2847. Much is to be learned by confessing your ignorance—nothing can be gained by pretending to knowledge which you do not possess.
2848. Never tell long stories. Avoid all common slang phrases and pet words.
2849. Of all things, don't attempt to be too fine. Use good honest English—and common words for common things.
2850. Good sense, sound and varied information, are as necessary as confidence, to enable a man to converse well.
2851. Every one knows something which he is willing to tell, and which any other that he is in company with wishes to know, or which if known to him, would be amusing or useful.