In a conversation, keep in mind that you're more interested in what you have to say than anyone else is.

Drawing on my fine command of language, I said nothing.

For parlor use the vague generality is a life-saver.

Conversation, n. A fair for the display of the minor mental commodities, each exhibitor being too intent upon the arrangement of his own wares to observe those of his neighbor.

A conversation is a dialogue, not a monologue. That's why there are so few good conversations: due to scarcity, two intelligent talkers seldom meet.

No discussion between two persons can be of any use, until each knows clearly what it is that the other asserts.

Talk ought always to run obliquely, not nose to nose with no chance of mental escape.

Private, accidental, confidential conversation breeds thought. Clubs produce oftener words.

The art of conversation, or the qualification for a good companion, is a certain self-control, which now holds the subject, now lets it go, with a respect for the emergencies of the moment.

The best of life is conversation, and the greatest success is confidence, or perfect understanding between sincere people.