When conversations get tricky, how do we share our ideas succinctly and calmly? Arguing and debating is an art form, and this fabulously informative book explores the steps we can take to build clear, thoughtful arguments which ultimately benefit everyone.

The book focuses on strategies to argue, debate and listen, all presented in easy-to-understand chapters that explore such things as knowing what is true or false, changing your mind, and regulating your emotions, as well as social media algorithms and ‘What if your friend is down a rabbit hole?’

In a world full of misinformation, The Kids’ Guide to Speaking Your Mind Without Losing Your Cool is a terrifically valuable tool for all ages, offering ways to argue safely and clearly. Readers learn to argue with both their heart and their
head, including lessons on disagreeing without it turning into a fight. It shows us that arguing doesn’t always have to be about winning, but about listening and learning together.

Reviewed by Ashleigh Meikle
Age Guide 10+

Download Teachers’ Resources for The Kids’ Guide to Speaking Your Mind

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Matt Agnew is more than a scientist; he’s an edutainer that helps to make science, maths and technology fun and accessible for everyone.

With academic credentials spanning the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) portfolio, myriad appearances across a variety of media channels, and a social media profile for reaching a wide and varied audience, Matt is a qualified, passionate and engaging scientist and edutainer.

Matt has worn many hats over his career – an engineer, a data scientist (applied artificial intelligence!), an astrophysicist – and it is the breadth of technical knowledge acquired across these disciplines, combined with an approachable manner and accessible way of explaining ideas, that has led to him being the go-to scientist for engaging with the public about the latest happenings in the world of science.

Whether it’s his passion for astrophysics and his work in searching for habitable planets beyond our Solar system; his excitement about artificial intelligence and its tremendous impact on society; or his experience working as an engineer and how technology shapes our world – Matt has an unbridled eagerness to share his scientific enthusiasm with everyone young and old.

Dr Matt is one of Australia’s leading science ‘edutainers’. He was born in Adelaide, raised in Perth and now lives in Melbourne with his dog Pluto.

Visit Dr Matt Agnew’s website