The Amateur and the Professional

There are conversationalists and conversationalists. Their quality and appeal vary and naturally. So one must endeavor to master the art and be counted among the good and acceptable ones. Nothing less than complete dedication is demanded if one wishes to be a good, interesting, dynamic conversationalist, who is wanted in every social circle.

Lure of Appreciation

Appreciation is the greatest lure for the aspiring conversationalists, but like all temptations, the expectation of appreciation also often does more harm than good. One likes to read attention and admiration on the faces of the persons one is talking to, but if that expectation is the whole objective, one cannot go very far as a conversationalists. It is said that our fame is like a shadow which reflects our actions, as soon as we turn our attention to it more than to our work, our fame also fades. The same is true of the effect that is created by one’s conversation. If a person looks for effect, he will find no effect at all. If, on the other hand, he devotes his attention to conversation alone, with no thought for the impression he may create, he will find that the effect will be heightened, real and lasting. It would be wrong, therefore, to hanker after appreciation and neglect the more important things which, in the case of conversation, relate to the various qualities that endear a person to others and make him popular conversationalists.

Ethics

Conversation is essential a game of the group and as such co-operation is of utmost importance. There are, on the other hand, rules and conventions in conversation like giving others a chance and so on, but over and above these, there are ethics of a different kind which we should be aware of. The power of speech is a great power and those who possess this will find it easy to achieve what seems impossible. Those who can talk and impress are respected and in many instances wield great influence or come to occupy key positions in politics. If truth is upheld, all will be well, but if the situation turns out to be otherwise, the whole nation might be shattered and reduced to ashes.

Truth Always

The salesman in his own limited field can cause much harm to his customers if he withholds the truth from them. The same is applicable to all other professionals who owing to their better knowledge are in a position to dupe the gullible. Apart from this, in day-to-day conversation, the good speaker will dominate the field and command all attention; at this stage any kind of wrong information, theories and propositions can be devastating and dangerous. Both professional and amateur ethics should decry these possibilities.