The purpose of writing is to hold a mirror to nature, but too much today is written from small mirrors in vanity cases.
John Mason BrownRead
A good conversationalist is not one who remembers what was said, but says what someone wants to remember.
Interpretation
A good conversationalist focuses on creating memorable moments rather than just recalling past conversations.
In this quote, John Mason Brown emphasizes the importance of engaging in conversations that leave a lasting impact on others. Rather than merely repeating what has been previously discussed, a skilled conversationalist pays attention to the needs and desires of their interlocutor, tailoring their words to create meaningful and memorable exchanges that resonate with the listener.
In practice
In a networking event, you might quote this to highlight the importance of building connections through impactful conversations.
The purpose of writing is to hold a mirror to nature, but too much today is written from small mirrors in vanity cases.
Labeling and diagnosis is a catastrophic way to communicate. Telling other people what's wrong with them greatly reduces, almost to zero, the probability that we're going to get what we're after.
We move but our words stand become responsible for more than we intended and this is verbal privilege
The American people want something terse, forcible, picturesque, striking - something that will arrest their attention, enlist their sympathy, arouse their indignation, stimulate their imagination, convince their reason, awaken their conscience.
If the communications media are a good destined for all humanity, then ever-new means must be found - including recourse to opportune legislative measures - to make possible a true participation in their management by all. The culture of co-responsibility must be nurtured.
To the hard of hearing you shout, and for the almost blind you draw large and startling figures.
So if you aspire to be a good conversationali st, be an attentive listener.
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