In her 1884 article, "Good Breeding as Shown in Conversation," Sophia Caulfeild sums up the issue of conversational etiquette nicely: "The judicious selection of topics for conversation; discrimination as to those which should be avoided together with the words and forms of expression which are inadmissible 'in Society;' the word on which special emphasis should be laid; the inflections of the voice and expression of the countenance – all these are important considerations for those who would show good breeding in conversation." In short, one demonstrated that one was a person of good taste and good manners by the way one conducted one's conversations with others - and that conduct relied upon tact, taste, and consideration. One does wonder what Caulfeild would have made of the cell phone and social media age...

A New Art of Conversation (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1876)

A most extraordinary paradox is "the low standard of ordinary conversation, as contrasted with the intelligent and enlightened character of the age we live in," and what to do about it.

Good Talking (Scribner's, 1879B)

How to become a good conversationalist.

What Is "Vulgarity?" (Peterson's, 1879)

A Plea for the Queen's English (Girl's Own Paper, 1880)

Tips on avoiding errors in conversation so common amongst our "thoughtless sisters"!

The Art of Conversing Agreeably, by S.F.A. Caulfeild (Girl's Own Paper, 1881)

If one has not learned this art, one risks subjecting one's guests to mindless conversation, or worse, asking them to look at photographs... Some things never change!

Good Breeding in Daily Converse, by Sophia F.A. Caulfeild (Girl's Own Paper, 1882)

On the etiquette of gracious speech and conversation.

How to Address People of Title, by Ardern Holt (Girl's Own Paper, 1883)

Is one most honourable or right honourable? Or is one simply "The"? Here's an indispensable article for anyone writing a period romance!

Common Errors in Daily Life: Errors in Speech, by James Mason (Girl's Own Paper, 1884)

The author notes that it can no longer be said that "Much learning does not become a young woman."

Good Breeding as Shown in Conversation, by Sophia F.A. Caulfeild (Girl's Own Paper, 1884)

On the etiquette of gracious speech and conversation.

How to Make Conversation, by J. Bibby (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1888)

A prize-winning essay on how to talk about something other than the weather!

On the Art of "Putting Things Well," by Ada Heather-Bigg (Girl's Own Paper, 1889)

It's not just what you say, but how you say it...

Why Personal Remarks Are to Be Avoided, by Ada Heather-Bigg (Girl's Own Paper, 1889)

Perhaps... perhaps not... this author argues that even pleasant remarks can wound!

What Is Bad Language? by Godfrey Turner (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1890)

This author argues that it is language that has gone through many changes, and discusses changes in words and meanings from earlier times to Victorian days.

Polite Answers to Impertinent Questions, by Ada Heather-Bigg (Girl's Own Paper, 1891)

Read this and you'll know just what to say the next time someone asks you an embarrassing question!

Polite Language as a Profitable Investment, by James Mason (Girl's Own Paper, 1892)

Common Errors in Writing and Speaking: The Use and Misuse of Words (Girl's Own Paper, 1893)

An interesting look at what was "correct" in 1893 ("lunch" was not an acceptable substitute for "luncheon," for example).

On Conversation (Girl's Own Paper, 1896)

Everything you need to know to carry on a polite conversation!

The Perils of Small Talk, by Allan McLane Hamilton (Century Magazine, 1896A)

An argument against the American use of slang, interjections, and "Americanisms."

A Pretty Accent, and How to Acquire It, by Susan Shearman (Girl's Own Paper, 1898)

"When a girl has found out what the characteristics of the accent of her own locality are, she has only to fight them one by one, till she overcomes them all." And now we know where "BBC English" came from...

The Language of Girls, by Elsa D'Esterre-Keeling (Girl's Own Paper, 1900)

Some lovely examples of "how girls talk" -- and perhaps how they oughtn't!