Evan Esar Quotes

That woman speaks eighteen languages, and can't say 'No' in any of them.

It is tact that is golden, not silence.

If it requires great tact to speak to the purpose, it requires no less to know when to be silent.

Knowing when to keep your mouth shut is invariably more important than opening it at the right time.

Silence is golden when you can't think of a good answer.

To say nothing, especially when speaking, is half the art of diplomacy.

'No comment' is a splendid expression. I am using it again and again.

In the world of diplomacy, some things are better left unsaid.

One of the most beneficial things I've ever learned is how to keep my mouth shut.

Silence and tact may or may not be the same thing.

An Englishman's never so natural as when he's holding his tongue.

I don't know what goes on behind my back... I always feel like, if you don't have anything good to say, then don't say anything.

Be sure your wisest words are those you do not say.

People should say 'no comment' more often. No comment! I love no comment. Let's have more no comment.

It's very important in life to know when to shut up. You should not be afraid of silence.

In order to be a diplomat, one must speak a number of languages, including doubletalk.

If you don't say anything, you can't be called upon to repeat it.

It illustrates vividly my incapacity of knowing when to be silent and when to speak.

If you're not sure of what to say, don't say anything.

You can't compete globally unless you have appropriate communication skills.

It has to be said that one of the most impressive aspects of the parliament are the brilliant unsung translators, who ensure that whatever language you speak, you are understood.

Sometimes, the best response is no response.

To be silent is sometimes an art, yet not so great a one as certain people would have us believe, who are wisest they are most silent.

Half of seeming clever is keeping your mouth shut at the right times.

Gossip is the currency of the discourse, so you should shut up about yourself. Never confess, never explain, never apologize, and never complain.