Chapter I: THE MANNER OF CONVERSATION, or

Subjective Conditions,

(A) in the speaker, and these are either—

(α) Physical, viz.

(1) A sweet tone of voice (§ 6).
(2) Absence of local accent.
(3) Absence of tricks and catchwords (§ 7).

or

(β) Mental, viz.

(1) Knowledge, which may be either General (books, men), or
Special (great topics, the topic of the day).
(2) Quickness.

or

(γ) Moral, viz.

(1) Modesty.
(2) Simplicity—digression on Shyness and Reserve.
(3) Unselfishness.
(4) Sympathy.
(5) Tact.

Digression as regards Conditions—

(α) too general—Moral Worth and Truthfulness.
(β) too special—Wit and Humour.

Objective Conditions,

(B) in the hearers, which are either in—

(1) Quantity, for we speak with (α) one, (β) a few, (γ) many.
(2) Quality, for we speak with (α) equals, (β) superiors, (γ)
inferiors.
(3) Differences (A) of age, (1) older, (2) younger,
(3) equal; (B), of sex—men and women.
(4) Degrees of Intimacy, (α) relations, (β) friends, (γ)
acquaintances (familiar, slight).