![]() ![]() ‘Of all the accomplishments prized in modern society, that of being agreeable in conversation is the very first.’ Samuel Johnson (he of dictionary fame) reckoned “the happiest conversation is that of which nothing is distinctly remembered but a general effect of pleasing impression”. Jonathan Swift ( Gulliver’s Travels) wrote the satirical Collection of Genteel and Ingenious Conversation According to the Most Polite Mode and Method Now Used at Court. Many 18th-century writers spoke of the “pleasures (and pains) of conversation”, notes Stephen Miller in his 2006 book Conversation, A History of a Declining Art. “Study to acquire that fashionable kind of small talk or chit-chat, which prevails in all polite assemblies, and which, trifling as it may appear, is of use in mixed companies, and at table,” he drawled. ![]() Philip Stanhope, the fourth Earl of Chesterfield – he of sofa fame – is generally credited with coining the phrase “small talk” some time around 1751 in a letter of advice to his son. The Stoic philosopher Epictetus came up with some unsurprisingly austere suggestions – “let silence be your general rule” – and warned against segueing lazily into what were, apparently, that era’s “common subjects”, among them gladiators, horse races, athletes and food and drink (although through today’s lens, they sound pretty compelling – gladiators!). ![]() “What can be more delightful,” asked the Roman philosopher Marcus Tullius Cicero, “than to have someone to whom you can say everything with the same absolute confidence as to yourself?” Over the centuries, some of our greatest thinkers have puzzled over the art – or science – of making successful conversation, with varying results. Image has been digitally altered When did we first start to talk about how we talk? So how can we get better at it? How can we draw others out of their shells? And how might we be able to expand a few minutes of interaction into a new friendship or a deeper, more meaningful relationship?įraser Lack: “I actually want to actively talk as little as possible.” Credit: Penny Stephens. Others will make zero effort as you try to awkwardly attempt small talk. Others may well hold forth with boring yet inflammatory opinions. Some, you might have little in common with. In the next few weeks many of us will find ourselves dragged to one event or another – office parties, end-of-year catch-ups, festive (or not-so-festive) family gatherings – where we’ll be expected to make conversation with strangers or people we might not know very well or people we don’t even particularly like. And more importantly, what we can learn from him and others blessed with the gift of the gab. Be well.”Ī little later he laughs, “In the last 19 minutes, I’ve said ‘hey’ to that many people.” It’s an impromptu demonstration of what we have caught up to examine: how Lack, a real estate agent who’s appeared on the reality TV show Survivor, got to be the kind of person who’s naturally comfortable talking to somebody – anybody. “Hi Kerrie, how are ya? See ya!” Even the post office worker gets his undivided attention, for a few seconds. As we speak on the phone he’s constantly breaking off the conversation – always so politely it’s somehow not even vaguely annoying – to say hello to people he’s bumping into on the street as he makes his way to the post office. Beyond Hello Irwin cannabis patients can shop online via a digital online shopping experience, which enables customers to view real-time pricing and product availability, shop for brands online and then reserve products for pickup.This is no surprise to people who know him, but Fraser Lack is clearly a chatty guy. There is a licensed pharmacist available upon an advanced request. ![]() Inside the dispensary you will find a seasoned, trained staff, on-site at all times to dispense products, answer questions and provide service to patients and caregivers at all times. The retail location focuses on bringing personalized service and individualized experiences to customers beyond the first visit and first “Hello.” Beyond Hello Irwin carries cannabis flower, concentrates, cartridges, tinctures, topicals, capsules, pills and various ancillary products such as batteries and vapes. Beyond Hello Irwin is a medical marijuana dispensary located in Irwin, Pennsylvania, approximately 22 miles from downtown Pittsburgh at 9337 Lincoln Highway in Westmoreland County near the Big Mac Museum Restaurant. ![]()
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