How to Argue and Win Every Time

The point of the book is not to persuade you to adopt his point of view, but to adopt your own. It's a lot about freedom of expression, but not his, but freedom for those who don't stand up for what they believe in, even when they are right. I've owned the cassette version for several years and wouldn't think of reading the book when I can hear his argument on tape. I wish I could describe his style. The title is grandiose --and good marketing. I imagine he is a bit grandiose and more than a little self-promoting. But he's got some good ideas to sell, so I don't begrudge the marketing. I read this shortly before winning one of the most important arguments in my life, so it may have been helpful exactly when I needed help. Spence's style of argument borrows from his life. You get a lot of what you'd expect from a lawyer, excerpts from his trials and a brief look at the profession of law. But the courtroom is just a metaphor for a bigger picture. I think the bigger picture is listening to him give advice on standing up for the truth and not flinching when someone tries to cut away at it. I enjoyed his method: imagining mental locks which he matches with verbal keys. He also digs into prejuidice, which seemed like a side trip, but it made sense when he got done. He's got some locks or closed doors of his own, he admits, naming bankers as one group who could just as well stay out on the golf course and not come back. That part made me laugh. How would he know that much about bankers? So I imagined him out on the golf course, with knickers to match his trademark rawhide jacket -- listening in on the conversations. Don't wait for the movie. There might never be one. But you are ready for equal doses of entertainment and insight, get the tape.

When I was in High School, I was a debater. I picked up this book and it became the basis for how I formulated most of my arguments throughout my debate career, into college, and beyond. Gerry Spence never lost a case. Why? Was he better prepared? Did he look or sound better? I think it boiled down to know what he wanted the outcome to be; tell the jury what he expected them to decide; and giving them all the reasons to choose the outcome he had already asked for. This book delves into all aspects of your work and private life. The key takeaway is being clear about your objectives and articulating them in a way that allows others to want those outcomes to become a reality. How to Argue and When Every Time is a wonderful guide to being a better communicator. I have bought several copies and I continue to give to friends and employees who struggle to be understood. Great read!

I never have been a fan of defense attorneys. I dislike the long-haired, showy trademark look of some defense attorneys. I am not fond of "tree-huggers" who take up my time with their passion for causes that don't directly affect me in my daily trials and tribulations. Then, I read this book, introduced as a "critical, must-read" by a winning lawyer when I attended a Special Needs Education Law seminar put on by Pete Wright. Mr. Spence writes eloquently. He presents his thoughts so colorfully the reader doesn't even realize he or she is learning until thinking about it afterward. I crammed the book over a weekend in preparation for an official meeting Monday morning where I expected I'd have to negotiate and argue. I used a key lesson from Gerry {I can hear him saying don't call me Mr. Spence please} and I didn't have to argue, although I was prepared. I will be re-reading this book, probably several times, because it is so entertaining and instructional. And, I'm going to name that huge old Magnolia tree growing outside of my house. She is beautiful.

The book was well-written, included some good insight into how Mr. Spence wins cases and persuades people to give him a chance. It really is a study in human psychology, both by the one making the argument, and of the one receiving it. What frustrated me was Mr. Spence downplays logic, when an emotional argument works better. Basically, use logic if it applies, but don't overdo logic, and avoid it if it destroys your argument. I'm sure he's right, but it saddens me that people are swayed when logic isn't a part of the argument. It becomes clear early in the book that Mr. Spence dislikes conservatives and businesspeople. He lumps all businessmen as cold, unfeeling bastards who will try to fire anyone who affects their bottom line...usually at Christmastime. One sees clearly that Mr. Spence likes to use appeals to emotion (logical fallacy) and hasty generalizations (logical fallacy) abound. False dichotomies (logical fallacy) are presented time after time, like this famous quote: "I don't know about you, but I would rather have a mind opened by wonder than one closed by belief." pg. 95. Of course he implies that his (Gerry's) mind, while closed to religious belief, is as open as a cargo door. It also implies that those who acknowledge God's existence are then closed-minded. This presents only two options when there are many. If you'd like to read a book on persuading people, using psychological tricks and you can determine the difference between opinion and fact, this is a good choice. Look out for logical fallacies and many pages of rants on child-rearing, religious belief, and the business world however.

Given as a gift to a 1st year law student. Gerry Spence makes some interesting points when arguing a position. Taking his points and examples may not help you to win "every time", but you will be better prepared in planning your position to argue and defend. Very helpful for those in law school and in the legal profession. Methods can also be used when winning that argument with your Spouse!!!

Here the writer gives us a practical way to win a argument, with his original storytelling, great style of writing and uniqueness; he leads us to the promised land. He dont need to hide: the author is himself all along the book. He shows us the big keys to success through storytelling, exciting cases, and day-to-day life. Undoubtedly, the writer brings to life this book, he is really someone credible; since he follows one of the lessons of winning the argument: To be honest. To those of you who wish to know how to always win, I am sorry to inform you that this is not possible; nevertheless, for those of you interested in building a strong foundation for the win-win argument, and the art of losing, you will find in these book a lot of knowledge. Recommended for everyone; it doesn't matter the age, sex, religion; (In words of Gerry Spence) we all have a winning argument in our DNA.

O livro chegou em mau estado.

Excellent book from a knowledgeable and informative author.

On the face of it, this book gives an impression that it is a lawyers-only book. However, there's a much deeper perspective to it. Mr. Spence takes us through a topsy-turvy ride of human relationships. The author's perspective is enriching and engaging. Mr. Spence has explained how our mind has been 'prejudiced' by the world and how those very prejudices work against us. He further goes on to explain the reasons of discord between the couples, parents-children and amongst other human relationships. He has given certain rules which alleviates our status, first in our own eyes; before the world acknowledges it. Personally, I was happy to know that in a world of deceit and deception, someone values honesty and integrity and even advocates for these values. Personally, the last portion of the book was 'Enchanting'. Mr. Spence explains why world world functions in such an insensitive and lifeless manner, i.e. without any regard to human emotions and other values. Mr. Spence answers many of these questions. Something which has eluded me for several years. I've read this book thrice (since buying it). Mr. Spence you have won a 'life-time admirer'. Thank-you.

bem embalado, dentro do prazo, excelente qualidade. Não comecei a ler ainda, mas, pelas recomendações, parece ser muito interessante para quem lida com pessoas, negócios e matérias conexas.