enjoyed it and gave it to my children who are taking speech and debate courses to read.
john a dewitt
5.0 out of 5 stars Win every argument
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2024
It is a very insightful book.
Ann L.
5.0 out of 5 stars I’m A Mehdi Hasan Fan: Appreciate!⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2024
Great, simply laid-out primer on basic-to complicated, negotiation/argument strategies. I might be biased, but as I’m a researcher, I too am an advocate for learning everything pro, con, and neutral re any topic I might be in need of arguing/negotiating for; verbally or in writing, so I deeply appreciate book.
Thomas Clay
5.0 out of 5 stars A good quick read
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2024
A lot of people could stand to learn these skills.

Best Sellers in

 
 

The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 5167
17.5
 
 

The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control over Their Lives

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1328
17.72
 
 

Character Matters: And Other Life Lessons from George H. W. Bush

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 127
19.1
 
 

There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather: A Scandinavian Mom's Secrets for Raising Healthy, Resilient, and Confident Kids (from F

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 1405
17.46
 
 

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 19041
23.62
 
 

Think Ahead: 7 Decisions You Can Make Today for the God-Honoring Life You Want Tomorrow

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 284
19.68
 
 

Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 2140
12.96
 
 

Learn Japanese with Paul Noble for Beginners – Complete Course: Japanese Made Easy with Your Personal Language Coach

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 15
21.59