Doesn't Hurt to Ask

Using the Power of Questions to Communicate, Connect, and Persuade

By: Trey Gowdy

Narrated by: Trey Gowdy

Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Number-one New York Times best seller

Former congressman and prosecutor Trey Gowdy teaches you how to effectively communicate and persuade on the issues that matter most to you, drawing on his experience in the courtroom and the halls of Congress.

“A must-read for people who want to learn how best to succeed.” (Dana Perino, Fox News host and best-selling author of Everything Will Be Okay)

You do not need to be in a courtroom to advocate for others. You do not need to be in Congress to champion a cause. From the boardroom to the kitchen table, opportunities to make your case abound, and Doesn’t Hurt to Ask shows you how to seize them. By blending gripping case studies from nearly two decades in a courtroom and four terms in national politics with personal stories and practical advice, Trey Gowdy walks you through the tools and the mindset needed to effectively communicate your message.

Along the way, Gowdy reflects on the moments in his life when he learned the most about how to argue and convince. He recounts his missteps during his first murder trial, the conversation that changed his view on criminal justice reform, and what he learned while questioning James Comey and Secretary Hillary Clinton.

Sharing the techniques he perfected advocating in law and politics, Gowdy helps you identify your objective, understand your personal jury, and engage in the art of questioning so you can be heard, be understood, and, ultimately, move others. Whether it’s getting a boss to take a chance on your idea, convincing someone to support your cause, or urging a child to invest more effort in an important task, movement requires persuasion. Doesn’t Hurt to Ask shows you how to persuade, no matter the jury and no matter the cause.

©2020 Trey Gowdy (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Gowdy was tough when he was a federal prosecutor, and he drew on that experience when interrogating individuals who appeared before Congress, during his tenure as a South Carolina representative. He possesses an uncanny ability to ask the right questions to pull out the truth from those on Capitol Hill - no easy feat. Doesn’t Hurt to Ask demonstrates how to ask questions to move people and get the answers you need to make decisions and become a stronger communicator.” (Sean Hannity, nationally syndicated radio and TV host and best-selling author of Live Free or Die)

“If I could have anyone in the world argue my case, it would be Trey Gowdy - the person I trust the most to make common sense. Whether it’s made on a football field or in a courtroom, a good argument is a good argument, no matter the authority. In Doesn’t Hurt to Ask, Gowdy is the authority.” (Lou Holtz, hall of fame coach and best-selling author of Wins, Losses, and Lessons)

“Gowdy, one of our finest courtroom lawyers, has written a very fine book on the art of persuasion. In Doesn’t Hurt to Ask, you’ll learn a lot about the importance of listening to evidence, using words with precision, and, above all, asking good questions. You’ll also learn some things about being a better person. In the end, this is a book about finding a purpose bigger than yourself, and then moving others toward that purpose with you.” (William J. Bennett, best-selling author of The Book of Virtues)

fantastic book. very helpful on several levels.

I miss you and your probing questions Mr Gowdy. I feel like the house is NOT a better place without you. Godspeed.

great book.

I am listening to this book for the second time. Great tips for professional and personal human interactions.

Great!

Trey has always been an inspiration to me and I have admired his tenacity when it comes to asking the hard questions. after hearing this book, I have a much greater appreciation of what he has done with his previous service to his state and this great nation. May God bless you!

Thoughtful and persuasive read!

I found this book enjoyable to listen to. I appreciated the author’s pacing, clarity, enthusiasm. I also like that with audible, the listener can change the speed of the audio to fit their own listening preference.
There are many lessons applicable to navigating every conversation a person has with any other person and especially oneself. The legal stories were gripping and shared with authenticity. The life stories were relatable and downright funny.

Fantastic book

The best book I’ve read so far this year. Could’ve been listed as a self-help book.

Kept me up listening.

If you are expecting this book to be political, you will be disappointed. This book is on the art of the argument and persuasion, and it does a great job of teaching this art. I always liked Trey as a politician, he was like an political assassin who pulverized his targets like no other. This book uses Trey’s experience as a prosecutor more than his experience as a politician. A prosecutor I would not want to be up against in court.

What a book

Mr. Gowdy has a ton of great tips in the art of persuasion. Asking questions is an art form and he has it mastered. Also, him reading his own work is a true bonus!! This read is a great self-help regardless of political stance.

Brilliant Orator

Must read, enjoyable and mind stimulating to learn how to get to the truth of what you believe, and try to persuade others. Trey would be fun to golf with any day, just saying 😎

A Transformational Work

A truly transformational approach to communication. I listened to the audiobook read by the author, 3 times. This book has groundbreaking content and outstanding vocal performance. As an MD and mystery author myself, Mr. Gowdy’s tales of his physician father and criminal legal encounters were emotional, empathetic, and authentic. This is a must read for all authors, public speakers, and anyone else seeking to persuade and communicate effectively. I thank the author for choosing to write this book.

Outstanding book. One worth listening too & reading

This is the best book I ever read on the topic of persuasion & communication. Treys real life examples in marriage, family, friends, court room and congress hit a wide spectrum of listeners that are sure to relate. This is the 1st audio book that I also found worth purchasing the hard cover to highlight notes. A true manual for life. The bulldog reigns