“I don’t know if he knows how much that meant to me, no"


A few years ago, I got thinking about conversations that had changed my life. I became quite excited by the idea, and asked other people about it.

Some of those people were (and are) well known, others less so. Some spoke to me spontaneously, as soon as the idea arose. Others scheduled a proper interview, thought about it beforehand, and talked for longer.

I’ve got all the videos somewhere.

This week I stumbled on the short highlight video I made at the time. There was something remarkable about it.

I’d cut out all specific details of the conversations people told me about - but the highlight still managed to convey the wonder that can arise when we just contemplate the power of a good conversation.

Look how animated they were:

Roman Krznaric said he felt choked up just hearing himself describe the conversations with his father that meant so much to him.

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In a cafe, Gaylene Gould told me about a conversation that involved a total stranger.

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Agreeing to be interviewed on the spot, in a train station, Rob Twigger instantly remembered: “It was over 25 years ago, now…”

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My late friend Tazeen Ahmad talked about conversations with her sons.

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“This was a conversation that completely opened my heart,” said Henry Kimsey-House.

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I asked Ana Silvera about the person she spoke to. Did he understand the impact he’d had?

“I don’t know,” she said slowly. “I don’t know if he knows how important that was to me, no.”

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PLEASE tell me about a conversation that changed everything for you

I REALLY want to know! (I’m not kidding!)

Don’t reply directly to this email, because I want to collect the responses in a way that makes it easier for me to find them later.

I’ve created a Google form that you can fill in VERY EASILY, here:
​https://forms.gle/TGWJuNcqigwPowYe7​

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If you prefer, you can listen to me reading this newsletter.

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Drawing of Hands Drawing

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Special Projects

Much of what I do is supported by members of my Special Projects programme.

I’m grateful, and I try to give something back:


Coming Up For Members

Writers Support Group

Join me online every fourth Thursday each month, at either 12.30 pm (UK) or 6pm (or both). Details here.


#1Person1Thing1Hour

Each month, for one Special Projects member, I'll do one thing, for up to one hour.

Just tell me what you'd like. To be perfectly clear: by asking me to help you, you will be helping me.

Details and examples.

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Till next time.

JPF

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John-Paul Flintoff

📖 7 Books in 16 languages 📚 including: How To Change The World A Modest Book About How To Make An Adequate Speech.

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