Long Table
A long dinner table, a paper tablecloth and pens, with conversation as the only course. Only people seated at the table may speak; everyone else watches and can join by taking an empty chair or asking for a seat. People write and draw on the tablecloth while they talk, and leave the table when they are done.
Use when a large offsite or conference crowd needs an open conversation on a topic without a panel, a moderator holding the microphone, or a fixed list of speakers.
Solves: Panel discussions put five people on a stage and leave the room's real knowledge sitting in the audience.
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Step 1: Set one long table with about twelve chairs, a paper tablecloth and pens. Put audience seating around it (before the event).
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Step 2: Post the etiquette where everyone can read it: only those at the table speak, anyone may join or leave, ask for a seat if the table is full (5 min).
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Step 3: The host reads an opening question. A few invited people sit down first to get the talk going (5 min).
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Step 4: Let the conversation run. Watchers take empty chairs or ask for one; diners leave when they have said their piece (45-150 min).
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Step 5: Encourage people at and around the table to write on the tablecloth as they listen (throughout).
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Step 6: The host closes the table and invites everyone to walk round and read the tablecloth (10 min).
- Use Weaver's published etiquette sheet rather than inventing your own rules. It does a lot of the facilitation for you.
- The host does not moderate. Their job is to start, keep the etiquette, and end.
- Silence at the table is allowed. Do not jump in to fill it.
- Card Table: Weaver's small-scale version for four people at a card table.
- Run several shorter tables in a row, each with its own question, during a conference day.