Eugene Field could tell a group of people that it had rained to-day and would probably rain to-morrow, and make everyone burst into laughter—or tears if he chose—according to the way it was said. But the ordinary rest of us must, if we would be thought sympathetic, intelligent or agreeable, "go fishing."
Going Fishing For Topics
The charming talker is neither more nor less than a fisherman. (Fisherwoman rather, since in America women make more effort to be agreeable than men do.) Sitting next to a stranger she wonders which "fly" she had better choose to interest him. She offers one topic; not much of a nibble. So she tries another or perhaps a third before he "rises" to the bait.
The Door Slammers
There are people whose idea of conversation is contradiction and flat statement. Finding yourself next to one of these, you venture:
"Have you seen any good plays lately?"
"No, hate the theater."
"Which team are you for in the series?"
"Neither. Only an idiot could be interested in baseball."
"Country must have a good many idiots!" mockingly.