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The Intelligent Conversationalist: 31 Cheat Sheets That Will Show You How to Talk to Anyone About Anything, Anytime
Have you ever been at a cocktail party when all of a sudden you feel like an outsider in the conversation because you have absolutely no idea what the person is talking about? You're standing around with a glass of wine and someone starts talking about how the stock market did that day leading to the career highs of Ben Bernanke and the best way to short a stock. You stand there completely silent because you know nothing about the stock market, let alone the history of economics. You're being pushed to the outside edge of the pack and there's no way to reach gracefully for your iPhone and Google. Fear not: Imogen Lloyd Webber is on a mission to make everyone as conversationally nimble as she has learned to be as a cable news pundit. Her solution: get a few cheat sheets and study up. Remember cheat sheets, those slips of paper filled with facts? As Imogen might say "Google is good, but a cheat sheet is forever..." In eight cheat sheets, Imogen takes you through the facts that come up in most conversations: the English language, math/economics, religion, history, politics, geography, biology and culture. From the history of money to who signed The Magna Carta, Imogen shows you how to get back in a conversation, win any argument and most importantly, how to pivot out of a tough conversational bind. Imogen Lloyd Webber's The Intelligent Conversationalist will help you talk with anyone about anything anytime.
396 pages, Paperback
First published January 12, 2016
365 people are currently reading
4731 people want to read
About the author
Imogen Lloyd Webber
10 books29 followersDaughter of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and his first wife, Sarah Hugill. Educated at Girton College, Cambridge University, where she read history. A British broadcaster, writer and producer who has recently moved full time to New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 28, 2023
Commander Data would have especially loved this book in "Starship Mine," when he's making inane small talk with a diplomat. Picard escapes and has an adventure.
I recommend The Intelligent Conversationalist as a coffee table book -- the sort you pick up and flip through to start a conversation with someone -- more than the sort of book you'd read to cheat in real conversations.
How much conversation can you really really generate by memorizing a factoid like Taft kept a cow at the White House because he liked milk?
I recommend The Intelligent Conversationalist as a coffee table book -- the sort you pick up and flip through to start a conversation with someone -- more than the sort of book you'd read to cheat in real conversations.
How much conversation can you really really generate by memorizing a factoid like Taft kept a cow at the White House because he liked milk?
February 16, 2020
This book wasn't what I was expecting. I definitely don't think it will show me how to talk to anyone, about anything, anytime. The Intelligent Conversationalist covers a lot of topics that I either already knew about or won't remember any of the facts about. It was a good review of topics and maybe I learned some new interesting facts though I may have already forgotten them.
I wasn't a huge fan of the author's narrative voice, especially at the beginning. The book is also geared towards Americans, so I didn't really feel like it was speaking to me. I definitely don't run in the same circles as the author and probably won't need to ever use her crisp facts or arguments at any cocktail parties. I guess I just wasn't the target audience here. I also don't think getting a basic overview of these topics will really get anyone through a conversation. If you really want to speak intelligently about any of these subjects, a deeper understanding is necessary.
I wasn't a huge fan of the author's narrative voice, especially at the beginning. The book is also geared towards Americans, so I didn't really feel like it was speaking to me. I definitely don't run in the same circles as the author and probably won't need to ever use her crisp facts or arguments at any cocktail parties. I guess I just wasn't the target audience here. I also don't think getting a basic overview of these topics will really get anyone through a conversation. If you really want to speak intelligently about any of these subjects, a deeper understanding is necessary.
July 16, 2019
Huh. Not at all what I was expecting I guess. I thought that from a "How To" sort of book I would get tips on drawing people into conversation, tips on developing interesting conversation, verbal sparring, and so on. It's more of a list of lists with facts, timelines and ideas. More of a "just in case you don't know anything about history, economics, religion or politics - here are your talking points with some explanation."
Not necessarily bad, but just not that useful either. Not sure where I would drop a lot of these factoids into conversation without sounding like I was dropping in a random factoid.
Not necessarily bad, but just not that useful either. Not sure where I would drop a lot of these factoids into conversation without sounding like I was dropping in a random factoid.
