INTRODUCTION.

SPEECH was bestowed upon man as a medium of communicating thought; and the proper exercise of this faculty should be regarded by all in civilized life, as of the highest importance. We propose in this work, to demonstrate the refinement of conversation, to offer rules for its right use, and to treat of certain particulars relative to practice, an ignorance of which frequently places the sensible man on a level with the simpleton. In short, to indicate, as clearly as possible, the means of appearing to advantage in the private circle, in public interviews, and in every situation in which an individual may be placed. Such has been our aim and design.

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CONSIDERATIONS

Upon the Use and Influence of Conversation.

CONVERSATION has been defined in various ways by moralists, and those who attempt to define even that which is undefinable. Points have been sharpened, antitheses rounded off, phrases re-refined, in order that a precise notion may be given, as concisely as possible, of this communication of thought by words. We have sought in vain for a satisfactory definition; we have sought in vain for a code of regulations, adapted to instruct in the exercise of this strangely neglected branch of human influence. Such may exist in the Chinese language, or in some dialect of Hindostan, but we are ignorant of any European authority to which reference can be made as a guide to the art of Conversation.

It may be necessary to observe, in the first place, that talking is not conversing; although the words are, by many, considered as synonymous. We trust to be enabled to throw some light upon this point, in the course of our work, and to make perceptible the difference which exists between one who converses, and one who merely talks. It must be confessed that the distinction, if superficially regarded, is not very decided; yet, that it is obvious, and of immense importance in practical life, no man of the world' will pretend to deny.

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Let us illustrate our meaning: A person has an interest to promote, in the successful progress of which, his future happiness or temporary comfort depends. It is necessary, perhaps, to make personal application to a man of rank or influence. Previous to a final interview with this individual, many subordinates, we will suppose, must be seen and spoken with. The familiar, careless, common-place expressions, or talking, adapted to them, is not precisely of the same character with the conversation to be carried on, when in the presence of the one whose favor is