Rare Restraint
Albert Einstein had a wholesome disregard for the tyranny of custom. Once as a guest of honor at a dinner given for him by the president of Swarthmore College, he was called on for a speech. He said, “Ladies and gentlemen, I am very sorry but I have nothing to say” and sat down. A few seconds later he stood back up and said, “In case I do have something to say, I’ll come back.” Six months later, he wired the president of the college with the message: “Now I have something to say.” Another dinner was held and Einstein made a speech.
Feeling Important
The secret of making another person feel important is to tell him a secret. He will feel important when he shares it with someone else.
Benefit of Apology
An apology is a good way to have the last word.
Wise Rule
If your mind should go blank, don’t forget to turn off the sound.
So Much Jargon
Teachers never seem to put down kids anymore. A young lad had a notation on his report card that he was very adept in the creative use of visual aids for learning. His father called up his teacher and said, “What does that mean–‘the creative use of visual aids’?” The teacher said, “That means he copies from the kid in the next seat.”
The Right No To
As precious as the right to speak is the right not to listen.
Role of the Mouth
Maybe the eyes are the windows of the soul—but that still doesn’t make the mouth the door to the brain.
Talking Ceased
If nobody ever said anything unless he knew what he was talking about, a ghastly hush would descend upon the earth. –Sir Alan Herbert
Silence Is Golden
The unspoken word never defeats one. What one does not say does not have to be explained. –Sam Rayburn
A Tip on Style
No one is exempt from talking nonsense; the misfortune is to do it solemnly. –Montaigne
Quiet Communication
Silence need not be awkward or embarrassing, for to be with one you love, without the need for words, is a beautiful and satisfying form of communication.
I remember times when our children used to come running to me, all of them chattering at once about the events of their day—and it was wonderful to have them share their feelings with me. But there were also times when they came to me wanting only to be held, to have me stroke their heads and caress them into sleep. And so it is, sometimes, with us and with God our Father. –Colleen Townsend Evans
True Conversation
No man would listen to you talk if he didn’t know it was his turn next. –Ed Howe
Discussion as Confirmation
Discussion is a method of confirming others in their errors. –Ambrose Bierce
Buried Talent
A hotheaded woman told John Wesley, “My talent is to speak my mind.” Replied Mr. Wesley, “Woman, God wouldn’t care a bit if you would bury that talent.”
Vanity
We often say things because we can say them well, rather than because they are sound and reasonable. –Walter Savage Landor
Penn’s Rules of Conversation
Avoid company where it is not profitable or necessary, and in those occasions, speak little, and last. Silence is wisdom where speaking is folly, and always safe. Some are so foolish as to interrupt and anticipate those that speak instead of hearing and thinking before they answer, which is uncivil, as well as silly. If thou thinkest twice before thou speakest once, thou wilt speak twice the better for it. Better to say nothing than not to the purpose. And to speak pertinently, consider both what is fit, and when it is fit, to speak. In all debates, let truth be thy aim, not victory or an unjust interest; and endeavor to gain, rather than to expose, thy antagonist. –William Penn
Real Power
Empty barrels make the loudest noises, but the full ones silently crush one’s toes.
Presenting the Evidence
Blessed is the man who, having nothing to say, abstains from giving wordy evidence of the fact. –George Eliot
Silence of Various Modes
A tribute was once paid to a great linguist, that he not only had learned seven languages well—but he had also learned when to be silent in all seven.
How to Save Face
Saving face is often accomplished by keeping the lower part of it shut.
Conversational Grace
An attractive woman was taken to dinner one night by William E. Gladstone, the distinguished British statesman. The next evening, she attended a dinner where she sat next to Benjamin Disraeli, his equally distinguished opponent. Asked her opinion of the two men, she replied thoughtfully: “When I left the dining room after sitting with Mr. Gladstone, I thought he was the cleverest man in England. But after sitting next to Mr. Disraeli, I thought I was the cleverest woman in England.”
Too Good to Keep
Some secrets are worth keeping. Others are too good to keep.
The Real Sparkler
A gossip is one who talks to you about other people. A bore is one who talks to you about himself. And a brilliant conversationalist is one who talks to you about yourself. –William King
Taking a Stand
Learn to say no; it will be of more use to you than to be able to read Latin. –Charles H. Spurgeon
Virtue of Silence
A closed mouth gathers no feet.
Nothing to Say
There is nothing wrong with having nothing to say—unless you insist on saying it.