Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 650
EAN: 9781401309299
ISBN: 1401309291
Label: Hyperion
Manufacturer: Hyperion
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 368
Publication Date: 2008-08-05
Publisher: Hyperion
Release Date: 2008-08-05
Studio: Hyperion

Customer Rating:
Summary: Worthwhile core even with the fluff
Comment: This book does have some unnecessary self-promotion and name dropping and may present certain political views you don't agree with. On the other hand there is a core to this book, one about how to use language to present your ideas in a way that will have the best chance of convincing people of them, that is very worthwhile. While it would have been a better book without the fluff around the core, it is still worth reading.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Deserves More Recognition
Comment: There are a few reviewers who say that this book is a waste of time because of the author's political views, and emphatically say people should buy some other book. This is an asinine statement. This book is intelligently written, with ample real-world examples from the fields of business, politics, and personal life, and touch upon the current American mind-set and culture. The author's political view should in no way make this book "unreadable." Those who say such things have either not read the book or have absolutely no ability to gain understanding and wisdom from the other perspectives.

Nevertheless, Mr. Luntz has done a considerably good job in articulating words and phrases that influence the American people. Moreover, WHY these words and phrases are influential is also discussed, although at times in-depth analysis is lacking.

Influencing people or making coherent, likable arguments is an incredibly complex task. It's not merely about stage presence. It's not just about the tone and tenor of voice. It's not only about the type of suit the speaker wears. It's not just about the persona. It's all of these elements, and more. Good politicians are separated from GREAT politicians by how they manipulate and transform not only themselves but also their audiences.

Bill and Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Colin Powell, George W. Bush, Ronald Reagan...all of these individuals have some sort of compelling attribute about them that has drawn Americans to vote them into office or bestow upon them hero-status. Mr. Luntz talks about how these people (and others) were able to gain public employment, and become important leaders in the most powerful nation on earth. Certainly is this interesting reading by itself.

But those who wish to understand the nature of persuasion and argument should read this book as a guide. Under no circumstances will this book, by itself, provide all the information necessary to become a good orator or politician. However, it is certainly a good piece of work that highlights some of the best techniques used by successful leaders, and some of the worst as well.

Read this book with an open mind. Do not be dissuaded by Mr. Luntz's political stance, which is irrelevant to the actual content.

More in-depth analysis of why people vote or act in certain ways would have been nice. The print is also smaller than in most books. The writing is sometimes contrived and some sections seem endless. But, overall, it's a worth-while read that deserves 4-stars.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Didn't care for it!
Comment: I didn't care for this book at all. The author is a Republican so the entire book is made up of mostly political schemes used from past campaigns. While the information is interesting it does not compare to other books on the topic of Language. If you are interested in this type of material you would be better served by reading "Influence" by Robert Cialdini or anything from Richard Bandler. If you really want to influence, start reading up on NLP.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: TEN star book
Comment: If you want to know why Senator Obama has done so well, while Senator McCain seems to stumble when it comes to attracting followers, this book tells why. Words and how they are used, even how they are said, fast or slow, calm or hurried, can make the difference between winning and losing. In 2008 Americans are hurried and even scared, so being calm and sure, calms people. Must read for any one wanting to get their message across.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Forget It
Comment: The book is not for me. It stinks, frankly.

I received 2 copies of this book, returned one to you for refund or credit and received neither.

Are you taking any action for me, a pretty good Amazon customer???

Robert F. MacLeish
Orlndo, Florida

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