CONVERSATION

I think that what we consciously withhold from saying is at least as important as what we say.

Some people seem to be unable to control the flow of words from their brain out their mouth, without the slightest attempt to censor it before it comes out. For them, once the brain has conceived the sentence, it comes out on its own. Even the concept of reviewing it before it is said is a foreign concept to some.
A good conversationalist will speak less than his/her counterpart. A good conversationalist will give the other the opportunity to express their opinion, and a good conversationalist is a better listener than a speaker.

Your own opinion does not matter much to your listener. Your listener is only interested in how you respond to his ideas; when you express yourself he is only waiting for you to finish so he can say some more. If you want to be appreciated, then listen. If you want to be tolerated, then speak.

If you do speak, then expand on the ideas elucidated by your counterpart. A good conversation is when the ideas of both together are more than their sum. When you and he build on each other's ideas to reach heights not attainable by either of you individually.

Most people respond emotionally to what you say; not rationally. Most of us are 95% emotional beings, and we do things for emotional reasons. So reason has little suasive potential, because your listener is not listening from a rational perspective. Thus, do not say everything that comes into your mind. Speak little, but when you speak make it persuasive and such that your listener will understand and at least respond to it.

Above all, use humour to bond with the listener, and to create the proper climate.