March 9, 2017
some good ideas for cheating in conversation topic preparedness about various topics.
this will also be an awesome source for learning random tidbits e.g. about the British kings and use those like a proper aspie in trying to converse ;)
3.5 stars; usability or usefulness depends on just you. i love many kinds of trivia presented here
this will also be an awesome source for learning random tidbits e.g. about the British kings and use those like a proper aspie in trying to converse ;)
3.5 stars; usability or usefulness depends on just you. i love many kinds of trivia presented here
January 12, 2020
This wasn’t a book you’d sit down & read cover to cover. It was full of some interesting tidbits. The organization was a bit confusing at times. Some sub-topics were nestled in with topics where they didn’t seem to fit. But, overall this was interesting. Not all encompassing. There is a factoid listed on each subject but not really an overview of said subject. So if you want to be able to say one thing about a variety of different things this may be the book for you.
October 9, 2021
I’m not sure who the target audience is but I don’t think I’m interested in having a conversation with them.
Rattling off shallow factoids and canned one-liners ain’t it…
Rattling off shallow factoids and canned one-liners ain’t it…
November 29, 2020
Not bad and widespread enough to be a cheat sheet but sometimes annoying tbh
February 6, 2024
Got the data just not what I was expecting
August 30, 2019
I rarely take the time to review, but wow. I (thankfully) checked out this book from the library expecting a book about how to start conversations with people. Instead, it is a volume of instructions on how to be a rather pompous contributor to subjects you know nothing about - who likes that person?! Instead of reading 400 pages of trivia, I suggest actually investing some time in your education and/or admitting ignorance and using your conversation as an opportunity to learn from someone. Chances are they will be more than happy to share AND will have a better opinion of you than if you try to hide behind sound bites.
Read
January 12, 2017This author clearly prefers liberalism over conservatism so if you want to take her advice only use it at liberal parties. Just a little heads-up to avoid drama.
Page 113 - ILW states that the first Thanksgiving was in 1621 and that it was repeated every year after that. In actual fact, there was a huge gap between that first one and when it became a tradition every year.
Page 113 - ILW states that the first Thanksgiving was in 1621 and that it was repeated every year after that. In actual fact, there was a huge gap between that first one and when it became a tradition every year.
February 23, 2017
"Cheat Sheet" connotes printed sheets you could slip in your pocket and reference at crisis points in conversation. These chapters are more like "Spark Notes on everything that could come up in adult conversation, including political stuff that you say you are well informed on but in reality are not."
Would recommend this as a bathroom book, reading a section at a time ;)
Would recommend this as a bathroom book, reading a section at a time ;)
June 11, 2021
Cheats for those who run in political and highly educated circles. The premise is don't really learn a subject, just learn the important points to discuss. This book was not what I was looking for. I wanted to learn to have real conversations, not pretend.
February 22, 2017
More of a World history book IMO. Not enough information of each topic to have a full conversation, barely scratches the surface of each topic. Fun read to refresh your memory & learn a few things.
December 18, 2021
There are the certain beliefs we hold for years that nobody has bothered or felt fitting to correct us about. We are the victims of a Chinese whisper that has stuck.
disseminate
so time poor
140-character world
raison d'être
those who permanently appear to be in the know
always swim, not sink, in conversation
the maxim of Albert Einstein, himself no slouch in the brains department: “If you can’t explain it to a six-year-old, you don’t understand it yourself.”
impress your lovers
some smart one-liners to deflect anyone who verbally attacks you and methods to buy time while you remember a fact or work out how to change the topic to something you know about without anyone noticing
Eurogeddon
ripostes
as Churchill put it: “The farther back you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.”
The first part of the approach provides you an “argument”—aka a line of thought for you to make your case and to spark a discussion. The argument is followed by a clever “crisp fact” (as one of my college professors always insisted on) to support your position. But perhaps most important, I supply a pivot to get you out of a sticky situation.
And a pivot to stop an unseemly disagreement? Try “What’s been your funniest ever autocorrect?” We all love it when we can blame technology, not ourselves.
fugly
What do you say to get someone to shut up and listen?
