John Pentland Mahaffy
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Connection isn’t dull
Probing for the strong points If we’re in conversation for the connection, we’ll never be bored. What is failure in a social context? I think failing to connect with others is the most important sort of failure. Our job in any social conversation isn’t to force connection. Our job is to be ready for, and… More →
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Art
The yearning to explore I don’t want to teach you how to do conversation well. I have long been the sort of person who likes to explore every detail, and who attempts to create the complete and accurate map. That will not be my contribution to the art of conversation. Rather, I wish to inspire… More →
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Enough studying
Experimenting, observing, and reflecting on your conversations I believe we must move beyond studying, into active practice. Every time I think perhaps I should begin to work on a book about conversation, I find another book. I’m always waffling between being convinced that I do have something original to contribute, and being convinced that I’ve… More →
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The Principles of the Art of Conversation
Book The Principles of the Art of Conversation by John Pentland Mahaffy, 1887 — A guide to the art of conversation providing readers with tips and techniques on how to engage in meaningful conversations, how to listen actively, and how to express oneself effectively. Mahaffy discusses the different types of conversations, such as small talk, debates, and… More →