The Art of Conversation

A British journalist uses Old World values, razor-sharp social skills, and an endless supply of fascinating stories to make the "neglected pleasure" of conversation sound like fun. Though her presentation is full of rules and her British accent sounds somewhat formal, her breezy and optimistic tone will help most listeners hear her advice as an opportunity to connect with people in a skillful, satisfying way. She's astute in the way she breaks down various conversational challenges such as talking with bores, bullies, and people who are egotistical, ill-at-ease, insulting, or in the middle of difficult circumstances. This is an indispensable, highly nuanced resource for anyone who wants more skills and confidence when interacting with others. T.W. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

Starred review from November 24, 2008
British journalist Blyth was once described as “the person you hope you'll find at the next cocktail party—or the person you'd like to be.” The next best thing is a close encounter with Blyth on the printed page. Adopting a chatty, conversational manner to write about conversation, Blyth mixes personal anecdotes into a salmagundi of selected quotes from anthropology, history, literature, philosophy and pop culture to analyze and give advice on the dynamics of good conversation, not to mention the perfect riposte for every situation. She examines everything from small talk to pillow talk, from riotous raconteurs to crashing bores, from flattery to false smiles. The key is listening: “Good conversation is a team sport; pace and energy keep it alive.” Blyth probes layers of language, humor as social engineering, baiting, lies, flirting, evasions and failed shoptalk, such as how “miscommunication lost Xerox the PC.” Witty, eloquent and insightful, Blyth's book is a delightful encouragement to rediscover conversation as the best communication technology.