The Gentle Art of Persuasion

by Chester Porter

The “Smiling Funnel Web” teaches you how to argue effectively! Much of life is spent in arguing, and most arguments are futile wastes of time. Neither the participants nor the audience learn anything. Between men in crowded bars arguments can even lead to physical fights, usually for no purpose. Yet intelligent argument is often the only sensible way to advance our many causes, to spread knowledge, and to achieve progress. It is one thing to sound impressive, to devastate the opposition, and to make a great impression. It is by no means the same thing to change people's minds, to convince them by your arguments. Persuasion is achieved more often than not by quiet, rather than devastating argument.

Genres: Law, Book Club, Nonfiction

235 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Matthew Hickey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a brilliant example of the very thing Porter advocates within it: economy of language and clarity of message. Highly recommended reading.

[Ian Law · Rating 4 out of 5]

A highly readable book on the art of persuading people. Chester Porter is a QC, so he brings his knowledge of advocacy before courts to the book, but he also brings an approach that can be used in any situation. Well worth reading if you want to reflect on your ability to persuade people, and to improve your skills in this area.

[Neil Spark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is needed now more than ever. It's an appeal for gentleness, politeness and respectfulness in public and private persuasion. The signs of a degeneration of public debate were showing when the book was published in 2005.
Chester Porter was one of Australia's leading barristers. He was the admitted to the bar in 1948 at the age 21, the youngest person to do so at the time. He appeared in many high-profile legal proceedings, including the Royal Commission into the conviction of Australian woman Lindy Chamberlian.
Part memoir, part how-to, this easy-to-read book has helpful public speaking tips and interesting insights into the law.

[Sean Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful guide to persuasive speaking (with a bit about persuasive writing right at the end). Porter's writing is clear and enjoyable, and there's lots of interesting anecdotes that illustrate the point.
While there are some good points about technique, the book mostly focuses on matters of mindset--learn to listen to your opponents, avoid provocation, don't fudge the facts, et cetera.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Fleur Parsons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read with good practical pointers on how to both speak and write in a persuasive and effective manner. I have sat through many speeches where the speakers could do with reading this book, especially the ones where the point was elusive, confounding all my efforts to find it.

[Ernest · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book came recommended but unfortunately, I found it largely dull and uninspiring. I wonder whether I was not in the best mindset when reading it. My impression of the book does not in any way reflect on the incredible professional achievements of the author.

[indy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Prolix, condescending, and sanctimonious. The highlights were the amusing courtroom anecdotes about judges, but they were few and far between.