Margaret ShepherdThe Art of Civilized Conversation: A Guide to Expressing Yourself With Style and Grace

This is a great book for any person who wants to operate smoothly in a our modern "networking" society, but is not sure of the best thing to say in all situations. This book gives you ways to get into, through, and out of all kinds of social conversations. I just wish I had read this book when I was much younger. This book will be my new high school graduation gift, as the ability to converse using this book's recommended methods will help any person greatly in life, both personally and professionally. This book is outstanding for anyone looking for ways of smoothing their social graces, and should prove invaluable for any person who might have become a bit too reliant on a gadget for communication and feels a bit lost when trapped with people face-to-face.

How hard could it be to speak to one another? Pretty rough at times.It turned out this book was invaluable. I attended a wedding during the summer and I knew I was going to be sitting at the table with different folks who I did not know well. This book helped me plan out the topics, tone inflection and subjects to avoid. I had a great time and wish I had this book in my younger days - nah, I was too stupid when I was younger to appreciate this.

So far (4 chapters in) I like what Shepherd has to say and find it very helpful and educational. My only discomfort is that she doesn't provide any other way or opinion than her own. There is always another perspective, especially with the nuances of people. I do like that she has chapters about talking to men, young, and older.

I am surprised that this concise and eloquent book is not better known, and I'm baffled by some of the lukewarm reviews. This really is a beautiful collection of scenarios and responses and a mindset for approaching conversations and relationships.I cannot think of a single person I know who would not benefit from reading this. In fact, I think I will buy a few extra copies to hand out as gifts. I have only ever done that for one other book.

Margaret Shepherd's books are very well written. They are insightful and practical. Some of the other books on the topic of conversation are written from an academic perspective. The Art of Civilized Conversation is a wonderful blend of academic and practical. She puts a lot of thought into her books and they are a valuable read.

I wouldn't exactly say that it's not a good book, however, it is very basic. Unless you are a teenager or a young adult, or have problems connecting in social situations because of shyness or otherwise, you will find that this book doesn't offer anything new. I don't need to buy a book that tells me that I need to ask questions, listen more than talk, and advise me on how to accept compliments. But of course for anyone who does, this might be helpful.

Excellent read; purchasing this book was money well spent. Would recommend to anybody who is still interested in having polite, face-to-face interactions.

This book can give you advice as to how to maneuver in conversations where you might be at a loss for words. I think it should be given out to every 10th grader to help with social skills for a lifetime.

This book is packed full of info it will take some time to work though. It doesn't spare any info and if you are prepared to work though it a worthwhile buy.

"I liked your gift the least at first but now it is my favourite gift of all," said the 15 year old I gifted it to and a few days later, the mother was found with it...hanging on to it, word for word. A very effective tool for making conversationalists of all of us. Nuances and keen observation by the author ensures that people at all levels of social skills can take away from the book...the key being receptivity.

The book is great but the one that i recieved is old and dirty. I wanted to gift this to someone.

Enjoyed it very much.

I haven't finished it but so far I am finding it informative and useful!