New book by Vancouver broadcaster Riaz Meghji highlights the power of conversation

Feb 9 2021, 4:00 pm

Like many others during the pandemic, Breakfast Television alum Riaz Meghji knows the feeling of isolation during the coronavirus crisis.

“The isolation during this pandemic has reminded us that human connection isn’t an option, it’s a necessity,” said Meghji in an interview with Daily Hive.

The quality of our relationships is vital for our health, wellbeing, and, as we learned in 2020, our survival. Healthy relationships help us live longer and manage stress and anxiety. We all crave connection and we have evolved to be social animals that were never meant to be alone.”

As a 17-year broadcaster and host for Citytv’s Breakfast Television, MTV Canada, CTV News and more, Meghji is adept at building connections through conversation.

That experience as well as his work as a human connection keynote speaker has inspired his new book: Every Conversation Counts: The 5 Habits of Human Connection that Build Extraordinary Relationships.

Every Conversation Counts book cover by Riaz Meghji. Photo Submitted.

Every Conversation Counts tackles a central question of modern life: why are we so connected, yet so alone? And how we can reconnect?” said Meghji.

“During the pandemic, many of us discovered how isolation and loneliness can literally make us sick. Readers will learn about the enormous human cost of this social pandemic and they’ll gain a five-part framework on how to connect authentically, in-person and virtually.”

Meghji explains that he has always been fascinated by the science of “how” and “why” people connect.

He struggled with loneliness as a young teen and Every Conversation Counts has been a mantra he has worked on for many years.

“From a YouTube interview series, to keynote presentations, I’ve had the idea of writing a book on this topic for some time, yet in many ways felt overwhelmed by the task itself,” said Meghji.

“This book is one of the biggest projects I’ve ever worked on. Given the powerful research that unfolded before us last year, it took about eight months in 2020 to finally put it all on paper.

“I have loved this process and have a newfound respect for authors that put in the work to bring their beliefs to life.”

Riaz Meghji. Photo Submitted

Every Conversation Counts investigates the dangers of isolation, shares Meghji’s personal insights from memorable interviews and his broadcast career, and describes habits to build meaningful relationships.

The new book, released today, is available in bookstores or can be purchased online.

“My goal is to help people overcome loneliness, win trust, create new business, and collaborate effectively,” explained Meghji.

“A better future is one in which we express genuine curiosity about others, listen with our whole hearts, show up as our authentic selves, and make every conversation count.”

@dailyhive5 ways to make every conversation count 🤔💪 (#6 is dress up like Riaz Meghji) #dailyhive #vancouver #alwayslearning #winterhack #learnontiktok

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Daniel ChaiDaniel Chai

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