The Art of Conversation: Twelve Golden Rules by Josephine Turck Baker (web | index)
- Avoid unnecessary details.
- Do not ask question No. 2 until No. 1 has been answered.
- Do not interrupt another while they are speaking.
- Do not contradict another, especially when the subject under discussion is of trivial importance.
- Do not do all the talking; give your tired listener a chance.
- Be not continually the hero of your own story; and, on the other hand, do not leave your story without a hero.
- Choose a subject of mutual interest.
- Be a good listener.
- Make your speech in harmony with your surroundings.
- Do not exaggerate.
- Indulge occasionally in a relevant quotation, but do not garble it.
- Cultivate tact.