Every time I hear a journalist say "Tell me about ..." when interviewing someone on television, I get really annoyed. It seems so incredibly presumptuous, pompous and impolite to demand an answer of a guest like that. Yet it happens all over the world. Is this standard journalistic practice? What's the reasoning behind it? Anyone else feel the same way or am I being a relic? [more inside]
posted by zaebiz on May 9, 2008 - 39 answers

In a meet-and-greet setting, when talking to someone and someone else comes by and interrupts, what's the gracious way of dealing with it? [more inside]
posted by perpetualstroll on Nov 24, 2006 - 11 answers

Do you retell other people's clever remarks as your own? [more inside]
posted by Brian James on Nov 12, 2006 - 39 answers

How do you follow up on politely given invitations? [more inside]
posted by lucyleaf on May 8, 2006 - 15 answers

After much struggle, I am finally getting good at remembering people's names. This new skill has opened a new avenue of embarrassment for me, though. I now frequently greet acquaintances by name, but often when I do so, they can't remember my name even though it's obvious they want to. What's the most gracious way of reminding someone of your name while minimizing embarrassment all around? (posted by amtho's fiance)
posted by amtho on Apr 16, 2006 - 20 answers

How to politely converse with a person who has a lazy eye? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 16, 2005 - 19 answers

This is for a friend, I swear!

I’ve got a big date tonight and as all of you know from being my friend, though I may be a stellar conversationalist, I don’t have a good sense of boundaries and what are appropriate 1st date questions to ask. So can you all send me a list?  It may also be helpful to give me a list of things not to say.
posted by rschroed on Oct 29, 2004 - 36 answers

Is it ok to talk to someone on the phone while using the bathroom? [more inside]
posted by ChasFile on Aug 13, 2004 - 76 answers