20 Rhetorical Hacks for Crushing Debates

Tips and Tricks to Win Arguments

By: Henry Bugalho

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

What if the person “winning” the argument isn’t right—just better at playing the crowd?
In 20 Rhetorical Hacks for Crushing Debates, Henry Bugalho—philosopher, author, and battle-tested commentator—maps the modern arena where slogans beat evidence, sarcasm beats logic, and spectacle beats everything. In crisp, funny chapters you’ll meet the greatest hits of manipulation: the improvised authority, the perfumed ad hominem, the irresistible anecdote, calculated confusion, pocket statistics, glacial sarcasm, the moral trump card, the triumphant exit, and the all-powerful last word.

You’ll learn why these tactics work (cognitive biases, crowd psychology, platform incentives), how they show up in politics, media, and everyday conversations, and what to do when someone drops one on you. This isn’t a dry logic textbook or a sleazy “own them” manual—it’s a sharp, darkly comic field guide for anyone who cares about truth but lives in a world that rewards theater.

Read it to spot the trick, break the spell, and keep your cool—whether you’re on a stage, in a meeting, or arguing in group chat. If you loved Thank You for Arguing, Influence, or The Demon-Haunted World, this is your next highlight-fest.

Perfect for: students, journalists, lawyers, debaters, creators, policy wonks, and any curious skeptic who wants a sturdier BS detector—and better lines under pressure.

About the Author

Henry Bugalho is a philosopher, novelist, and creator whose commentary channel reaches hundreds of thousands. He’s written across genres—essays, fiction, travel—always chasing clarity in noisy rooms.

Audience & Use Cases

Debate teams • Toastmasters • Law & policy students • Journalists • Podcasters/YouTubers • Corporate communicators • Civic educators • Smart general readers.