Read the following passage carefully:
Conversation is indeed the most easily teachable of all arts. All you need to do in order to
conversationalist is to find a subject that interests you and your listeners. There are, for example numberless
hobbies to talk about. But the important thing is that you must talk about the other fellow
S. All you need to do in order to become a good
listeners. There are, for example, numberless
than your own. Therein lies the secret of your popularity. Talk to your friends about the things wa
st talk about the other fellow's hobby rather
them, and you will get a reputation for good fellowship, charming wit, and a brilliant mind. There is no
that pleases people so much as your interest in their interests.
It is just as important to know what subjects to avoid and what subjects to select for good conversa
If you don't want to be let down as a wet blanket or a bore, be careful to avoid certain unpleasant cops.
Avoid talking about yourself unless you are asked to do so. People are interested in their own problems,
not in yours. Sickness or death bores everybody. The only one who willingly listens to such talk is the
doctor, but he gets paid for it.
To be a good conversationalist, you must know not only what to say, but how to say it. Be civil and
modest. Don't overemphasise your own importance. Be mentally quick and witty. But don't hurt others
with your wit. Finally, try to avoid mannerism in your conversation. Don't bite your tongue, or roll your
eyes or use your hands excessively as you speak. Don't be like the Frenchman who said, “How can I talk
if you hold my hands?"
On the basis of the reading of the passage, answer questions in brief:
1. What is conservation?
2. What you need to do in order to become a good conversationalist?
3. How can one become a good conversationalist?
4. How do the people please so much in a conversation?
5. What is important to know for good conversation?
6. A good conversationalist must keep in mind two points. What are they?
7. What should one not do while one is in conversation with others?
8. Why does the writer suggest a good conversationalist not to be like the Frenchman?
9. Give a suitable title to the above passage.
Answers
Answer:
1.Conversation is needed most easily teachable of all art.
2.All you need to do in order to conversationalist is to find a subject that interest you and your listener .
1. What is conversation?
It is an art.
2. What you need to do in order to become a good conversationalist?
To find a subject that interests you and your listeners
3. How can one become a good conversationalist?
By listening to others and talking about the subjects that they like, instead of talking about one’s own likings and interests.
4. How do the people please so much in a conversation?
People are pleased when you talk about their interests, hobbies, etc.
5. What is important to know for good conversation?
It is very important to know which subjects should be avoided and which should be taken up.
6. A good conversationalist must keep in mind two points. What are they?
A good conversationalist knows what to say and how to say.
7. What should one not do while one is in conversation with others?
One should not bite one’s tongue or roll one’s eyes or move one’s hands much.
8. Why does the writer suggest a good conversationalist not to be like the Frenchman?
To highlight the fact that one must not move one’s hands too much, like a Frenchman. Moving hands means language deficiency.
9. Give a suitable title to the above passage.
Art of Conversation