One of the things that Master and i have lamented on is the lost art of conversation. While watching a rather well done version of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ one of the overwhelming sentiments was how skillful the characters were at conversation. Whether the character was beloved or ill thought of could be found by how they conversed. Some understood the skill of a well placed phrase, correct grammar and enunciation as well as the perfect balance between being learned and witty without being overbearing and obnoxious. At one point the ability to converse (and not merely discuss) was a prized skill set. It seems now that with our hasty society and informal speech patterns we have lost something precious.
In this vein that i offer the following websites, quotes etc; as potential sources for learning, practicing and perhaps honing this skill set, as well as an example or two of what not to do. There are also books that can be utilized in this regard.
| There is no such thing as a worthless conversation, provided you know what to listen for. And questions are the breath of life for a conversation.†| |
 James Nathan Miller quotes |
| “The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.†| |
| Dorothy Nevill quotes |
| “Conversation should be pleasant without scurrility, witty without affectation, free without indecency, learned without conceitedness, novel without falsehood†| |
 William Shakespeare quotes |
