Trying with Emma Barnett

Trying with Emma Barnett

Better Chat

What I learned from hosting a women’s circle

Something I had never done before

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Emma Barnett
Oct 10, 2025
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Photo by Victoria Naumenko on Unsplash

In this new series on chat - the thing I am in the business of as a live broadcaster - I am going to share some of the techniques and moves I see people use. And that I deploy too - in the daily thrust of this thing called conversation. I hope it is useful as you go into your weekends and take part in this daily sport. And where relevant - helps you up your game.

Last week I pushed myself to try something new: hosting a women’s circle in my home.

I didn’t really know the history of them or even what they were - but something about them and creating that space for female conversation came to me after interviewing Melinda French Gates. In her latest book she wrote of walking with a few female friends regularly and engaging in a deeper way. And explained just how important that process was to her.

Following some light reading (I didn’t want to over-read or research as is the way with other hosting duties in my professional life) I can tell you that women’s circles are nothing new, have been taking place since time began and are opportunities to share and listen in a deeper way. I am sure you can find a lot of lovely reading and stories about them.

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