"Ideal conversation must be an exchange of thought, and not, as many of those who worry most about their shortcomings believe, an eloquent exhibition of wit or oratory"

This quote by Emily Post is stressing the importance of meaningful conversation. She is suggesting that conversation ought to be an exchange of concepts and thoughts, instead of an effort to display one's wit or oratory abilities. This is an essential tip that conversation need to have to do with connecting with others and sharing concepts, not about attempting to impress them with clever words. Post is recommending that those who stress over their drawbacks ought to focus on having significant conversations, rather than attempting to be overly eloquent. This is a suggestion that significant conversations are more important than attempting to flaunt. It is a pointer that conversations should have to do with connecting with others and sharing concepts, not about trying to impress them with smart words.