“Surely it’s no coincidence that the word listen is an anagram of the word silent.”
pedant
English is an impossibly inconsistent language—urban legend has it that 923 words break the “i before e” rule and only 44 follow it—but to make basic spelling errors in the age of spellcheck is unforgivable unless you are one of the 10 to 15 percent of Americans who are dyslexic
George Bernard Shaw is widely attributed to have remarked, the United States and Great Britain are “separated by a common language.” A portion of the blame can land at the feet of Noah Webster, he of the dictionary fame. Webster was all about asserting America’s cultural independence through tweaking the language and believing words should be spelled as they sound. phrase “I could care less” when it should be “I couldn’t care less” will not destroy AngloAmerican relations
If the English language made any sense, a catastrophe would be an apostrophe with fur. —Doug Larson
communiqué
Chauvinism
When you're trying to figure out whether the answer to the question is he or him. If it's him, use whom, and if it's he, it's who.
"Whom do you love?" "I love him."
"Who trod on the cat?" "He trod on the cat."
Crisp Fact: “Which refers to animals or things, never to people.”
Pivot: “Have you ever ditched someone for using bad grammar?”
Pivot: “Madonna’s tweed-wearing British phase seems so long ago. Seen her Instagram lately?”
Every single television personality has a tell, a filler word or phrase they employ while they try to figure out what to say on air without looking like a muppet. One of the most successful cable news hosts I’ve ever worked with uses exactly. My get-out-of-jail card is to say “on some levels, yes.” It buys enough time for me to figure out, under the X-ray that is the TV camera, how I’m going to steer the conversation to an area I want to talk about. And this is worth repeating: Never use the words like or you know. You are not an ignorant fool; you are an intelligent member of society.
sanctimoniousness
“The shortest complete sentence in the English language is ‘Go.’ Shall we go to the bar?”
“Being right is highly overrated. Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.”
“Talk is cheap because supply exceeds demand.”
“After all is said and done, more is said than done.”
“You can’t learn anything while you’re talking.”
“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” —Marcus Aurelius
As Groucho Marx put it, “Money frees you from doing things you dislike.
If you’re going to blame anyone, blame the Scottish for inventing banking. Well, branch banking anyway.
The use of barter dates back tens of thousands of years. Many cultures around the world eventually developed the use of commodity money, such as gold coins. This eventually evolved into a system of representative money known as fiat money.
Taxation has been used by states throughout history to carry out many functions, from war to welfare
Crisp Fact: “The world’s largest bitcoin wallet holder is the US government.”
disseminate
so time poor
140-character world
raison d'être
those who permanently appear to be in the know
always swim, not sink, in conversation
the maxim of Albert Einstein, himself no slouch in the brains department: “If you can’t explain it to a six-year-old, you don’t understand it yourself.”
impress your lovers
some smart one-liners to deflect anyone who verbally attacks you and methods to buy time while you remember a fact or work out how to change the topic to something you know about without anyone noticing
Eurogeddon
ripostes
as Churchill put it: “The farther back you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.”
The first part of the approach provides you an “argument”—aka a line of thought for you to make your case and to spark a discussion. The argument is followed by a clever “crisp fact” (as one of my college professors always insisted on) to support your position. But perhaps most important, I supply a pivot to get you out of a sticky situation.
And a pivot to stop an unseemly disagreement? Try “What’s been your funniest ever autocorrect?” We all love it when we can blame technology, not ourselves.
fugly
What do you say to get someone to shut up and listen?
“Surely it’s no coincidence that the word listen is an anagram of the word silent.”
pedant
English is an impossibly inconsistent language—urban legend has it that 923 words break the “i before e” rule and only 44 follow it—but to make basic spelling errors in the age of spellcheck is unforgivable unless you are one of the 10 to 15 percent of Americans who are dyslexic
George Bernard Shaw is widely attributed to have remarked, the United States and Great Britain are “separated by a common language.” A portion of the blame can land at the feet of Noah Webster, he of the dictionary fame. Webster was all about asserting America’s cultural independence through tweaking the language and believing words should be spelled as they sound. phrase “I could care less” when it should be “I couldn’t care less” will not destroy AngloAmerican relations
If the English language made any sense, a catastrophe would be an apostrophe with fur. —Doug Larson
communiqué
Chauvinism
When you're trying to figure out whether the answer to the question is he or him. If it's him, use whom, and if it's he, it's who.
