Step up, Do more, Be more!

“Careful with fire,” is good advice we know; “Careful with words,” is ten times doubly so – Will Carleton.

Conversation is the most widely used art. I have listed some extreme characters. All of us possess some degree of each of them. The characters are not meant to resemble anyone, but just to bring forth lessons in an amusing manner.

Yes-Man – He keeps waiting for you to start the conversation. Your every thought is cheered and appreciated. If you will not start a new topic, then he will pick up something from the last conversation and tell you how right you were last time. He can change his own stand to meet your opinion. He doesn’t add much value to your thought but never makes you uncomfortable either. A loyal companion when you need to demonstrate support for your opinions.

Fighter – contradicts whatever you say. His favourite phrase is, “I don’t think so”. In a way, he stands for what he says. He rarely thinks, rather just waits for you to say something and then he contradicts. Don’t underestimate company of such a person. Whenever you want to check your knowledge on the subject, call him up. His arguments can make you think hard.

Hijacker – You start a topic and he will hijack your idea. He will tell you another event bigger in multitudes to anything that you were narrating. He always has more interesting stories and extreme facts. He can slowly dominate the conversation. He helps in improving listening skills. Also gives the lesson how does it feels when you play the role of a mere listener.

Surfer – He never gets in depth of any idea. The moment conversation begins to get any serious, he tries to change the topic. He lives on surface. Facts, figures, important topics of public concern are none of his affairs. He talks much, but says little. He leaves you with his advice, “Don’t think so much”.

Tourist – He has all the time in world. You tell him that you are busy, and he will wait. He never has any agenda, or maybe he losses track of it as he losses track of time. Suddenly, he will stand up as something urgent has struck his mind. He will get ready to rush. Out of courtesy, if you offer him to stay longer and finish that task later, he will agree with you. He will drop the task and enjoy the slow conversation. A great companion for holidays.

Merchant – He trades gossips. He’s most dangerous of all. He will not talk about you or himself, but the third person. He floats information without permission. He helps you in becoming careful in choice of your words because you know that after talking to him your words are bound to be quoted somewhere.

If you can think of any other character, please contribute.