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.
I'm not an interviewer. I have conversations.
Individual storytelling is incredibly powerful. We as journalists know intuitively what scientists of the brain are discovering through brain scans, which is that emotional stories tend to open the portals, and that once there's a connection made, people are more open to rational arguments.
Man's inability to communicate is a result of his failure to listen effectively.
To be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible; credible we must be truthful.
So if you aspire to be a good conversationali st, be an attentive listener.
You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time.
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