I've always loved a chat. When I was 4, at one of the weekly Bellissimo family lunches, I must have been asking my 100th question when my Uncle called me “Machinetta” (Italian for machine – in this case talking machine) and it stuck!
I don’t know if my Uncle ever thought my constant chatter & questioning would be something people outside the family would have to listen to. Fast forward a few decades & this trait has worked to my advantage. I now get to talk to so many interesting people.
Since that moniker was given to me, I have learnt, in a conversation listening is key and to not be afraid of the silence. Sometimes, dead air allows the person you're talking with, gather their thoughts & provide you with intimate revelations.
As well as all of that, when I do get a chance to talk, I love going out of my way to not ask the usual questions, in an attempt to get guests to share something different.
I hope you enjoy the chats,
Sarina