From the chapter entitled, Master the Art of Conversation
Irresistible women know how to speak in social circles. Remember
these simple rules:
-Respect the ideas and opinions of others. Even if you’re in a heated debate,
never say “Th at’s a dumb idea!” Instead, try, “I respectfully disagree.”
-Never try to appear more learned that those with whom you’re
conversing. If you’re having a conversation with a group of uneducated
people, don’t keep talking about your experiences in college. Don’t
say things like, “Have you guys read Chaucer? What about Poe, ever
read him?” Additionally, if you’re a world traveler in a room full of
folks who’ve never left their hometowns, avoid telling stories about the
croissants in Paris and the sake in Japan.
-Watch your language. A lot of people are off ended by profanity.
If you’re in the company of people you don’t know, it’s better to avoid
profane language altogether.
-Never tell a racist/prejudice joke. Never say, “So, some asshole hit
my car the other day. Of course he was Asian” nor “Someone stole my
compact out of my purse, probably that white trash bitch Julie.”
-Listen more than you speak. Perhaps the biggest faux pas when
having a discussion is dominating the conversation. Try not to talk
much more than the others in the group. You don’t have to tell EVERY
story you know, or recount EVERY situation you’ve ever been in, or go
into detail about ALL the details of your life.
-Do things to show you’re paying attention to the speaker. Make
eye contact. Nod. Smile.
-Avoid discussing politics and religion? Some experts will suggest that you
stay away from these topics. But I disagree somewhat. In my opinion, these
issues can be discussed when you know all the members of the discussion to
be respectful and well-informed. If it’s your fi rst time meeting someone, for
example, I would suggest you avoid discussing religion and/or politics.
-Don’t give away the punch line. If someone’s telling a joke, please don’t
blurt out, “Oh I’ve already heard this one” before he/she is fi nished.
-Get a lesson in grammar. How foolish will you sound if you say “Please
be more pacifi c”? Th e correct word is specifi c. Or, don’t rave about the
delicious saLmon dinner you had last night. Th e L in salmon is silent.
