A good conversationalist does not dominate or lay down the law. He should allow others to have their say. A good story is welcome, but a succession of anecdotes is likely to become tedious. It is rude to interrupt. Sarcasm at the expense of someone who is shy or stupid is unforgivable.
We do not want only to like people. We also want them to like us. Hence the need to talk pleasantly, to find subjects of common interest. A good talker knows how to listen to others as well as to interest them in what he has to say. It is not his business to exhibit his superior knowledge or, when engaged in friendly conversation, to score debating points.
(Teach Yourself Good Manners by W. S. Norman, pages 189, 190)
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