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Some men are very entertaining for a first interview, but after that
they are exhausted, and run out; on a second meeting we shall find them
very flat and monotonous; like hand-organs, we have heard all their
tunes.--COULTON.
He who sedulously attends, pointedly asks, calmly speaks, coolly
answers, and ceases when he has no more to say, is in possession of
some of the best requisites of man.--LAVATER.
Beauty is never so lovely as when adorned with the smile, and
conversation never sits easier upon us than when we know and then
discharge ourselves in a symphony of Laughter, which may not improperly
be called the Chorus of Conversation.--STEELE.
The first ingredient in Conversation is Truth, the next Good Sense, the
third Good Humor, and the fourth Wit.--SIR WILLIAM TEMPLE.
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Home Lessons in Conversation.
Say nothing unpleasant when it can be avoided.
Avoid satire and sarcasm.
Never repeat a word that was not intended for repetition.
Cultivate the supreme wisdom, which consists less in saying what ought to
be said than in not saying what ought not to be said.