We live in a society of sound and conversation and communication, and we get so many messages

per day that we tend not to listen to them anymore.

But I think a very good listener is a very good conversationalist.

My dad used to tell me you have two ears and one mouse, so you should listen twice as you speak.

I'm Jocelyn K. Gly, and this is Hurry Slowly, a podcast about pacing yourself,

where I explore how you can find more creativity and meaning in your life through the simple act of slowing down.

Today, I'm lingering on the topic of what makes a good conversation.

And by extension, what happens to the way we communicate when the world we live in privileges busyness,

quick responses, and actionable tips over measured thoughtfulness, and an open-ended exploration of ideas.

What does it mean that so many of our conversations are now unfolding on this disembodied digital plane?

Does it change the way that we talk to one another, IRL?

And what about listening?

Does our ability to lose ourselves in the meandering pleasures of conversation,

atrophy when we become accustomed to instant gratification?

My guest today is Fannie Oge, an entrepreneur and the director of the School of Life

in Paris.

She recently wrote the hit book Treve de Bavardage, translation,

Cut the Chit Chat, about the art of conversation.

In this interview, we talk about the three ingredients in a great conversation,

the benefits of learning to lean into silences,

and better questions that you can ask to avoid the inevitable,

what do you do for a living discussion at networking events?

...