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
What this quote means
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.
Themes
ConversationCommunicationMemorableEngagementListening
In practice
Example use cases
In a networking event, you might quote this to highlight the importance of building connections through impactful conversations.
More from John Mason Brown
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You cannot speak that which you do not know. You cannot share that which you do not feel. You cannot translate that which you do not have. And you cannot give that which you do not possess. To give it and to share it, and for it to be effective, you first need to have it. Good communication starts with good preparation.
Jim RohnRead
Words are such uncertain things, they so often sound well but mean the opposite of what one thinks they do.
Agatha ChristieRead
If we go on explaining we shall cease to understand one another.
Charles Maurice De TalleyrandRead
I never took any elocution lessons, no diction lessons. I might have been a pretty decent broadcaster if I had, but what you see, I'm afraid, is what you get.
Walter CronkiteRead
The human voice: It's the instrument we all play. It's the most powerful sound in the world, probably. It's the only one that can start a war or say 'I love you.' And yet many people have the experience that when they speak, people don't listen to them.
Julian TreasureRead
Listening is not understanding the words of the question asked, listening is understanding why the question was asked in the first place.
Simon SinekRead