Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1896-08-13
The Art of Conversation.

Life proceeds at such rapid rate
in these closing days of the nine
teenth century, there is such lot of
ephemeral literature to- be read in
the limited time at one's disposal,
that there seems to be some risk that
the next generation may be almost
without knowledge of the great
works of literature and that the art
of conversation may become a lost
art. 1t is lost art now to MANY
people, for, though they talk, they
talk to no purpose and ltarn very
little.
In the older days when books were
very scarce conversation and letter
writing were greatly cultivated as
two useful means of gaining infor-
nation. Sir Matthew Hale, Lord
Chief Justice of England in the
Seventeenth century, wrote letter
of advice to his children containing
many sensible suggestions on the
subject of conversation which are
just as good to-day as they were then,
Notwithstanding the increase of fa-
cilities for itnparting or gaining
knowledge. He says:
"Some men excel in husbandry,
some in gardening, some i'm mathe-
matics. In conversation learn as
near as you can where the skill or
excellence of any person lies; put
him upon talking on that subject,
observe what he says, keep it in your
memory or commit it to writing.
BY this means you will CLEAN the
worth and knowledge Of everybody
you converse with and, at an easy
rate, acquire what may be of use to
you on many occasions"
Herein lies the key to the art of
conversation. 1t is employed not
merely to gain information, but to
maintain an easy flow of conversa-
ton. The dullest man can talk in
telligently or at least with force
upon a subject near his heart, and
the least sociable will become genial
if allowed to ride his own hobby.
The hostess who wins a reputa-
tion for giving delightful dinners or
receptions usually contributes only
indirectly to the entertainment of
her guests. She knows their tastes
or hobbies and. being tactful, she
starts each one on his proper theme
and provides for each the proper
listner or disputant.
1t is really worth while to give
some attention to the art of CONVEX
satiOn, for, as Sir Matthew Hale re-
marks, it Is means of gaining
knowledge at an easy rate and helps
to while away time that would pass
wearily but for the aid of conversa-
ton.
One must beware, however, of
starting bore to talk upon his
favorite topic, for bore is nothing
more or less than a monomaniac,
who never has anything new to inn
part, but repeats the same old story,
as though he had learned it by rote.
The tactful entertainer must know
the weaknesses of bores and prevent
them from getting started on their
hobbies.
Merely idle conversation or gossip
should, of course, be avoided. 1t is
not instructive and may be mischie-
vous. 1t is partly to aid in the
avoidance of gossip that attention
should be given to the art of conver-
sation and serious, amusing or in
structive subjects be brought up.
One famous entertainer gives as
much thought to the preparation of
bill of fare for conversation as to
the menu. Knowing his guests, he
does not leave the course Of conver-
sation to chance, but thinks out a
programme. At opportune mo-
ments he makes remarks which
bring up the subjects he has settled
upon for discussion and conversa-
tion flows on readily without a
check. This is a good plan, provi.
ded ii can be carried out skillfully
without any indication that it was
prepared in advance, for conversa-
tion, to be enjoyable, must be spon-
taneOus and free.
As a rule, little attention has been
paid to this subject, yet it is we'll
worth while to heed Sir Matthew's
advice respecting the use Of conver-
sation to gain knowledge and also to
give some thought to the subjects to
be brought before a company which
Is to be dependant for entertain.
ment upon conversatlon.-Bdltinor
Sun.