The Art of Civilized Conversation: A Guide to Expressing Yourself With Style and Grace

Read an Excerpt

Chapter 1: What Conversations Are Made Of
In our fast-paced, electronic society, the most basic social interaction-talking face-to-face-can be a challenge for even the most educated and self-assured individuals. And yet making conversation is a highly practical skill: those who do it well shine

Chapter 1: How to Introduce Yourself
People you don't know are not a big, amorphous crowd of strangers. Although in a group they may seem like an imposing solid brick wall, it may be better to think of a crowd as a wall of individual windows that can each offer you a different view of life.

In our fast-paced, electronic society, the most basic social interaction-talking face-to-face-can be a challenge for even the most educated and self-assured individuals. And yet making conversation is a highly practical skill: those who do it well shine at networking parties, interviews, and business lunches. Good conversation also opens doors to a happier love life, warmer friendships, and more rewarding time with family.

For those intimidated by the complexity of personal interaction, or those simply looking to polish their speaking skills, The Art of Civilized Conversation is a powerful guide to communicating in an endearing way. In its pages, author Margaret Shepherd offers opening lines, graceful apologies, thoughtful questions, and, ultimately, the confidence to take conversations beyond hello. From the basics-first impressions, appropriate subject matter, and graceful exits-to finding the right words for difficult situations and an insightful discussion of body language, Shepherd uses her skilled eye and humorous anecdotes to teach readers how to turn a plain conversation into an engaging encounter.

Filled with common sense and fresh insight, The Art of Civilized Conversation is the perfect inspiration not only for what to say but for how to say it with style.

Margaret Shepherd is a writer, calligrapher, and teacher. In addition to The Art of the Handwritten Note, she has written thirteen books on calligraphy. Each year she speaks at MIT's "charm school" about the importance of gracious communication. She lives in Boston..

Sharon Hogan writes books on topics that range from aging to dog training. She enjoys civilized conversations with other authors about book concepts, and she leads workshops on nonfiction writing for physicians. She lives near Boston..

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