Jay Heinrichs

Jay Heinrichs is a celebrated author, editor, and writing consultant. He is best known for his book, Thank You for Arguing, which has spurred multiple versions, from an e-book to a course and even smartphone app. His other works include Crucial Conversations, Word Hero, and Ultimate Vocabulary.

Heinrichs’ fascination with words began with his youth, as he confessed in an interview with Thoughts on Becoming a Better Writer. He grew up in the Midwest and read extensively at a very young age. He loved to add new words to his vocabulary and sought out correct pronunciations and exact meanings. It was during his college years, while studying philosophy and linguistics, that he became intrigued by how the right word can capture the right idea.

Heinrichs immediately put his knowledge to the test in his professional life. He quickly became one of the most sought-after speechwriters in the United States. He has written speeches for some of the most influential figures of our time, such as presidents, CEOs, and heads of state. In his consultative work, he delves closely into the thought process behind crafting a speech, equipping to help people understand the rhetorical tools and techniques required to create memorable messages.

In addition to his speechwriting, Heinrichs has put his sharp wit and knowledge of rhetoric to good use in multiple books. His first book, Thank You for Arguing, which was published in 2007, introduced readers to the art of rhetoric and persuasion. Drawing from literature and personal experiences, Heinrichs provides useful insight and advice about the art of rhetoric, from argumentative basics to more complex strategies used in diplomacy.

Heinrichs’ subsequent book, Word Hero (2009), dives further into etymology and building better word skills. It provides tips and tricks on how to become better skilled with words and how to select the right word for the right situation. His latest book, Ultimate Vocabulary (2013), is a compilation of language principles and tips to help the reader increase their vocabulary and communication skills.

In addition to writing books, Heinrichs is also a master public speaker. He frequently tours the country and makes appearances at prestigious universities, such as Yale and Dartmouth, to share his wisdom. Heinrichs teaches classes in rhetoric, as well as provides workshops and seminars on writing, publicspeaking, and persuasion.

In the past few years, Heinrichs has made his work accessible to the digital world. He launched his own website in 2012, which includes online courses and smartphone applications. His free email newsletter, The Silent Intelligence, offers teasers from his books, weekly writing tips, and helpful resources.

With his experience and wealth of knowledge, it’s no wonder that Jay Heinrichs is one of the foremost authorities on rhetoric and education. With multiple books, online courses, smartphone apps, and seminars to his name, he is transforming the way we think about communication and argument, one word at a time.