Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Frankly, I like to talk and I rarely find myself without something to say ... that is how I am.
But there is such a great difference between just talking and really thinking about what would be an interesting subject to talk about with another person.
There is nothing more embarrassing than someone being bored in conversation – the best solution is often to gather more people in the group to make it livelier.
There are some words better left unsaid and these are; skinny, short, bald, still single, fat and unemployed.
Always be a good listener – it makes one feel comfortable. Good conversation is a matter of give and take so be good at both.
It is always best to be shy as bad conversation is all about talking too much, not too little.
Think before you speak as you can never take it back.
Less is more; there is no need to tell all. Silence is acceptable and there is no need to fill up the dead airtime.
When it comes to your age, if you are going to lie, skip the subject matter.
Think of a common topic and pick up from there. Give praise willingly – but sincerely. Too much praise questions the credibility of the compliment.
Talking about the weather is uniquely boring!
Boasting too is BORING!
Be tactful – gosh, I wish everyone else would practice this.
Humour is healthy but sarcasm and malice isn’t. Do not even worry about being clever or sounding like a clever-so-and-so – just be yourself, but please make sense.
On phone conversations, the art of making a good phone call should be placed between 8am and until 10pm on weekdays and 10am until 10pm on a Friday and on a Saturday from noon time until 10pm – I encourage everyone to follow this.
On call waiting, unless you are expecting a call, let the second call go into voice message. But if you decide to answer the call, it should be in a way to inform the caller that you will ring him, or her, back. And if you are in a serious conversation then do not pick it up at all.
When you are returning calls, make sure you return the call within 24 hours you received the call.
Mobile phones are to be used for convenience and economy or when one is always on the go and there is the need to confirm appointments or schedules.
Mobile phones are supposed to be on silent, or vibrate mode, when you are in a restaurant, museum, theatre, meeting and class.
Never ever have an argument on your mobile and do not speak too loudly as if you are the only person on this earth when talking to someone.
More importantly, it is always good to have a mobile phone for emergency purposes ... I reckon people can’t live without one nowadays.
Now with e-mails and faxes, one thing I did learn, when you are emotional or angry do not write that e-mail, when you have pressed that ‘send’ button you can never take it back.
Besides, it is best to take a deep breath and walk around first if you need to clear your thoughts. Only then write that e-mail.
Just remember one thing, when you write something your character is represented by what you write.
