Some people are socially inept. It is not polite to point it out and I never do. But let’s be honest, we have all been there: opposite the person at the party who talks about themselves endlessly, at a wedding next to someone who is critical about everything or sat beside someone who just endlessly moans on a long journey. There is an art to conversation, and plenty of people have not mastered it.

So I might be buying this book in bulk and handing it out liberally, anything to lessen the social trauma of listening to someone else droning on about their own life for an hour, or moaning and complaining and then just leaving, a negative aura lingering behind them. I once spent an hour and a half, no exaggeration, listening to a women talking about her biological clock and how it was running out, and forty minutes at another party trying to explain to someone where the Scottish Borders are “What country does it border with?” they asked. I managed to keep a straight face, wondrously.

The Art of Conversation by Judy Apps is a fascinating book. It also has a section on dealing with the type of drains above. So called because they drain your energy. It has anecdotes and quotes galore, all of which are brilliant. It also has exercises and will help you understand the different levels of conversation and how they work. I read this book very fast as it is both enjoyable and educational. It also helps you overcome fear and express yourself more powerfully with your voice and body language.

An educational, insightful and enjoyable book. Definitely worth a read.

The Art of Conversation: Change Your Life with Confident Communication is available here.