Typical Tactless Remarks

Typical tactless remarks that crone from such people are
these:
Isn't your sister married yet?
Your brother's still single?
You've put on weight since I last saw you.
What did you pay for that suit?
You look pale! Are you ill?
Your dress was so much in fashion in the 70s.
I won't attempt to tell you the details of the work I do.
It would be over your head.

A sense of humour is an important asset 1 a good conversationalist, but it is best that your jokes turn on yourself rather than your companions, religion, region, or gender bias. On the other hand, if you can sincerely laugh at yourself and the things that happen to you then you are less liable to offend others by an occasional laugh at their plight.

A good conversationalist is sensitive to the feelings of
others and is very considerate of others. A really considerate
person has these qualities:
He talks about subjects which interest others.
When the conversation lags, he introduces a new
subject.
He tries to see that everyone has a share in the
conversation. If someone is left out, he directs a
question to that person or otherwise encourages hirn
to talk.
He listens when others talk.
If someone makes a tactless remark, he covers it by
carrying on the conversation as if nothing out of place
had been said.

If others try to start an argument, he avoids the
argument by steering the conversation away from
disputable ground.
He avoids gossip.
He never asks embarrassing questions.
When conversing, never refer to bodily defects or other,
disabilities your colleagues, friends, companions may suffer
froI1l, for example being fat, bald, short, tall or having a
limP' Believe me, they know themselves better than you
do, and you offend them by making fun of their physique,
even when they pretend not to mind. If you dislike being
teased, then never tease others for you will not know how
to do it. And, even if you like it yourself, be sure the person
you tease doesn't mind it. You will be surprised to find that
most people do not enjoy being teased.
Many a time, conversations end up as griping sessions
when members exchange complaints. Gripes and
complaints are the worst conversation topics to have on
one's agenda. If you are in the habit of complaining about
your superiors, colleagues, or inferiors, you only succeed in
spreading discontent and suffocate yourself with toxic
chemicals. If there are things that need correction or attention, approach the person who can set them right - but assigning motives to others for the things they do or say is not only downright" uncharitable, but it also ensures that you are your OWn hurdle when climbing the corporate ladder.

When conversing, do not correct another's grammar, pronunciation, sentences, adjust another's tie, scarf, dress, clips, posture, whatever, in public. If you want to help another, and you are sure that it will be appreciated then do it in private.

Do not use words like, "huh?" "What?" or "Pardot
me," when you mean to say, "What did you say?" or "Sorry,
I did not hear what you said." While conversing, steer
clear of slang, vulgarity and expletives. Its use never
enhances the image but throws poor light on your
personality.
Another aspect of good conversation is the tone of voice
and the volume. Never shout. Shouting and conversational
never go hand in hand. If you have to shout to make a
point, or to be heard, then you can be certain that nobody
is interested in what you have to say, so you may as well
remain silent and save your strength. At the same time,
your volume should be loud enough for everyone to hear
you. If the people you are talking to have to ask you to
repeat what you have said, you fail as a conversationalist
Try and develop a pleasant, gentle tone of voice with a bit
of a smile in it. (See chapter, Speak with Flair and Finesse). H
you speak monotonously, or staccato-like, then your listeners
would want more than to see you keep your mouth shut.