"Whom do you love?" "I love him."
"Who trod on the cat?" "He trod on the cat."
Crisp Fact: “Which refers to animals or things, never to people.”
Pivot: “Have you ever ditched someone for using bad grammar?”
Pivot: “Madonna’s tweed-wearing British phase seems so long ago. Seen her Instagram lately?”
Every single television personality has a tell, a filler word or phrase they employ while they try to figure out what to say on air without looking like a muppet. One of the most successful cable news hosts I’ve ever worked with uses exactly. My get-out-of-jail card is to say “on some levels, yes.” It buys enough time for me to figure out, under the X-ray that is the TV camera, how I’m going to steer the conversation to an area I want to talk about. And this is worth repeating: Never use the words like or you know. You are not an ignorant fool; you are an intelligent member of society.
sanctimoniousness
“The shortest complete sentence in the English language is ‘Go.’ Shall we go to the bar?”
“Being right is highly overrated. Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.”
“Talk is cheap because supply exceeds demand.”
“After all is said and done, more is said than done.”
“You can’t learn anything while you’re talking.”
“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” —Marcus Aurelius
As Groucho Marx put it, “Money frees you from doing things you dislike.
If you’re going to blame anyone, blame the Scottish for inventing banking. Well, branch banking anyway.
The use of barter dates back tens of thousands of years. Many cultures around the world eventually developed the use of commodity money, such as gold coins. This eventually evolved into a system of representative money known as fiat money.
Taxation has been used by states throughout history to carry out many functions, from war to welfare
Crisp Fact: “The world’s largest bitcoin wallet holder is the US government.”
communication
September 25, 2024Levi library
The Intelligent Conversationalist is a guide for anyone looking to improve their communication skills and engage in meaningful conversations. With practical advice, cheat sheets, and strategies, the book empowers readers to confidently talk about a variety of topics. Here are 10 key lessons from the book.
1. Master the Art of Small Talk:
Small talk is essential for building rapport, especially when meeting new people. The book teaches how to navigate small talk with ease by preparing go-to topics, asking open-ended questions, and actively listening to others.
2. Be Informed on Current Events:
To hold engaging conversations, it's important to stay informed about the latest news, trends, and cultural developments. The book emphasizes reading daily headlines and understanding key issues in politics, science, and pop culture.
3. Use Cheat Sheets for Specific Topics:
Imogen Lloyd Webber provides cheat sheets for a wide range of subjects, such as economics, history, and entertainment. These quick-reference guides help readers feel confident discussing complex topics with simple explanations and talking points.
4. Practice Active Listening:
A great conversationalist listens as much as they talk. The book highlights the importance of being fully present in conversations, showing genuine interest in what the other person is saying, and responding thoughtfully.
5. Understand Body Language and Non-Verbal Cues:
Communication isn’t just about words; body language plays a crucial role. The book covers how to read non-verbal cues and use your own body language to appear more open, confident, and engaged.
6. Adapt to Your Audience:
The best conversationalists tailor their language, tone, and content to fit the person they’re speaking with. Whether you're chatting with a colleague, a stranger, or a close friend, adapting to your audience can make the interaction more effective and enjoyable.
7. Ask Thought-Provoking Questions:
Instead of sticking to surface-level questions, try asking deeper, thought-provoking ones. The book suggests questions that challenge others to share their perspectives and personal experiences, leading to more meaningful discussions.
8. Avoid Controversial Topics, Unless Necessary:
While debate can be stimulating, diving into polarizing issues (like politics or religion) can derail a conversation. The book advises steering clear of controversial topics in casual settings unless the situation calls for it and you can navigate the discussion diplomatically.
9. Use Humor to Break the Ice:
Humor is a powerful tool for lightening the mood and connecting with others. The book encourages readers to incorporate humor appropriately, making sure it’s light, non-offensive, and fitting for the context of the conversation.
10. Stay Curious and Open-Minded:
Being genuinely curious about the world and other people's opinions is key to being a good conversationalist. The book stresses the importance of approaching conversations with an open mind, seeking to learn rather than simply share your own views.
