What is one simple way to create deeper human connection?
One simple way to create deeper human connection is to be intentional about conversation. Instead of only talking to the people you already know, sit next to someone new, ask thoughtful questions, listen with curiosity, and create space for a meaningful exchange.
Last week, I went to a dinner party hosted by the brilliant Phil M. Jones.
There were probably 13 or 14 of us gathered around the table at an amazing New York City restaurant, and instead of everyone breaking off into little side conversations with the people sitting next to them, Phil did something intentional.
He invited us to have one conversation.
He asked a question, opened the discussion, and gave everyone around the table a chance to participate. But here’s what I loved most: we didn’t just talk.
We listened.
Imagine that. A room full of speakers, authors, leaders, and entrepreneurs, and everyone actually listened.
By the end of the evening, I felt like I knew people at that table on a completely different level. Not because we exchanged business cards. Not because we talked about what we do. But because we had a real conversation.
And I left thinking; this is what connection is supposed to feel like.
A Lesson from Paris Dinner Parties
Now that I’m in Paris, I’m noticing that the Parisians take this idea to a whole new level.
One of the traditions I love about dinner parties here is that everyone knows that when it’s time to sit down to dinner, they wait for the host to tell them where to sit. Yup. They wait. Then when everyone knows their spot, then it’s time to sit.
And guess what the host does?
They separate the couples. They separate the friends. They intentionally seat people next to someone they did not come with, or someone they may not know very well.
Now, for Americans, that might feel a little uncomfortable at first. We naturally want to sit next to the person we know. It feels safe. It feels familiar. It feels easy.
But here’s the thing: growth and connection don’t usually happen in the seat of familiarity.
When you sit next to someone new, something shifts. Curiosity enters the room.
You ask better questions. You listen more closely. You learn someone’s story. And suddenly, what could have been just another dinner becomes a meaningful experience.
Why Human Connection Matters More Than Ever
We are living in a world filled with AI, social media, emails, text messages, notifications, and constant digital noise.
We are more connected than ever technologically, but many people are starving for real human connection. That’s why this matters.
It’s not enough to be in the same room. It’s not enough to sit at the same table. It’s not even enough to be “networking.”
The real opportunity is to be present enough to see, hear, and value the people around us.
Meaningful connection happens when we move beyond the usual questions and become genuinely curious.
Not distracted.
Not trying to impress.
Not waiting for our turn to talk.
Just curious.
Curiosity Is a Front-Row Skill
Curiosity is one of the most underrated leadership and life skills.
When you are curious, you stop assuming you already know someone’s story. You ask better questions. You listen for understanding. You create an environment where people feel seen and heard.
That matters at a dinner party, and it also matters in leadership, business, networking, family gatherings, masterminds, and team meetings.
The front-row seat is not always about being the center of attention.
Sometimes the front-row seat is about being fully present with the person sitting next to you.
That is a beautiful way to live. And it is a powerful way to lead.
How to Create More Meaningful Conversations
The next time you host a dinner, be intentional about connection.
Separate the couples. Separate the friends. Mix up the seating!
Invite people into one conversation.
Ask a question that helps people go deeper than, “What do you do?”
Here are a few questions you could ask:
What is something you are excited about right now?
What is a lesson you have learned recently?
What is one place that has changed the way you see the world?
Who has had a meaningful impact on your life?
What is something you are looking forward to?
What is something you are proud of that people may not know?
Those questions do more than fill the silence. They open the door to connection.
Front-Row Challenge
Your Front-Row Challenge this week is simple:
The next time you are at a dinner, meeting, event, or gathering, choose curiosity.
Sit next to someone new.
Ask a better question.
Listen deeply.
Give someone the gift of your full attention.
Because sometimes the best seat at the table is not next to the person you already know.
Sometimes the best seat is next to the person you are about to know.
Final Thought
Human connection does not happen by accident. It happens when we create space for it.
It happens when we are intentional.
It happens when we are curious.
And it happens when we stop sitting only with what is familiar and start opening ourselves up to the people, stories, and perspectives right in front of us.
That is how we create front-row moments.
And sometimes, it starts with something as simple as where we sit.
Happy Front-Row Friday.
Au revoir from Paris,
Your Head Usher, Marilyn
Frequently Asked Questions About Curiosity and Human Connection
Why is curiosity important for human connection?
Curiosity is important for human connection because it helps us move beyond surface-level conversation. When we are genuinely curious, we ask better questions, listen more deeply, and make people feel seen, heard, and valued.
How can I create deeper conversations at a dinner party?
You can create deeper conversations at a dinner party by being intentional with the seating, inviting people into one shared conversation, and asking questions that go beyond small talk. Seating people next to someone they do not already know can encourage curiosity and connection.
What is a good question to ask to build meaningful connection?
A good question to ask is, “What is something you are excited about right now?” This question is simple, positive, and open-ended. It gives people a chance to share something personal without feeling put on the spot.
How does intentional seating help people connect?
Intentional seating helps people connect because it breaks up familiar patterns. When couples, friends, or colleagues always sit together, they often stay in the same conversations. When people are seated next to someone new, they are more likely to ask questions, listen, and form new relationships.
What does curiosity have to do with leadership?
Curiosity is a powerful leadership skill because it helps leaders understand people more deeply. Curious leaders ask better questions, listen before assuming, and create environments where people feel included and valued.
How can I practice curiosity in everyday life?
You can practice curiosity by asking one better question in your next conversation, putting your phone away, listening without interrupting, and looking for something new to learn about the person in front of you.
What is the Front-Row Challenge for creating deeper connection?
The Front-Row Challenge is to choose curiosity at your next dinner, meeting, event, or gathering. Sit next to someone new, ask a meaningful question, and give that person your full attention.
