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.
If we were meant to talk more than listen, we would have two mouths and one ear.
You cannot not communicate. Every behavior is a kind of communication. Because behavior does not have a counterpart (there is no anti-behavior), it is not possible not to communicate.
Man's inability to communicate is a result of his failure to listen effectively.
There is a difference between listening and waiting for your turn to speak.
I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.
It is not so much the content of what one says as the way in which one says it. However important the thing you say, what's the good of it if not heard or, being heard, not felt?
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