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)

Using questions to persuade!

Our nation is poorer for not having Trey Gowdy in Congress anymore. But DOESN'T HURT TO ASK is not about politics and it is not political. It is about the power of using properly framed questions to communicate, connect and persuade. It is an outstanding book by a marvelous person. Gowdy is not a professional narrator but he narrates his book with the authority that only he can provide. Doesn't hurt to ask is recommended for everyone. I also recommend UNIFIED by Tim Scott and Trey Gowdy.

We need more politicians like Trey Gowdy

Outstanding mind. I wish he was still in politics. This book is excellent for learning how to take control over discussion.

Important

Provocative, fascinating- helpful in these times of divisiveness. I have always appreciated Trey Gowdy and now more so- talented to be able to make his points without bashing and rehashing but containing truth. I feel better equipped to listen and persuade and discern.

Pure delight

I am looking forward to Thanksgiving this year to practice all of this great advice. Until then I shall practice on my teenage grandchildren.
I have always enjoyed listening to Trey in Congress. . I love the way he adds a pinch of humor with a cup of logic. Great book.

Down to Earth Principles!

Trey Gowdy is a magnificent example of what a lawyer should be like. His genuine and sincere character weaves every word together in this book. I'm glad he left Washington, he's far too valuable as a human being to be stuck in that swamp! Get this book; it is full of logic and love...you'll be an even better person after listening.

Thanks for this beautiful book

How often do you have a chance to be personally mentored by one of your heroes? Spending the last nine hours listening to Trey Howdy speaking in my ear felt just like that. I bought this recording only because of the respect I have for the author. I loved it from beginning to end because of its powerful lessons taught in a most convincing way, through the words and voice of this truly great man.

Love a Christian politician that admits.

Easy listening to Tray Goudy. He speaks the truth. I'll be listening to and learning more as I listen to this book over & over. Definitely a read over and again. So much great information to take in. I can picture his stories as if I was there. They are real to me, because I was born & raised in a small town outside of Atlanta, GA. Graduated from Univ. of GA, traveled for 38 years, compliments of Delta Airlines job as a Flight Attendant. I understand about missing those dinners with colleagues and discussing everything with them from hair and makeup to divorce. I miss all the advise that was thrown out there. Thank you for writing this book on what you wanted to. It came across that way also.

Good read

I got this book bc I enjoyed Mr Gowdy’s time while in Congress. He asked some great questions during hearings. I will say that this book is not politically charged. He mentions experiences he had while in Congress but isn’t pushing an agenda.

Mr Gowdy is very well-spoken and makes you question things that seem superficial. There’s usually more happening than you realize. His take on persuasion is less about how to do it but more about getting others to open up through dialogue and questioning. He goes through the psychology of persuasion, not necessarily nuts and bolts of it.

I recommend it for anyone who simply wants to learn about the art of communication. It really is a good book to soak in.

Trey G is a Force

I enjoyed watching Trey grill people with questions as he drilled to the heart of the matters and issues shadowing truth in the committees and sessions in Washington, DC.
Was thrilled to see him come out with a book shedding light on how his mind works and the processes he has gone/goes through to open up facts and logic in the pursuit of fairness, truth, and justice. He has a student in me! Highly recommended if you're interested in learning how to listen and challenge, not just the person you're talking to but, yourself as well with questions concerning any and all positions and belief systems.

Relatable

The chapter and account of you reading closing arguments at the murder sentencing where life or death where to be decided on where powerful.