Conversation Café
Conversation Café facilitates calm, profound conversations within small groups to make sense of complex challenges and build shared understanding. By using a talking object and a structured format, it minimizes unproductive conflict and encourages active listening.
Use Conversation Café when a group needs to process a difficult situation, explore a complex topic, or build trust and understanding among diverse perspectives.
Solves: Arguments based on misunderstanding; difficulty in generating new ideas after a setback; lack of psychological safety for sharing feelings.
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Step 1: State the theme of the conversation as a question. (2 minutes)
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Step 2: Explain the four rounds of conversation and the use of the talking object. (3 minutes)
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Step 3: Distribute talking objects and read the six Conversation Café agreements. Ask for a volunteer host at each table. (5 minutes)
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Step 4: First round (talking object): Each person shares their initial thoughts, feelings, or actions related to the theme. (1 minute per person)
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Step 5: Second round (talking object): Each person shares their thoughts and feelings after listening to everyone else. (1 minute per person)
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Step 6: Third round: Open conversation (talking object optional). (20-40 minutes)
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Step 7: Fourth round (talking object): Each member shares their key takeaways. (5-10 minutes)
- Always use the talking object to maintain focus and ensure equal participation.
- Remind participants of the six agreements before each round.
- Encourage the host to gently guide the conversation back to the agreements if needed.
- World Café style: Have participants move to different tables every 20 minutes.
- Use Wicked Questions to deepen the conversation.
- Combine with W³ (What, So What, Now What?) to move into action planning.