Conclusion:
The Intelligent Conversationalist equips readers with the tools to confidently engage in conversations about a wide array of topics. By mastering small talk, staying informed, actively listening, and asking insightful questions, anyone can become a skilled conversationalist. Whether for social or professional settings, the book's lessons help readers navigate interactions with ease and intelligence.
GET BOOK:https://amzn.to/3Zs88yN
The Intelligent Conversationalist is a guide for anyone looking to improve their communication skills and engage in meaningful conversations. With practical advice, cheat sheets, and strategies, the book empowers readers to confidently talk about a variety of topics. Here are 10 key lessons from the book.
1. Master the Art of Small Talk:
Small talk is essential for building rapport, especially when meeting new people. The book teaches how to navigate small talk with ease by preparing go-to topics, asking open-ended questions, and actively listening to others.
2. Be Informed on Current Events:
To hold engaging conversations, it's important to stay informed about the latest news, trends, and cultural developments. The book emphasizes reading daily headlines and understanding key issues in politics, science, and pop culture.
3. Use Cheat Sheets for Specific Topics:
Imogen Lloyd Webber provides cheat sheets for a wide range of subjects, such as economics, history, and entertainment. These quick-reference guides help readers feel confident discussing complex topics with simple explanations and talking points.
4. Practice Active Listening:
A great conversationalist listens as much as they talk. The book highlights the importance of being fully present in conversations, showing genuine interest in what the other person is saying, and responding thoughtfully.
5. Understand Body Language and Non-Verbal Cues:
Communication isn’t just about words; body language plays a crucial role. The book covers how to read non-verbal cues and use your own body language to appear more open, confident, and engaged.
6. Adapt to Your Audience:
The best conversationalists tailor their language, tone, and content to fit the person they’re speaking with. Whether you're chatting with a colleague, a stranger, or a close friend, adapting to your audience can make the interaction more effective and enjoyable.
7. Ask Thought-Provoking Questions:
Instead of sticking to surface-level questions, try asking deeper, thought-provoking ones. The book suggests questions that challenge others to share their perspectives and personal experiences, leading to more meaningful discussions.
8. Avoid Controversial Topics, Unless Necessary:
While debate can be stimulating, diving into polarizing issues (like politics or religion) can derail a conversation. The book advises steering clear of controversial topics in casual settings unless the situation calls for it and you can navigate the discussion diplomatically.
9. Use Humor to Break the Ice:
Humor is a powerful tool for lightening the mood and connecting with others. The book encourages readers to incorporate humor appropriately, making sure it’s light, non-offensive, and fitting for the context of the conversation.
10. Stay Curious and Open-Minded:
Being genuinely curious about the world and other people's opinions is key to being a good conversationalist. The book stresses the importance of approaching conversations with an open mind, seeking to learn rather than simply share your own views.
Conclusion:
The Intelligent Conversationalist equips readers with the tools to confidently engage in conversations about a wide array of topics. By mastering small talk, staying informed, actively listening, and asking insightful questions, anyone can become a skilled conversationalist. Whether for social or professional settings, the book's lessons help readers navigate interactions with ease and intelligence.
GET BOOK:https://amzn.to/3Zs88yN
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2022
Preparing review
Review ready…
Este libro no fue nada de lo que estaba esperando, sin duda el titulo suena atractivo y la reseña es un abrebocas de lo que uno va a encontrar, pero en realidad se me hizo muy superficial, lento y sin gracia, el objetivo es formar a las personas para ser dueños de una conversación amena y atractiva e impresionar a tus conocidos en cualquier espacio para compartir, pero lo que vas a encontrar son una serie de datos random con un humor cuestionable.
Rescato las impresiones sobre Religión y música, pero me pareció, al menos para la versión kindle, muy incómodo el uso de cuadros a modo de resumen o sumario.
No quiero lanzar juicios o juzgar la intención de la autora, pero a medida que leía el libro, notaba como ese afán de formar a las personas para participar en cualquier debate con “fundamentos para dar una opinión” y eso no es que sea indebido o no esté bien, pero para los temas que ella aborda en el libro yo intentaría algo como… no sé… ¿leer fuentes oficiales sobre esos temas?
