Win Every Argument

The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking

By: Mehdi Hasan

Narrated by: Mehdi Hasan

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.

Critic reviews

<p>“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.”<br><b>—Judd Apatow, Emmy Award-winning writer and director</b><br><br>“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.”<br><b>—Cornel West, Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary</b><br><br>“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.”<br><b>—Riz Ahmed, Oscar-winning actor and musician</b><br><br>“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.”<br> <b>—</b><b>Jen Psaki, former White House Press Secretary</b><br><br>“Mehdi is a generationally talented interviewer. He has mastered his craft, and in this book, he generously spills his secrets.”<br><b>—Jonathan Swan, Emmy Award-winning National Political Reporter at Axios<br><br></b>“<i>Win Every Argument</i> 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.” <br><b>—</b><b>Ben Rhodes, author of <i>After the Fall<br><br></i></b>“Inside our digital echo chambers, it is far too easy to forgo persuasion in favor of performance. Yet Hasan reminds us that we will never change the world unless we change people’s minds. An indispensable handbook for our high-stakes and polarized times.” <br><b>—</b><b>Naomi Klein, author of <i>The Shock Doctrine</i></b></p>

Amazing!

This book should be taught in schools, well written, well said and well organized.

Great work!

Not just arguing, great book on public speaking

If you ever do public speaking, this is a great book to have in your reference library. The book’s title says “argument,” but the content is much more about public speaking generally. Hassan’s point I suppose, is what’s the point of doing a public talk if you’re not trying to convince someone of something.

The frameworks and examples are nothing surprising or new, but the structure is excellent and delivery very effective. Great read.

Came for the topic and loved the stories

This book is brilliant! I was interested in the topic and liked the title, but as I listened to the audiobook, I came to really appreciate the level of detail and all of the stories peppered throughout.

I could listen to Mehdi for hours. In fact I did!

Honest and intelligently delivered. Many great concepts for becoming a great debater in this book.

Outstanding + will reward rereads

I am a Mehdi superfan. This book is so valuable, and I own a copy of it in hardback and also this audio version. I particularly love the audio version because Mehdi reads it — and it includes actual clips of many speeches and debates he cites in the text. Only wish it were an hour or two longer. Cannot wait for his next book.