“A gossip is one who talks to you about others; a bore is one who talks to you about himself; and a brilliant conversationalist is one who talks to you about yourself.” ~Lisa Kirk
Brian, you are going to have to ‘steal’ quickly, because I am after them too!
The point about gossip is an important one on social media and in the professional work place. “I’m just sharing because I care.” is one of the most dangerous leading statements we will ever hear.
Hmmmm…I don’t know. She says “gossip” like it’s a bad word. Maybe we like to pretend it is so we don’t feel guilty, but gossip is a HUGE seller.
And regarding talking about yourself. If you can tell a story about yourself that helps people relate to you or gain some insight they’ve been craving – I’d say that’s a pretty darned powerful thing.
Maybe Ms. Kirk just likes to hear other people talk about herself. π
It’s an odd balance, promoting oneself. You have to draw people in, give them what they want, let them talk about themselves, but at the same time you have to be genuine, contribute what you have to contribute, and be your own biggest fan.
Reader Comments (23)
James Chartrand - Men with Pens says
Can I be a boring yet brilliant conversationalist? Or do I have to invent a new class of my own?
Dave Navarro says
That reminds me of another quote:
“Diplomacy: The art of letting the other person have your way.”
π
Jay Francis Hunter says
What if you’re boring? What if there’s an arcade across the street and I want to play Mortal Kombat instead?
Vijayendra Mohanty says
The next best thing to being clever is being able to quote someone who is.
— Mary Pettibone Poole
I hate quotations. Tell me what you know.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
π
Brian Clark says
Vijayendra, I plan to steal both of those quotes for an upcoming post. π
Mr. Crash says
This blog is always fantastic, as are the comments posted here.
I came here, planning to tell Brian that he wins teh internets.
But then upon seeing the quick quips of the ironic Vijayendra I’ve decided that he wins instead.
JudyA says
Brian, you are going to have to ‘steal’ quickly, because I am after them too!
The point about gossip is an important one on social media and in the professional work place. “I’m just sharing because I care.” is one of the most dangerous leading statements we will ever hear.
Sudheer says
I came here thinking I received only the teaser in the feed. Vijayendra’s comment delighted me.
Robert McEvily says
Wait, what does this have to do with ME?
Bill Gammell says
“Any questions?”
Just one. How are you doing? π
Brian Clark says
I”m doing fine, Bill. Thank you for asking (about me). π
Alice Seba says
Hmmmm…I don’t know. She says “gossip” like it’s a bad word. Maybe we like to pretend it is so we don’t feel guilty, but gossip is a HUGE seller.
And regarding talking about yourself. If you can tell a story about yourself that helps people relate to you or gain some insight they’ve been craving – I’d say that’s a pretty darned powerful thing.
Maybe Ms. Kirk just likes to hear other people talk about herself. π
Armen says
I’ve got a question:
How do I stop my writing from being so freakin’ boring?
Oh, and another one:
How do I write posts only a few lines long, and get three Stumble reviews? π
Sexy at any Size says
No questions, only complete agreement. Pithy and irrefutable, good post!
Mark Lancaster says
“Instead of pretending to be intelligent by quoting someone famous, instead I’m just going to quote myself” – Mark Lancaster, 2007
freerangemom says
And yet why is it that it frequently seems like we are all just talking to ourselves on Twitter?
Robert Gorell says
Best social media post ever.
Cupid says
So in your opinion who is the best out there at this?
jonson roth says
Unless of course you’re as clever as Brian and can write about yourself yet make it compelling.
Daniel Edlen says
It’s an odd balance, promoting oneself. You have to draw people in, give them what they want, let them talk about themselves, but at the same time you have to be genuine, contribute what you have to contribute, and be your own biggest fan.
Haven’t figured it out quite yet.
Peace.
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