The Elements of Rhetoric -- How to Write and Speak Clearly and Persuasively: A Guide for Students, Teachers, Politicians & Preachers

As a rhetoric teacher to high school students I’m sure to use this text as reference. Reader friendly, straight to the point, and both beautifully written and funny, this book is a gem that you are bound to go back to more than once. Although one of the blessings of this book is its length (I read it in a couple of hours) you are going to be left wanting more in some chapter (for me, the one dealing with logic). Nonetheless, what is there is more than enough to get you going. I really enjoyed this book. Highly recommended.

A birds eye view of making arguments ! The author's writing is engaging, the examples are good, although I had to re-read them on more than 1 occasion to fully understand them. Book is short, punchy & to the point!

An excellent introduction - with more advanced elements thrown in. Clear, concise, and engaging, complete with examples of great speeches and writing. If you're looking for a starting point - and then some - for studying rhetoric, you won't be disappointed.

The author clearly outlines in exemplary language key elements of form, structure and style to speak and write effectively. His book is replete with colorful examples of how best to inform, entertain or move the intended audience. This book would seem helpful to anyone learning to write well or speak publicly, and to anyone rediscovering past practices and wanting to dust them off and improve them.

I had a really hard time following his train of thought - felt like it skipped around and tried to cover too much. Definitely some great ideas, but they were buried under everything else.

Good lessons, reading this book felt like I took the online class! I was looking to improve my writing style and this book provides good examples and instruction on writing to articulate a clear position which is exactly my purpose. Author's writing voice was enjoyable as well, I felt like he was teaching me w/ a non-American accent & I loved that for some reason lol.

A great rhetoric to study; worthy for its brevity and its thoroughness; and, to top it off, a handy outline at the conclusion of the book. Useful and entertaining.

I already understand I need to improve my writing skills, I do not need to be convinced, put down, or generally told how bad I already conceive. I bought the book, obviously I already agree with that. I took the author's writing style as a bit, no wait, a lot pompous and felt as I read the book I was constantly being looked down upon. It makes it hard to have faith in the words, when they surrounding by disdainful decorations. Of course, that is only my opinion, I'm sure the author would gladly tell me my opinion does not garner importance. PS, it does not help to add your own views of politics or religion when you are giving instructions.

The author is well read and offers lots of advise.I feel the book needs a better structure and organization,so a reader is able to take in the information and use it properly.Still it's a bold attempt and deserves attention of anyone wanting to know about rhetoric.

Fab - logical book

This book is great for anyone who aims to move an audience to action, whether it be a professor, political base, partner or prospect, this text provides the foundation for concise communication of your thoughts and ideas to drive the greatest benefit. 5-Stars, well worth the price!!!

Great book! Good references and excellently written. I would definitely recommend the book to anyone wanting to find out a bit more about rhetoric techniques.

The book didn't give me the information I needed.