Art of conversation

So, as some of you know..I am a keen reader of all possible magazines and media which focus on the modern society. Just on the second day of Christmas, which is not celebrated in the US, I spent my morning with a cup of strong coffee (too much wine last night...) and a new edition of the Economist, which is truly one of my favourite but very attention-demanding weeklies. Maybe not exactly what one is supposed to be reading the day after cheerful holiday evening...
Please read this article:
http://www.economist.com/world/displaystory.cfm?story_id=83454
I think especially during a holiday season each of us is indulged more or less in an effort to speak with the members of our families that we usually do not have intention to speak on a daily basis. Just because it is polite, just because of the spirit of Christmas, just because of the Hannukah....If there are even 2 min of silence everyone feels kind of uncomfortable. A funny, or not necessarily funny joke must follow...sth must fill the black gap of silence.
As you may read in this article, everyone concentrates more and more on the great nature of the conversation which may be helpful in excercising power at work, in the government, etc...What about the sheer pleasure of it???Does it matter any longer in the era of i-pods, podcasts, digital technology...
I think it really does and what is extremely interesting the principles of "good conversation" have not changed since Cicero was brave enough to formulate them:
"speak clearly; speak easily but not too much, especially when others want their turn; do not interrupt; be courteous; deal seriously with serious matters and gracefully with lighter ones; never criticise people behind their backs; stick to subjects of general interest; do not talk about yourself; and, above all, never lose your temper."
Such a long time ago, and they are still the same...That just reminds me of one thing I tend to forget: what is the name of this guy from my work, the man from the second floor who chats every morning with me...Oh, ....shame on me...I do not remember...No matter how entertaining the conversation was, it did not occur to me to ask him...How impersonal is it ? ....My new year resolution:"I will know all the names of people working with me who are trying to talk to me". And the same to you!!!
Digital BABE