Rules in General
Suit the length of a story to the occasion. Don’t launch into a long one if a series of interruptions is inevitable . . .
Don’t make a group a captive audience by repeating a story from the beginning for the benefit of one newcomer or by telling a long tale that can be of interest to only the few members of a group familiar with the person or event.
Don’t “draw out” anyone by insisting that he tell a story if he shows reluctance to do so. He may have a good reason for refusing at that particular time in that particular company. . . .
Checking the acceptability of a story with a question like “Is anyone here a Christian . . .?” is always ill-advised. That query not only reveals the speaker as willing to make sport of members of a special group behind their backs; it leaves him no graceful way out if someone says, “I am.”
Also, think twice about telling an anecdote, no matter how amusing, that shows up someone as inept or idiotic — especially someone who is present. Leave the hilarious tales of others’ mistakes and mischances for them to tell on themselves.
Resist the impulse to interrupt. Ambrose Bierce went to the heart of this matter with his definition of a bore: “A person who talks when you wish him to listen.” When there must be a choice, let the other person be a bore.
And don’t forget that possibly the most engaging words in our language are “What do you think?”