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

English 101 in 8 hours

Professor Drout provides a foundation on writing and rhetoric in an amazing conversational format, as if he's talking to you directly and explaining things that you didn't understand in English 101. He explains terminologies well and provides plenty of examples to allow you to slowly absorb the concepts. I'm starting on volume 2, which is more technical. I don't remember all the information after the first listen through. I expect I will be listening to these audio books again.

Just what the others said.

I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did. A book about rhetoric seemed a bit academic to me. Boy was I wrong. I tried it thanks to several of the reviews and the fact that I have taken several Modern Scholar books and liked them. Although he talks about a lot of theory, I believe it is so well grounded in reality that it was very usefull. The Author/Narrator sounds great and is enjoyable to listen too. Good book.

Delightfully informative..

This unpretentious overview of the rules of rhetoric, although tedious at times, has been a true delight. I strongly recommend it for anyone interested in more effective writing and conversation. I have used some of the techniques to improve my more animated discussions, especially with my over-educated family.

Long on style, short on content

Pro: Professor Drout has a friendly and engaging style. He's easy to follow, and uses both examples and key points to demonstrate things.

Con: At least 4 parts of this 14-part series are about topics other than rhetoric. Two parts are elementary grammar, and two parts are elementary logic. Certainly these are important concepts to master if you need to use rhetoric, but if you have good grammar and know what a syllogism is, then those lectures have nothing to offer you. Even the lectures on rhetoric probably have a lot of material you already know, even if you've never studied rhetoric before.

Overall: I'm probably going to find another course or book on rhetoric to try next. This series whet my appetite, but it wasn't satisfying.

compresses four years college English into 14 hrs

This series of lectures increases comprehension of higher English writing, and gives the listener a delicious vocabary.

wonderful and insightful

Enjoyed every minute of the talk by Prof. Drout. He has a perfect mix of logos, ethos and pathos (listen to this book to know more about these terms) in each of his lecture. Overall, a great introduction to this subject with many interesting examples. A must listen book !!

It is clear why he is a professor in communication

Very good narrator and his information is relevant and applicable the day you read it.

I love the great courses

I know this book is not for everyone or even for most people, but for those of us who are fascinated with words, who love to learn how they came to be and why we use them the way we do, and whose favorite app is the dictionary, this will be an instant favorite. It is actually one of the Great Courses, and is therefore more of a series of lectures than a book. To listen to Professor Drout, a man who loves grammar with a passion, talk about the proper and improper use of the English language is to sit at the feet of a master. I found a few real surprises as he taught me why we should use it correctly. Some of that is based on historical context, but overall it is based on being correctly understood, and being able to change the world with the words we speak and write. I truly loved every bit of it.

LOVED IT!

I gained so much from this lecture series.
I intend to listen to it again and make better notes as the first time I was so carried away listening to the content that I just let myself enjoy it.
The lecturer is interesting and his joy at sharing knowledge on the subject shines through.
Its a brilliant series of lectures that has deepened my knowledge and respect for the Rhetoric and skilled Rhetoricians.
And I learned lots of other things, like the origin of the word 'daughter' (I have 3 water fetchers) and what parts of grammar really matter, versus the false rules enforced by irritating people!
And I feel confident starting sentences with 'AND'!

Enjoyable

Where does The Modern Scholar rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It was a fun listen and I strongly recommend it to anyone interested in learning about rhetoric.