De por sí su opinion está sesgada, ahora imagínate formar a un lector a partir de esa opinion, y más en estos días de teclado fácil donde todos se creen con el derecho de opinar y masacrar al otro.
Review ready…
Este libro no fue nada de lo que estaba esperando, sin duda el titulo suena atractivo y la reseña es un abrebocas de lo que uno va a encontrar, pero en realidad se me hizo muy superficial, lento y sin gracia, el objetivo es formar a las personas para ser dueños de una conversación amena y atractiva e impresionar a tus conocidos en cualquier espacio para compartir, pero lo que vas a encontrar son una serie de datos random con un humor cuestionable.
Rescato las impresiones sobre Religión y música, pero me pareció, al menos para la versión kindle, muy incómodo el uso de cuadros a modo de resumen o sumario.
No quiero lanzar juicios o juzgar la intención de la autora, pero a medida que leía el libro, notaba como ese afán de formar a las personas para participar en cualquier debate con “fundamentos para dar una opinión” y eso no es que sea indebido o no esté bien, pero para los temas que ella aborda en el libro yo intentaría algo como… no sé… ¿leer fuentes oficiales sobre esos temas?
De por sí su opinion está sesgada, ahora imagínate formar a un lector a partir de esa opinion, y más en estos días de teclado fácil donde todos se creen con el derecho de opinar y masacrar al otro.
September 18, 2019
I didn't jell well with the author. Their voice and my own conflicted often. I think it was a difference in tastes of humour. What they thought was a clever line was a waste of a line for me.
All this being said the content of the book was not bad. It gave a good introduction to a number of topics, some of which were more biased than others. But enough factual information, technical words, names and dates that you could use it to spring board yourself deeper into the topics that interested you. I found a number of the tips to be either common sense or impractical, but the author is a well respected person, so chances are I just don't have the experience to appreciate the value of their suggestions.
All in all, if you want to read the book, by all means - do so. For me, I could have lived not having read it.
All this being said the content of the book was not bad. It gave a good introduction to a number of topics, some of which were more biased than others. But enough factual information, technical words, names and dates that you could use it to spring board yourself deeper into the topics that interested you. I found a number of the tips to be either common sense or impractical, but the author is a well respected person, so chances are I just don't have the experience to appreciate the value of their suggestions.
All in all, if you want to read the book, by all means - do so. For me, I could have lived not having read it.
January 18, 2020
As Webber said in her book "...your initial instinct with this book was to head to the Cheat Sheet you were already an expert in, and it will have done nothing for you." I found myself returning to certain pages I have skipped simply because I am not knowledgeable on the subject as it serves no particular interest to me. The form of this book is helpful through its simplistic view and exhibition of the facts, a good one to restructure some facts and figures you "already possess" and put them into efficient use in a conversation. However, with newly read information, I doubt one can carry on a full depth conversation without doing their own research.....This is why the author decided to label her work in the form of "cheat sheets" I suppose.
December 14, 2022
Like other reviewers mentioned, not what I was expecting from the book. I suppose the title should have tipped me off in regard to the cheat sheets. The cheat sheets were over a variety of topics and had interesting tidbits, but as the author mentions in the first couple pages, this book is not one that you read cover to cover, but rather dip into when you need a cheat sheet about a given topic.
I would much rather just read books about those topics and learn more information. The book was written in a witty, humorous way, which could be entertaining to some. I found it annoying and it made me trust the author's credibility as much.
Fun for some, interesting tidbits, not one I would ever pick up again.
I would much rather just read books about those topics and learn more information. The book was written in a witty, humorous way, which could be entertaining to some. I found it annoying and it made me trust the author's credibility as much.
Fun for some, interesting tidbits, not one I would ever pick up again.
May 31, 2023
“and don’t rub it in that they’re doing it because God’s currently deciding what the next year is bringing them. It is also deeply manipulative of you to go after them for an apology during that time. I’ve never done that, obviously—oh no. Of course if your gripe is a result of lack of condom usage (see Cheat Sheet 9 on Jews and birth control), I’d say fair game.
