Three Frameworks for Facilitated Conversations
In the workplace or community spaces, we are constantly communicating with one another. In our work, we’ve found that while people want to have good communication and dialogue with their colleagues, this can sometimes be challenging, especially around difficult topics. The ability to have open and honest dialogue is a practiced and learned skill and we hope that by sharing three frameworks we use in our work that you’ll be able to have more meaningful dialogue, build understanding, and solve problems collaboratively.
This blog explores three effective frameworks we have used to spark meaningful dialogue and successfully facilitate conversations: Conversation Cafés, Pod-to-Pond Technique, and Text-Based Discussions.
1. Conversation Café
Overview: The Conversation Café model is designed to encourage open, inclusive, and respectful dialogue on various topics. It is particularly effective for exploring complex issues, fostering mutual understanding, and building community.
How It Works:
Setup: A facilitator determines the question and topic to be discussed and sends out invitations for people to participate. Gather no more than 10 people to participate in this discussion. You can gather in-person or online. If there are more than 10 people who want to participate, consider scheduling separate conversations.
Welcome and Guidelines: A facilitator introduces the purpose of the conversation and outlines the ground rules, emphasizing respectful listening and equal participation. Grounds rules we establish beyond our community agreements are: only one person speaks at a time, we are not trying to problem-solve for others during the conversation, and the facilitator will let you know when your time is up.
Rounds of Speaking: The conversation typically unfolds in rounds. In the first round, each participant speaks without interruption, sharing their thoughts on the topic for a set time (e.g., 2-3 minutes). The second round allows participants to respond to what they have heard, and subsequent rounds can continue as needed.
Gathering Insights: After the rounds, the group reflects on the discussion, highlighting key insights and potential action steps. During this time, you can also invite participants to share words of gratitude to their fellow participants.
Benefits:
Practices equal participation and respectful listening.
Helps participants explore diverse perspectives without the need to solve any problems on the spot.
Builds community and strengthens relationships by giving people a chance to share and listen equally.
Attribution: We have learned of and participated in Conversation Cafés with many education and social justice organizations and have adapted it for our partners in this post. We believe the original source of this framework can be found here: Conversation Café.
2. Pod to Pond Technique
Overview: The Pod to Pond Technique is a method that starts with small group discussions (pods) and then expands to a larger group conversation (pond). This approach is ideal for brainstorming, problem-solving, and ensuring that all voices are heard, especially if there are hierarchical power structures in place.
How It Works:
Form pods: Participants are divided into small groups (3-5 people) to discuss a specific question or topic. Groups can be formed according to teams, seniority, identity, or whatever arrangement you think would benefit your team.
Pod Discussions: Each group engages in a discussion, capturing key points and ideas. This phase usually lasts about 15-20 minutes.
Transition to Pond: The small groups come together to form a larger group (the pond). A representative from each pod shares the main points of their discussion while the other pods listen and take notes.
Pond Discussion: The larger group then engages in a broader conversation, connecting insights from the pods, and exploring common themes or areas of disagreement. Based on the intention of the discussion, the pond can decide next steps or schedule a further discussion.
Benefits:
Allows for in-depth discussion in a smaller, more comfortable setting so everyone can participate.
Ensures a wide range of ideas and perspectives are brought to the larger group, as opposed to ideas from just a few people.
Facilitates an opportunity for collective problem-solving and sensemaking.
3. Text-Based Discussions
Overview: This framework involves reading a shared text and discussing it as a group. It is particularly useful in educational settings, book clubs, and professional development contexts. This approach gives participants a baseline of information and context to start from.
How It Works:
Select text: Choose a text relevant to the group's interests or goals. This could be an article, book chapter, poem, or any written material. To support all learning needs, check if there is audio of the selected text that participants can listen to instead of read.
Reading text: Participants either read the text beforehand or spend the first part of the session reading it together.
Discussion: The facilitator poses open-ended questions to guide the discussion. Participants share their insights, ask questions, and explore different perspectives together.
Reflection: The group reflects on the discussion and connects it back to their own experiences personally or professionally depending on the intent of the discussion.
Benefits:
Encourages deep and intentional engagement with the same material.
Provides an opportunity for focused discussions.
Builds a shared understanding and collective knowledge amongst participants.
Utilizing these three frameworks for facilitated discussions have helped our conversations with partners be more inclusive, engaging, and productive. By blending these methods, we can create spaces where everyone feels heard and valued and drive change toward more communities of belonging.