Subject: Communication (Page 81)

It took me fifteen years to discover that I had no talent for writing, but I couldn't give it up because by that time I was too famous.

(1889 – 1945) actor, author & humorist
Communication Reading/Writing Success

Writing is the hardest way of earning a living, with the possible exception of wrestling alligators.

(1918 - 2002) American author
Communication Occupations Reading/Writing Work

Good taste and humor… are a contradiction in terms, like a chaste whore.

(1930 – 1990) English journalist, author & media personality
Communication

My dad fought in World War II, and he never talks about it, of course – ’cause he’s Japanese.

comedian
Communication Family Fathers Places

Discriminate: To note the particulars in which one person or thing is, if possible, more objectionable than another.

(1842 – 1914) author & satirist
Communication Definitions Language People

A dialogue is a good monologue spoiled by somebody else talking.

(1921 – 2004) English actor & author
Communication Conversation Speech

A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.


Communication Speech

I never exaggerate; you can ask Tipper or any one of our 11 daughters.

(1948 – ) U.S. vice president & politician, author & environmentalist
Characteristics Communication

… my last will and tentacle…

television character, All In the Family (Carroll O’Connor)
Communication

The big advantage of a book is it's very easy to rewind; close it and you're right back at the beginning.

(1954 – ) comedian & television actor
Books Communication Reading/Writing

His speeches left the impression of an army of pompous phrases moving over the landscape in search of an idea.

(1863 – 1941) U.S. senator (California) & U.S. Secretary of the Treasury
Communication Ideas Speech

Freudian Slip: When you say one thing but mean your mother.

Communication Definitions

Urinal: The one place where all men are peers.

Definitions Wordplay

When he was vice president and Reagan would be talking, it was so funny 'cause you could catch Bush sitting behind Reagan, looking at him like your dog looks at your answering machine when your voice is coming out.

(1955 – ) American actor, stand-up comedian & impressionist
Communication Government Speech

Egotist: A person of low taste, more interested in himself than in me.

(1842 – 1914) author & satirist
Communication Definitions Language Self

I have given up reading books; I find it takes my mind off myself.

(1906 – 1972) pianist, composer, author, comedian & actor
Books Communication People Reading/Writing Self

Calling Durante's nose large is like calling Jack Benny "thrifty."

(1896 – 1996) comedian, actor & entertainer
Appearance Language

It’s a very good historical book about history.

(1947 – ) U.S. vice president & politician
Books Communication Misspokements Reading/Writing

No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as the dog does.

(1890 – 1957) author & journalist
Animals Communication Dogs Intelligence Speech Wisdom

Sad news, apparently the Michelin Man has retired.

(1973 – ) English writer & stand-up comedian
Communication Wordplay

A newspaper consists of just the same number of words, whether there be any news in it or not.

(1707 – 1754) English dramatist & novelist
Communication Reading/Writing