The Modern Scholar

Way with Words: Writing Rhetoric and the Art of Persuasion

By: Professor Michael D. C. Drout

Narrated by: Professor Michael D. C. Drout

Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Esteemed professor Michael D. C. Drout brings his expertise in literary studies to the subject of rhetoric. From history-altering political speeches to friendly debates at cocktail parties, rhetoric holds the power to change opinions, spark new thoughts, and ultimately change the world.

The study of rhetoric not only leads to a greater understanding of how personages such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Winston Churchill elevated the power of speech to majestic heights, but also to a stronger proficiency in using rhetoric in anyone's day-to-day life.

Professor Drout examines the types of rhetoric and their effects, the structure of effective arguments, and how subtleties of language can be employed to engage in more successful rhetoric. Drout also ponders the role of rhetoric in our world and the age-old question of whether it is just a tool for convincing people of things that aren't true, or whether it is indeed a force for good that will ultimately lead to truth.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2006 Michael D.C. Drout (P)2006 Recorded Books, LLC

Simply magnificent!

This is a must listen work of art! I was thoroughly schooled and entertained. Awesome job Professor!

Great teaching at 1.5X

Lots of first rate information on this topic well-expressed and Audible allows me to acquire it faster.

Trivium

Worthwhile and entertaining for any English speaker. Rare to hear an intellect such as Drout's.

A Very Unique Read...(J/K)

Includes everything you should have learned in grammar school had you been interested and engaged in the topic. A dynamic and unpretentious speaker. Famous speeches were dissected and the tools of their effectiveness revealed. I got it.

Provided the tune up and insight I needed

I have already listened to many of the chapters over and over again in this audio book. I love the way Professor Drout speaks with such enthusiasm and passion on a subject that he is obviously highly and skillfully versed in. He breaks it down splendidly so that even those of us with limited skills can grow and expand from the wisdom he imparts.

Absolutely Loved it!

His lecture was just amazing! I loved it!
He transformed somewhat boring subject into an interesting stuff. I loved his narration, his enthusiasm and his lecture.
This book will definitely help you with words, writing and grammar.
And it is not hard to understand at all, he warns you before he even mentions about any jargons and he explains really really well. He definitely has way with words!

WooHoo! I now know how to use a Semi Colon.

Seriously, I found the lectures on Grammar and Punctuation really good. I understand how the split infinitive 'no-no' came into being. Who would have thought Sermons were so clever? The Course Book and Prof Drouts' enthusiasm for his subject made this an enjoyable and informative series of lectures. But then, I love words.

essays and grammar can be interesting, afterall

If you could sum up The Modern Scholar in three words, what would they be?

Intuitive, Humorous, Convincing

What did you like best about this story?

The nuclear weapons when involved in an argument - logical fallacies.

What about the narrator’s performance did you like?

Professor Drought often introduced his personal experienced when delivering complicated concpets.

Any additional comments?

I would also recommend the other two lectures of the same series "a way with words" I find them equally compelling.

Brilliant and Engaging Introduction to Rhetoric

Drout speaks so engagingly that I can't help but enjoy listening to his lectures. He expresses the often complex concepts behind rhetoric clearly and throws in plenty of jokes. I look forward to listening to all of his other lecture series - I think he could teach me anything!

Difficult to understand

After reading the reviews on this book, I must admit that, obviously, I am the problem because nobody else brought this up in their reviews. So what is the problem? He talks too fast. Don't get me wrong, he is enthusiastic and knowledgeable in his reading, But there were large sections that I didn't hear clearly enough. This causes me to have to work at understanding his words and thus it is no fun to listen to. For me, it was like a chore and the reading of the book became aggravating. This may be a regional thing (?) as I am from Texas with a little bit of a drawl. I am aware that many audiobooks are read fast. The portion to listen to before you buy was not read as fast as the other parts of the book. For that reason, I believe the example review was misleading. I was very disappointed because I need help to put into words questions that are asked during a job interview. I am all over the place with my answers and want to make my response short and sweet.