“• Thanks to globalization, many of us regularly do deals with people of different religions. If you’re trying to impress/elicit something out of them, it is probably best not to send a rude e-mail asking why they haven’t replied to one of yours on their Sabbath. So note”
“• Thanks to globalization, many of us regularly do deals with people of different religions. If you’re trying to impress/elicit something out of them, it is probably best not to send a rude e-mail asking why they haven’t replied to one of yours on their Sabbath. So note”
December 29, 2024
I felt conflicted about this book. I liked most of the material and how it focused on being well-rounded in different topics such as politics, history, geography, etc. I didn't love the context in which the author delivered this material, which seemed written for someone who cares about appearing informed and well-rounded rather than simply being informed and well-rounded. I felt like this book was written for someone trying to climb the social and corporate ladder in Washington D.C., which didn't align with the reasons why I read this book. I probably wouldn't recommend this book to a friend, although I think I will seek out more general history books because of reading this.
January 9, 2024
Not a quick read bot I enjoyed it. I can't say I remember a whole lot from high school and what is there to remember but dates, wars, and presidents names? I enjoyed the parts I did read, not being interested and/or needing a review of every subject.
The like author's style of writing - articulate and concise; there wasn't a lot of erroneous fluff. I do wish the author would have gone into the corruption aspects. I find sexual and gay rights violations to be a puritanical focus, when there are SO MANY murders and human rights violations that have occurred.
The like author's style of writing - articulate and concise; there wasn't a lot of erroneous fluff. I do wish the author would have gone into the corruption aspects. I find sexual and gay rights violations to be a puritanical focus, when there are SO MANY murders and human rights violations that have occurred.
December 30, 2025
Not what you think it is. Webber mentions in her introduction that one must eventually talk to foreigners when they are looking for either sex or money. That tells you that the book is going to rely a lot on her sense of humor, and it's going to be more fun for people who go to parties looking for sex or money. The cheat sheets she provides are nice little summaries of general knowledge, but they are not really guides to speaking, confidence, or building any kind of interpersonal relationship. It definitely pays to know the audience before diving in.
January 11, 2022
Honestly, I enjoy non-fiction, but I don't know why this one didn't grip me as much as other pieces have. One of the main problems with this book is that it covers various topics which I think could have been delved deeper. A guide to sounding smart in any conversation? I don't really think this book serve for its purpose - it's definitely heavy on history yet majority of the facts discussed are not necessarily helpful to guide you to talk to anyone, about anything, at anytime.
March 10, 2021
While this book had quite a lot of interesting facts that people should know, it was not really a book that will show you how to talk to anyone about anything, anytime. This also really was not a sit down and read book, more like I think this topic might be of interest, let me look that up type of book.
August 7, 2022
Maybe 3.5 stars. Really great information to know so you don't sound like a ding-dong. But these aren't really cheat sheets so much as chapters. It's 400 pages so there's no memorization for this. It's best if you own the book, know that you are going to a party where someone might be a whizz in a certain topic, and then you can read that chapter so you can keep up.
August 15, 2022
Magnificent! Webber reminded me of how many times I feel asleep in US History, because wow did my younger self miss some many fascinating events. This was well put together, it kept me page turning with a lot of “Ahhh no way” and laughs. I borrowed this from the library but have a copy being shipped to me, such an excellent read!
July 25, 2023
I could not get through even a quarter of this. Not at all what was expected, although that was my fault; the subtitle literally said these are just cheat sheets.
The writing felt like a teenager trying too hard, and any real information need to be wrestled out of the pages. I would much rather read an encyclopedia.
The writing felt like a teenager trying too hard, and any real information need to be wrestled out of the pages. I would much rather read an encyclopedia.
June 1, 2017
A good read to get up to speed on some of the most talked about topics - American politics, history, music, literature, etc. Definitely recommend this book if you'd like to boost your arsenal of topics and widen your general knowledge.
April 12, 2018
I wanted to like this book. And it definitely has useful information throughout. But ... sentences and writing style are atrocious. In an attempt to appear down to earth, so many stock phrases are used that I couldn’t even get past two pages at a time.
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