Conversare Events Social gatherings which people engage in one-to-one conversation with a stranger

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Conversare events are social gatherings in public places where people engage in one-to-one conversations with strangers. 

Conversare events are the brainchild of Alan Stewart, who runs them in Adelaide, Australia. Alan describes them this:

The name Conversare (pronounced conversari) comes from the Latin: to turn or to dance together. Conversare events are social gatherings in public places in which participants converse. There is a host who co-creates with those present an ambiance in which everyone feels welcome, included, and ready to participate in face-to-face conversation.

The purpose is to create safe, friendly contexts where all who come – whatever their background – quickly feel welcome and at ease.

A central feature is engaging, in pairs, in one-to-one conversations with a stranger. Everyone in the room does the same; everybody participates fully. Not knowing anything about this person means having to be aware of how to question, listen and contribute appropriately. Doing this often leads to the finding that, no matter who the person is, the pair have much in common even though their personal histories may be different.

And here is an opportunity to meet others with different life experiences, lifestyles, and fascinating stories to share, people who know something you don’t know. There can be unexpected outcomes – learnings and insights! – from doing this.

These events can be held in diverse places such as cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels, or community centers. Being in public places means that anybody is welcome to participate. And it is not necessary to know any of the people present before coming to join in.

In our modern, complex, and often fragmented lives, there is little opportunity to have satisfying conversations other than with people we already know. And many find it challenging to meet new people in ways that may lead to satisfying friendships.

The events are for people who yearn to be heard and listen to stories of lived experiences they could not have imagined. They bring attention to people that there are now places in which these happen.

Conversare events are a wonderfully simple idea that almost anyone can host. 

Resources

• Website: Conversare

Posts that link to this post

•  Talk with Strangers Why and how should you talk with strangers?

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