A little less action, a little more conversation

The Economist recently published a special double issue which featured a whole host of interesting articles. One article in particular ‘Chattering Classes’ caught our eye.

The article takes readers through the rules for verbal exchanges and provides a survey on the art of conversation. As the article described some of the historic rules for conversation it struck us that the rules that have been used for millennia also apply incredibly well to brands:

- Speak clearly
- Speak easily, but not too much
- Do not interrupt
- Be courteous
- Deal seriously with serious matters and gracefully with lighter ones
- Never criticise people behind their backs
- Stick to subjects of general interest
- Never lose your temper
- Remember people’s names
- Be a good listener

It’s incredible to think that most of these thoughts were first set out by Cicero in 44BC.