diff --git a/conversation.rkt b/conversation.rkt
index 451c06c..2c06f8e 100644
--- a/conversation.rkt
+++ b/conversation.rkt
@@ -138,6 +138,9 @@
       ;; we wrap this event because otherwise we leak authority
       (wrap-evt in-ch values))
 
+    (define/public (try-listen)
+      (channel-try-get in-ch))
+
     (define/public (listen)
       (sync (wrap-evt the-disconnected-evt
 		      (lambda (reason)