THE ART OF CONVERSATION.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 244, 18 November 1914, Page 4

THE ART OF CONVERSATION.

: Tlie art- of conversation 'lias been aptly described as the art of listening well. If this be so, what a few people have any claim to be called good conversationalists! Many persons talk remarkably well; eloquently and clearly, and their flow of small talk is envied by their listeners until those same listeners want to make a remark themselves. Then they come to the conclusion that they are getting bored, for, try as they „ will, the eloquent talker will not listen to a word they say. Good listeners may say very little, but what they say is generally to the point, and worth listening to, as they have been gathering information from what they have heard, and are able to impart it at an opportune moment. Human nature is invariably selfish. .No one, likes to be quite ignored, and everybody' appreciates - sympathy. To listen with interest to another, and to have that interest rewarded by divided attention when at last a word can be piit in, upsets the serenity of • the best-tempered person going. Little trifles such as these are the irritating elements iu life, 'the wearing process which brings wrinkles and frowns, more than larger and serious troubles, which can be met courageously. And it is the woman of tact who knows how to listen, who is called an intelligent companion, even if she only ventures a remark every now and again.