diff --git a/help/include/recent-conversations.md b/help/include/recent-conversations.md
index c99e2ad4d1..b8b48cdd93 100644
--- a/help/include/recent-conversations.md
+++ b/help/include/recent-conversations.md
@@ -1,6 +1,8 @@
-Use the **Recent conversations** view to get an overview of all the ongoing
-conversations. This view is particularly useful for catching up on
-messages sent while you were away.
+In Zulip, a **conversation** is a [direct message](/help/direct-messages) thread
+(one-on-one or with a group), or a [topic in a
+stream](/help/streams-and-topics). Use the **Recent conversations** view to get
+an overview of all the ongoing conversations. This view is particularly useful
+for catching up on messages sent while you were away.
 
 {start_tabs}
 
diff --git a/help/marking-messages-as-read.md b/help/marking-messages-as-read.md
index 953834222a..f3064caf95 100644
--- a/help/marking-messages-as-read.md
+++ b/help/marking-messages-as-read.md
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ are at your computer. You will still be able to
 
 1. Under **Advanced**, click on the **Automatically mark messages as
    read** dropdown, and select **Always**, **Never** or **Only in
-   conversation views**.
+   [conversation](/help/recent-conversations) views**.
 
 {tab|mobile}
 
@@ -33,7 +33,8 @@ are at your computer. You will still be able to
 
 1. Tap **Mark messages as read on scroll**.
 
-1. Select **Always**, **Never** or **Only in conversation views**.
+1. Select **Always**, **Never** or **Only in
+   [conversation](/help/recent-conversations) views**.
 
 {end_tabs}