No one should ever have to shout, lean forward, or twist their necks in order to have a regular conversation. When arranging furniture in your living room, sofas and chairs should face each other to some degree. In large rooms, that you can create more than one conversation area.
Pushing the furniture against the will will make the room look very cold and stoic creating an awkward and unwelcoming space in the center of the room. Instead, pull the furniture away from the walls for intimate conversation area.