Doesn't Hurt to Ask audiobook cover - Using the Power of Questions to Communicate, Connect, and Persuade

Doesn't Hurt to Ask

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

Trey Gowdy

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Communication Skills

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Doesn't Hurt to Ask
The Power of Questions+
Preparation Framework+
Types of Questions+
Establishing Sincerity+
Impeachment (Killing Credibility)+
Fine-Tuning Techniques+
Rescuing Failing Arguments+
Mindset & Expectations+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 10
According to the author, why is asking questions a more powerful tool of persuasion than stating facts?
  • A. Questions confuse the opponent and force them to make logical errors.
  • B. Questions put the focus on the conversation partner and nudge them without making them defensive.
  • C. Questions allow you to completely hide your true intentions and beliefs.
  • D. Questions legally obligate the other person to concede your points.
Question 2 of 10
Why does the author argue that a 'stupid question' is still better than a 'stupid assertion'?
  • A. A stupid assertion reveals a knowledge gap that the person isn't even aware of.
  • B. Stupid questions are easily forgotten, while assertions remain on the record.
  • C. Assertions require immediate factual proof, while questions do not.
  • D. A stupid question automatically impeaches the opponent's character and logic.
Question 3 of 10
When trying to persuade someone in real life (outside of a courtroom), what does the author consider a reasonable objective?
  • A. Convincing them 100 percent beyond a reasonable doubt.
  • B. Forcing them to publicly concede their original argument.
  • C. Getting them to agree with your weakest point first.
  • D. Convincing them 30 to 50 percent so they begin to challenge their own beliefs.
Question 4 of 10
What characterizes a 'softball' question in a debate or conversation?
  • A. It is a leading question that strongly implies the answer is yes.
  • B. It is an aggressive question designed to impeach the opponent's character.
  • C. It is a non-leading question that gives the counterpart room to answer and maps the ground.
  • D. It exclusively asks 'why' to uncover the opponent's hidden motives.
Question 5 of 10
How does the author suggest you show genuine passion and sincerity for a mundane issue, like getting kids to show up for dinner on time?
  • A. By raising your voice to establish authority and dominance.
  • B. By latching onto a higher ideal or bigger principle, like respect and family values.
  • C. By insulting their behavior to show exactly how much it affects you.
  • D. By faking strong emotions so they feel guilty about their actions.
Question 6 of 10
In the context of impeaching an argument, what does the strategy of 'hitchhiking' refer to?
  • A. Adopting the opponent's strongest argument and claiming it as your own.
  • B. Impeaching someone's credibility by impeaching a person they are connected with.
  • C. Interrupting the opponent's momentum by asking rapid-fire, unrelated questions.
  • D. Reducing an argument to absurdity by putting it in different words.
Question 7 of 10
Why does the author advise against using generalizing words like 'everybody,' 'always,' or 'never'?
  • A. They are too informal for professional or legal debates.
  • B. They make the argument too complex for a jury to understand.
  • C. They fall under the category of 'softball' questions and lack impact.
  • D. They are imprecise and invite easy rebuttals from the opponent.
Question 8 of 10
If your argument is failing, what does the 'deconstruction' rescue strategy entail?
  • A. Playing the victim card to quickly elicit empathy from the audience.
  • B. Repeating your best fact over and over until the opponent gives up.
  • C. Challenging every tiny assumption the opponent makes to slow down their momentum.
  • D. Interrupting the opponent with an entirely new topic to create a diversion.
Question 9 of 10
According to the author's actionable advice, in what order should you present your strongest facts?
  • A. Best fact first, third-best fact next, and second-best fact last.
  • B. Weakest fact first, building up to the strongest fact at the end.
  • C. Second-best fact first, third-best fact next, and best fact last.
  • D. Best fact first, second-best fact next, and third-best fact last.
Question 10 of 10
What is a crucial mindset requirement for yourself when trying to master the art of persuasion?
  • A. You must never admit when you are wrong to maintain authority.
  • B. You must be willing to be persuadable yourself and adjust to new evidence.
  • C. You must aim to win the argument at all costs rather than just communicate.
  • D. You must learn to perfectly fake sincerity if you lack natural passion.

Doesn't Hurt to Ask — Full Chapter Overview

Doesn't Hurt to Ask Summary & Overview

Doesn’t Hurt to Ask (2020) teaches the subtle art of persuasion through one unconventional tool: asking questions. Former congressman Trey Gowdy explains how thoughtful questions can help you reach your audience, communicate your message, and win people over – whether that’s in a courtroom, a business meeting, or at the dinner table.

Who Should Listen to Doesn't Hurt to Ask?

  • Exhausted parents looking to win their kids over in arguments
  • Politically engaged people who want to advocate for their beliefs more effectively
  • Anyone looking to improve their negotiation skills in their private or professional lives

About the Author: Trey Gowdy

Trey Gowdy is a former federal prosecutor and district attorney from South Carolina. In 2010, he was elected to Congress, where he chaired the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Select Committee on Benghazi. With his friend Tim Scott, he co-authored the New York Times best seller Unified – How Our Unlikely Friendship Gives Us Hope for a Divided Country.

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