In this third programme of Series 5, Stephen Fry explores the many facets of conversation, and hears how the art of conversation has been interpreted over the decades. We visit a nursery to hear budding pre-school conversationalists and the School of Life where people take classes in improving conversational skills. Fi Glover explains how a broadcast interview can also be a conversation, and warns that the word 'because' can be a conversation-stopper. Stephen also talks to philosopher Theodore Zeldin, the thinker behind the 'Menu of Conversation' where strangers are encouraged to share intimate, thought-provoking talk over a menu of discussion points. We also hear from Paul Abbott, screenwriter and creator of TV's Shameless, about conversation from the dramatist's view point. Food writer Claudia Roden describes the marriage of food and conversation, from the intimacy of the kitchen to the open forum of the dinner table.
