"We go around in a circle respecting one another with no interruptions. Each person has up to 3 or 4 minutes to say what they think is worth a serious conversation. They might have more than one topic…keep the descriptions short. Encourage people to talk from the heart, how the topic make you FEEL.
After each person says what they think the floor is open…whoever says what is where the conversation starts. The conversation is fluid. It doesn't have to stay on any topic.
Rules:
- Don't ping-pong with someone.
- Be respectful. Allow people to finish their thoughts.
- Be sensitive to who has not spoken. They don't have to speak, but give them a chance.
- Develop a trust within the group.
We have never officially taken notes or recorded sessions. Some individuals take their own notes. Our sessions are roughly 2 plus hours…halfway through we take a 10-15 minute schmooze, munch, drink break…then herd the cats back to the chairs.
What we have discovered is people want to be in small groups to be heard, to listen and think. The trust is great to have. People of diverse views know they will be listened to and respected."