Foretalk

But before reading the poems, we look at the preface — it is rude to skip the preface, the little, private, confidential foretalk the author wishes to have with the reader […]

He goes on, "The most feminine error during the period of foretalk is to subject her partner to withering cross-examination."

In determining whether the male is ready for conversation, the woman should not hesitate to employ the delicate techniques of foretalk.