The word “conversation” is on a lot of lips today. In many cases, though—as when one is invited to “have a conversation” about some facet of identity politics—the underlying meaning is more along the lines of, “Listen, and then accept our radical narrative without question.” Far from representing an exchange of ideas, such doublespeak has…
How to Conduct a Conversation Like a Gentleman—From a Manual on Etiquette and Politeness From 1875
The following is an excerpt from “The Gentlemen’s Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness” by Cecil B. Hartley, published by Locke & Bubier in 1875. ONE of the first rules for a guide in polite conversation, is to avoid political or religious discussions in general society. Such discussions lead almost invariably to irritating differences of opinion,…
13 Tips for Better Conversations
I consider good conversation to be a real contender for life’s greatest pleasure. Unfortunately, the art of carrying on a great conversation isn’t something that comes naturally to many of us. Despite this, I’ve been fortunate to enjoy some great conversation partners over the past decade. This is mostly because I’m drawn to good conversationalists…
4 Conversational Habits Every Entrepreneur Should Learn
By Aytekin Tank I’ve seen it a hundred times. In coffee shops, by the water cooler, and in networking events everywhere. An eager young entrepreneur attempts to impress a potential client with a lengthy monologue about their exotic experience. “I just can’t say enough good things about Bali,” they say, flipping out their phone and…
Be an Icebreaker, Not an Icemaker
Most of us pay attention to our appearance. We may wear sweats and sandals around the house, but we put on appropriate attire when we head out for work at the bank. At the restaurant, we take a quick glance in the bathroom mirror to make sure the teeth aren’t showing a bit of salad….
Good Talk: Reviving the Art of Conversation
In “Lost in the Cosmos: The Last Self-Help Book,” Walker Percy writes, “Johnny Carson, when questioned about his aplomb on the stage before a TV audience of millions, replied: ‘Sure, I’m at ease up there—because I’m in control—but when I’m at a cocktail party and caught in a one-on-one conversation: panic city!’” In his book…
Joe Rogan: The Unintended Influencer
Joe Rogan is known for commentating UFC fights, standup comedy, and his very popular podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience.” Unintentionally, Rogan has become a true influencer of ideas, culture, conversation, and politics, but it has been done through the vehicle of authenticity. Hosted by the two-time Emmy-nominated actor and singer-songwriter Beau Davidson, The Beau Show…
How to End a Conversation Gracefully Without Insulting Anyone
By John Rampton You’re talking with someone at a conference when it happens: You realize the conversation’s over. You’re both still contributing to the dialogue, but you’re just filling time with mindless banter. At this point, you have a couple of choices. You could stay and allow the other person to monopolize your time, but that…
The New Gatekeepers
Commentary The great voice of intellectual diversity is John Stuart Mill, who in “On Liberty” (1859) warned that uniformity of opinion in a society damaged free speech and free thought. Mill was a renowned liberal of the Victorian Age who argued for progressive causes throughout his career, but he understood well the complacency and blindness…
How to Have Meaningful Conversations About Money With Your Spouse
My dad, Dave Ramsey, filed for bankruptcy the year I was born. My older sister was about three. So, with a brand-new baby, a toddler, and as dad says all the time, “a marriage hanging by a thread,” things hit rock bottom. Hard. It took them a good five years to climb out of that hole—right around…
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