Elevate group conversations with a 'magical question'
About this episode
Priya Parker shares how to elevate group conversations using 'magical questions' to foster deeper connections.
Want to cut through small talk at your next mixer? Try asking a "magical question," says Priya Parker, a conflict resolution facilitator and author of the book The Art of Gathering . These questions, like "What is a path you almost took but didn't?" and "What topic could you give a 20 minute talk on with zero preparation?" can spark deep and meaningful conversations and foster connection. In this episode, Parker explains how to come up with your own magical questions. This episode originally published May 13, 2025. Sign up for our skincare newsletter here: http://npr.org/skincare Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit Sign up for our newsletter here. Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
People in this episode
Host: NPR Life Kit
Guest: Priya Parker
Topics covered
- group conversations
- communication
- social skills
- conflict resolution
- meaningful connections
Keywords
- magical question
- group conversations
- Priya Parker
- The Art of Gathering
- meaningful conversations
- social mixers
- communication skills
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: NPR
Books & works: The Art of Gathering
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