Setting the atmosphere:

Keep it casual. Just because you are being intentional about asking questions doesn't mean this needs to feel like an interview. Keep things loose — ask follow-up questions, be interested, and be open!

Listen. A good conversation requires the people who are not talking to actively listen. Try and understand what someone is saying, without interrupting, talking over them or immediately rushing in with advice or a counter-story.

Be patient. Give time and space to the old, young, and shy to speak their mind. Everyone should get an equal chance to express themselves.

Make it fun! Sometimes asking a deep question can feel intense or awkward in a casual setting. This is where a game can help. Our deck of conversation cards takes the awkwardness away — you can always “blame the card” for asking the tough question :-).

A few easy questions to start the conversation:

Icebreakers are the appetizers of good conversation, giving us a taste of what's to come and leaving us hungry for more. Here are a few easy icebreaker questions to whet the table’s appetite:

• What does a “perfect” day look like for you?
• When have you achieved something you didn’t think was possible?
• According to you, what is the superpower of the colleague on your left?
• What is the kindest thing a stranger has ever done for you?
• Has anything ever happened to you that you could not, and cannot, explain?
• What are you grateful for? (a Thanksgiving classic)

Deeper questions for a more meaningful dialogue:

Now that everyone is warmed up, take things to the next level. These questions should help people dig deeper, open up, and share more meaningful thoughts, feelings and stories:

• If you had two minutes to talk to yourself from 10 years ago, what would you say?
• What message would you put on a billboard that thousands of people would see every day?
• Who in your life are you most grateful for?
• When in your life have you felt like you could never fully repay someone?
• If you could gift all humans one thing, what would it be?

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We hope that these tips and sampling of questions from our Listen Up! Cards will help you host a warm and welcoming dinner. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Engage by Listen Léon is our amazing product that connects families and colleagues online at random and uses the questions from our Listen Up! Cards. A great way to connect and remove the long silences from strained relationships and first meetings.

Compliments are all the year with Listen Léon app

Spread altruism, and send anonymous compliments!

We have created Listen Léon to offer ways to help others see their goodness and embrace their best selves in this time of uncertainty, and that cultivates our human connection through kindness, compassion, and other prosocial qualities.

Everyone needs to lean on their strengths, embrace their best self.

With love,

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Marion, x

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Marion Choppin

CEO and Cofounder at Listen Léon

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