How to Succeed in Anything by Really Trying

Author Essay

The ability to effectively carry on a conversation, whether with a stranger, colleague, or friend, is an important element of success for a variety of reasons. There is no doubt that being a good conversationalist will enhance your reputation as a communicator. Furthermore, people enjoy being in the company of a good conversationalist, so it will create opportunities to expand your network of contacts. Being a good conversationalist will also make you a popular neighbour and a sought-after dinner guest. Last, and certainly not least, you will learn things.
 
REMEMBER:
1. Wit should be the seasoning of a conversation, never the main course.
 
2. The best questions in any conversation start with words that begin with w.
 
3. The second-best questions start with words that begin with h.
 
4. A good conversationalist asks the questions people want to answer.
 
5. One difference between a conviction and a prejudice is that a conviction can be explained without raising your voice.
 
6. How you say something may determine another person’s response to it; most of the friction of daily living is caused by the wrong tone of voice. There’s no need to shout if the right words are used.
 
7. It’s always easier to swallow angry words now than to have them shoved down your throat later.
 
8. What’s important to people is whatever they think is important.
 
9. There’s no need to talk too much about yourself; others will do that when you leave the room.
 
10. You may be saying all the right things but the other person may, for whatever reason, simply not be ready to hear them.