Rating: 
Summary: A very useful little book!
Review: Wow! Alot of folks who have reviewed this book need a hug and a valium (a potent combination I might add).Let me start by saying that the title of this book is a bit misleading, and intentionaly so. This book isn't about arguing as much as it's about communicating. Mr. Spence useds the word 'argument' in the context that everything we articulate- whether it's a desire to teach , punish, express wants or state an oppinion- is essentialy an argument. The twist to this little tome is that effective arguing is not a act of selfishness but a labor of love. A good argument is one in which the greatest good is served. I particularly found the chapter on arguing with kids quite useful. I tend to be quite authoritarian and rule oriented when it comes to child rearing and this little chapter taught me that kids will grow into responsible loving adults without being constantly hovered over and corraled into so called 'correct behavior'. This chapter is worth the price of the book alone. I recommend this book to anyone who has ever asked for anything in his/her life. Well hell! I must be recommending this book to everyone.
Rating: 
Summary: intellectually dishonest
Review: I've tried to finish this book 3 times already. Everytime I read it, Mr. Spence's self-aggrandizement and intellectual dishonesty turn my stomach. I suppose my "emotional quotient" or some such isn't high enough, but (as others have stated) "making them feel sorry for you" may mean you win, but it doesn't make it an ethically correct thing to do. I guess I was particularly disappointed because he could've made a similar point--you must emphatically believe what you're saying--without encouraging people to paint themselves in an artificially pathetic light. Finally, I was most surprised at what a proud man Mr. Spence was. Of course, I suppose that's part of what makes him a good lawyer. To be fair, I did enjoy some of the stories (hence, the second star). Unfortunately, they were often good examples of non sequitors.
Rating:
Summary: *** A MUST IF YOU ARE NEEDING A LAWYER***
Review: THIS BOOK WILL TELL YOU THE THINGS THE BIG CORPERATIONS DON'T WANT YOU TO KNOW.READ IT CAREFULLY, BEFORE YOU HAND YOUR PROBLEM TO A "SO CALLED LAWYER" LOOK FOR JERRY SPENCE TYPE LAWYER, IF YOU CAN FIND ONE. WILLARD W FAYETTE
Rating: 
Summary: Unreadable
Review: One of the editorial reviews of this book says Spence herein "presents his ten laws of arguing." I wish it were that well-organized. Instead I found myself frustrated and impatient, wishing Spence would get to the point as he launched into one rambling anecdote after another. The cover photo says a lot: here is a man who uses his fringed leather jacket as a prop to underscore his ooh-I'm-such-a-nonconformist-maverick persona. The only thing I learned from this book is that Spence is a tireless self-promoter, and that I don't want to read another syllable he's written. I read a lot, and this is one of only three books I've ever literally THROWN AWAY.
Rating:
Summary: I enjoyed the book so I bought the taped talking book.
Review: I most enjoyed the sound of the author on tape and how he outlines his pursuit toward a successful conclusion. A win-win is desirable but not always successful. Successful negotiation and arguing rank very high in my opinion. Even higher with Gerry Spence.
Rating:
Summary: very deep, fast reading, and intelligent
Review: Exactly what the world needs, to understand when to argue andwhen not to. It also explains the importance of debate in oursociety.
Rating:
Summary: Extreme "feel sorry for me" liberalism
Review: If you're one who thinks the world owes you a life, or thinks that there is always someone else (a faceless, nameless till) responsible for whatever happens to you in life- You'll love this book. Spence will coddle you and tell you that "we'll get the dirty bas*****" the whole way.
Rating:
Summary: The title is a mask for what is actually alot of liberal b.s
Review: I read this book thinking it would improve negotiating and debating skills. I kept waiting for him to talk about the subject but found it to be alot of his personal opinions on life which to my disappointment, lean toward the left. That would've been fine if he had titled the book accordingly.
Rating:
Summary: He puts in words what I wish I could.
Review: The "PROFESSIONAL" from Austin doesn't get it because he's to smart or professional. The professional from Austin reminds me of a friend that graduated from Law School who didn't know how to treat people in the courthouse and therefore didn't get any extra assistance. He would walk into the Clerk's Office and act like he was thinking (I'm a lawyer, anybody here want to bow down, wash my feet, or kiss my ass) THE BOOK IS GREAT. But if you are a "Professional" or a recent law school graduate with false sense of greatness, grow up a little and then read it.
Rating:
Summary: A highly readable book - Important reading for negotiators.
Review: I dont usually review books that have already been reviewed by more than 20 others, but I need to make an exception for 2 reasons. First, this book is MUST reading for anyone on my negotiating team. While I'm not a Gerry Spence fan, his negotiating style is simple, but very powerful. Second, for the benefit of all potential readers, I need to respond to the anonymous MBA from Austin Texas who reviewed this book and said "Bottom line is that I didnt feel any more prepared for negotiating after I read it". I guarantee that anyone with negotiating responsibilities who does not get something out of this book is not a very good negotiator. Even if you don't want to mimic Gerry's style, at some point in your business career, you're bound to run into someone who negotiates the way Gerry Spence does. If you don't at least understand what's going on, and how to respond in kind, you're doomed to lose that negotiation. If, after reading this book, you feel like you didn't get anything out of it, either reread it or choose another profession.
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