The Conversationalist

All of us have had enjoyable conversations, but have you ever had a conversation with a person who was an artist at making small talk?

I have and although it was years ago, I still recall the luncheon conversation. The man was the director of a community organization. He dressed immaculately and had a large smile and a pleasant voice. If I were to sum up his two qualities: He was friendly and fascinating.

Our conversation, which could have been a focused review of what his group did and didn't do, wound up covering a range of topics including health, friends, and the type of cereal he liked as a child. Nothing went on too long and although I never felt that he dominated the conversation, I sensed that he knew when to pause and when to move on. There was just the right combination of friendliness and business. He was attentive and a good listener and there was not a trace of the falseness you sometimes feel when a person is trying to sell you something.

Afterwards, I knew I had been in the presence of a master.

By the way, the cereal was corn flakes.