Dialogue is intended to produce a common denominator, or something new, for a group. It is not about exchanging views, but about identifying the assumptions and value judgements that underlie the views.

Suitable

 

• for groups that already have, or wish to find, a shared concern
• for groups with a shared task that wish to plan how to tackle the task
• as an open invitation to people in a community, a region, a firm etc.

Sequence of events

The participants sit on chairs in a circle. A “Talking Stick” (a wooden stick or a thick felt pen) lies in the middle.

Initial round:

 

• Agreement is reached about how long the Dialogue lasts, and one person is chosen to keep an eye on the time.
• The initiator presents the issue at stake.

Dialogue round:

 

• Whoever has something to say takes the Talking Stick and speaks. When he or she has finished, the stick either goes back into the middle or is passed to the next person who puts their hand up.

• The Talking Stick moves around the circle in the order in which people put their hands up.
  

Final round:

 

• This starts 10-20 minutes before the agreed time is up.
• The Talking Stick moves on round the circle while the participants talk about how they experienced the Dialogue.

Participants

„Whoever comes along is the right person.“

Point to note:

 

• The participants agree to stay as long as the Dialogue lasts.
• They are all willing in principle to question their own basic assumptions.
• Dialogue works only if all those taking part are there of their own free will.
• Hierarchies and role characteristics are annulled for the duration of the Dialogue.
• The only person allowed to speak is the person holding the stick; he or she must not be interrupted.
• Initially it is a good idea to speak directly to another person; later on one can address the entire group.
• The method is unsuitable for groups with acute conflicts.
• Because the rules are so simple, there is no need of a facilitator. This encourages the individuals taking part to behave responsibly.