Thank You for Arguing Summary – How to Argue like a Pro?

Detailed Summary of Thank You for Arguing

Thank You for Arguing provides a different outlook on arguments. A side different from the one we have learned since childhood is that arguments are unnecessary and should be dismissed as soon as they appear in any conversation.

The book makes you understand that arguments can ensure a positive result and teaches you how to win people over by the sheer force of your rationale.

From the beginning of the world, humans have carried out arguments to prove a point, convince, strike back, and exchange knowledge. If we have been arguing from the beginning, why not do it in a proper manner that results in a resolution instead of a quarrel?

Heinrichs teaches you all the skills you need to persuade and communicate effectively through Aristotle and Marcus Tullius Cicero.

You must appeal to your audience’s logic and align yourself with their feelings to take control. Make yourself likable and make your apologies sincere. In addition to that, a good speaker should know when to say something. The author calls it the concept of Kairos, the “right time.”

You may also like to read The Advice Trap Summary.

Thank You for Arguing Key Points

We often do arguments whether we are sitting in an office or house. And each type of argument has a different story consisting of life circumstances or situations. These triggering and stimulating words prove helpful or devastating simultaneously.

You should throw the arguments not towards his personality to make him feel inferior but rather hit the argument to set him/her on the right track in life. Arguing does not mean throwing frustration at others or beating violence. The book will teach you how to debate, argue and persuade like an expert.

Arguments have a Positive side to Them

If the word argument springs up in a conversation, you will quickly shift towards associating a negative meaning with it. The words that are likely to come up in your mind when you think of the word argument are fight, heat, bicker, controversy, misunderstanding, and fallout.

The author, however, states that arguments are supposed to be positive. They should be carried out to resolve the underlying issues. Rhetoric consists of skills and techniques that everyone should know to communicate properly.

Ancient Greeks deemed it so prestigious that the basic form of imparting knowledge wasn’t pen and paper. Rather they would stand in front of an audience to deliver their point. This way of sharing knowledge ensured that everyone would feel free to agree or disagree if they backed their contradictory argument with evidence.

Arguments Save Marriages???

What would be your response if I told you that couples with long-lasting marriages have almost the same number of arguments as couples who break up and drift apart? You would be in shock, right? Argue in a way that will help you gain what you have in mind.

Do not argue out of spite or just to displace your anger. If you want to get your way, entice your partner into listening to you and being persuasive rather than yelling at the top of your lungs.

Identify the Root of Arguments and Reach a Positive Outcome

The day-to-day bickering in your house is often deep-rooted. For example, an argument between your mother and younger brother about permitting you to stay out till late. This can be because of the preferential treatment he thinks you are receiving from everyone at home.

The argument can be easily resolved if the mother addresses this “root” problem of him feeling less important than you. By resolving the root issues related to an argument, you are reducing the possibility of fights.

Logos, Pathos, and Ethos are Your Instruments in an Argument

Logos means using logic or, here, using your audience’s logic. According to Aristotle, if you agree with the point of view presented by your audience, they become more likely to hear whatever you have to say.

Pathos, on the other hand, will work on the emotional side. Join the audience and feel whatever they are feeling. Do not try to change your mood. Make them feel seen and heard. By sympathizing and giving regard to their feelings, you are making them open up to you emotionally.

Welcome; now you are talking to a human who feels heard and accepted by you and is now more likely to understand where you are coming from. Rather than an individual who is holding his stance firmly.

Coming to Ethos. Aren’t people more receptive to you if you are generally well-liked? Yes, and that simple thing is the third trick by the most famous philosopher, Aristotle. Be likable. Try to form a positive image of yourself in your surroundings so that people listen when you have to say something.

Thank You for Arguing Book Summary Quotes

“Rhetoric is the art of influence, friendship, and eloquence, of ready wit and irrefutable logic. And it harnesses the most powerful of social forces, argument.” Jay Heinrichs

“You’ll mold the minds of men and women to your will, and make any group yield to the dominion of your voice. Even more important, you’ll get them to want to yield, to commit to your plan, and to consider the result a consensus.” Jay Heinrichs

Thank You for Arguing Book Summary Review

The book is warm and jocular at the same time. It teaches you the very basic yet important skills required for persuasive communication without heavy vocabulary and terminology that you would not understand. Various examples from households, politics, and media keep the writing style light.

To Whom I Would Recommend Thank You for Arguing Summary

I would recommend it to the debaters trying to win arguments over the podium. To the people who want to develop effective persuasion and communication skills, and to everyone who just loves to win arguments. The book is apt for beginners who want to learn about rhetoric but do not know where to start.

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