Introduction: We need to talk (or for the busy reader, the concise manifesto) -- Hello : on conversation's casting couch -- Small talk, big deal? : on striking up a tune -- Pay heed : on the acrobatics of attention -- The rest is silence : on not speaking -- Fit subjects : on topics in search of good homes -- Into the groove : on steering controls -- Do go on : on wrangling boredom -- Wit to woo : on humour as social engineering -- How to tell a good lie : on the detection of untruths -- Pillow talk : on the languages of love -- The fine art of flattery : on love in measured doses -- Shop talk : on conversation as work -- Choppy waters : on navigating difficult conversation -- Shut-up shop : on how to wage a word war -- Are you receiving me? : on stitching conversation into your life.