Reply #5: Great question. [View All]

[whometense]

The greatest conversations I've ever been privy to are the ones I've read in Jane Austen novels. Seriously. Pre-tv, radio, etc, people really knew how to conduct amusing conversations. Aside from playing cards and reading, it was all they had to pass the time in the evenings. It's impressive to see how artful they could be. The range and depth of topics they might cover in an evening (granted, Austen wrote mainly about very educated people) is amazing.

There are really few people who know how to listen. To bring the topic back to this forum, I'll mention that JK is one who does. Most people have things they want to say, and will respond not to what has been said to them, but instead to whatever opening they've been given. I noticed that JK really listens, and follows up what is said to him with more questions - in other words, not trying to lead the conversation, but listening to what is said to him and responding.

I think the key to conversation is really caring about what the other person is saying. Faked interest is pretty obvious.