gently stated is better than an
embarrassing silence. Sometimes changing your position, or looking into a
book for a moment may relieve your embarrassment, and dispel any settling
stiffness.

Avoid telling many stories, or repeating a story more than once in the same
company.

Never treat any one as if you simply wanted him to tell stories. People
laugh and despise such a one.

Never tell a coarse story. No wit or preface can make it excusable.

Tell a story, if at all, only as an illustration, and not for itself. Tell
it accurately.

Be careful in asking questions for the purpose of starting conversation or
drawing out a person, not to be rude or intrusive.

Never take liberties by staring, or by any rudeness.

Never infringe upon any established regulations among strangers.

Do not always prove yourself to be the one in the right. The right will
appear. You need only give it a chance.

Avoid argument in conversation. It is discourteous to your host.

Cultivate paradoxes in conversation with your peers. They add interest to
common-place matters. To strike the harmless faith of ordinary people in
any public idol is waste, but such a movement with those able to reply is
better.

Never discourse upon your ailments.

Never use words of the meaning or pronunciation of which you are uncertain.

Avoid discussing your own or other people's domestic concerns.

Never prompt a slow speaker, as if you had all the ability. In conversing
with a foreigner who may be learning our language, it is excusable to help
him in some delicate way.

Never give advice unasked.

Do not manifest impatience.

Do not interrupt another when speaking.

Do not find fault, though you may gently criticise.

Do not appear to notice inaccuracies of speech in others.

Do not always commence a conversation by allusion to the weather.

Do not, when narrating an incident, continually say, "you see," "you know."
{83}

Do not allow yourself to lose temper or speak excitedly.

Do not introduce professional or other topics that the company generally
cannot take an interest in.

Do not talk very loud. A firm, clear, distinct, yet mild, gentle, and
musical voice has great power.

Do not be absent-minded, requiring the speaker to repeat what has been said
that you may understand.

Do not try to force yourself into the confidence of others.

Do not use profanity, vulgar terms, words of double meaning, or language
that will bring the