I don’t think I’d agree with the review that talks about the ‘secrets of Donald Trump’s savvy speechmaking’ (it may be because I have an earlier edition that leaves that chapter out) but as a book on oratory skills, Thank You for Arguing: What Cicero, Shakespeare and the Simpsons Can Teach Us About the Art of Persuasion by Jay Heinrichs is a useful pop-textbook style read. The title itself gives you a clue to the range; while not every discussion is about philosophy (although it covers basic fallacies, structure and delivery of an argument), argument is undeniably an element of philosophy. It’s being able to interrogate and investigate ideas with others, beyond paper exercises.

I particularly liked how the book encourages a critical look at persuasive techniques and how to develop and present a speech for the public. While the emphasis is on American culture and the layout of the book itself is a little crowded (and perhaps it’s the footnotes on the side that distract me), the appendix is a really useful addition. I’d recommend this for upper high school, and anyone interested in the practical applications of argument.

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