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

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From the author of The Art of the Handwritten Note, a sophisticated guide on how to glide through conversations at work, at cocktails and just about anywhere. 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.

Reviews

Just as a civilized conversation can get the morning off to a great start, it can enhance your work life all through the day and invigorate an evening of social life. If you enjoy the art of conversation with your family and friends, you will also shine at breakfast with a client, lunch with coworkers, and dinner with your boss. Its the Swiss Army knife of social skills that anyone can learn to use. Take it with you wherever you go, and youll be equipped to turn a seatmate into a confidant, an interviewer into an employer, and an acquaintance into a friend. As an accomplished conversationalist, youll be welcomed everywhere; everyone loves good conversation because it is fun.from the Introduction

Author Bio

MARGARET SHEPHERD is a noted author, calligrapher, and teacher, who writes about civilized communication in many forms. In addition to The Art of Civilized Conversation, she has written fourteen books about calligraphy. Advocating for better and more civilized communication, she has appeared in programs on television, forums at MIT, and news articles around the country. 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.