A journalist, who has freelanced for The New York Times and other notable publications, recently visited the University of Mississippi School of Journalism and New Media to talk about her new book and the importance of listening.

Kate Murphy, a Houston, Texas–based journalist who has written for The New York Times, The Economist, Agence France-Presse, and Texas Monthly, recently spoke to students in professor LaReeca Rucker’s Journalism 102 Introduction to Multimedia Writing classes.

Students were asked to research and read Murphy’s work and prepare questions for her.

Graham Bodie, who studies the importance of listening, arranged Murphy’s appearance.

You’re Not Listening

Murphy’s eclectic and much-shared pieces have explored an extraordinary range of topics, including health, technology, science, design, art, business, finance, fashion, dining, travel, and real estate.

She is known for her fresh and accessible way of explaining complex subjects, particularly the science behind social interactions, helping readers understand why people behave the way they do.

Her new book You’re Not Listening draws on countless conversations she has had with everyone from priests to CIA interrogators, focus group moderators to bartenders, her great-great aunt to her friend’s toddler, to show how, only by listening well, can we truly connect with others.

Murphy emphasized how important it is for journalists to be present and listen intently when interviewing people.