Moving discussion
Card's author :
Frédéric Renier, Supagro Florac
Card's type of licence :
Creative Commons BY-SA
To begin with :
The moving discussion is a facilitation tool that makes it easier to take the floor in public in a group.
Official website :
http://www.scoplepave.org/debats-mouvants
Tool's boxes :
Animation
Introduction :
The moving discussion (still called the Positioning game) is a dynamic form of discussion that promotes participation.
- A facilitator tells a story that is purposefully controversial. At some key moments in the story, he invites several participants to move to a certain spot within the room, "those who don't agree with what has just been said go to one side, those who agree, go to the opposite side".
- Nobody can stay in the middle (without a reason), moving in the room really pushes participants to take a side and to provide reasons.
- Once everyone has chosen "their side", the facilitator then asks who would like to take the floor to explain their position.
- To start the discussion, he may start by asking who has a strong view regarding what was just said.
- When one side has given their reasons, it's the turn of the other side to express its reasons. It is like a game of ping-pong. If one of the participants decides that a reason given by the other side is valid, he or she may change sides.
- When the facilitator decides, the discussion ends and the story continues until the next controversial statement or situation arises, when the discussion starts again.
Requirements :
- A minimum number of participants (around ten).
- A controversial story where participants can feel represented.
- A spacious room.
- Posters to mark-off the different areas (agree, disagree).
- Explaining the rules of the game (nobody is forced to speak, but they must all choose a side).
- Activity duration: 1:30h seems a reasonable duration.
Some practical uses :
- Breaking the ice quickly between participants, having to take a side quickly becomes a game and contributes to participation.
- Promoting the participation of the largest number of people, if the facilitator encourages those who have not yet spoken to take the floor.
- Clarifying everyone's position; showing the diversity of opinions in one another.
Using the tools :
An example of a moving discussion organised by SCOP Le Pavé
An example of a moving discussion organised by SCOP Le Pavé
Going further :
- It is possible to write down the reasons as they arise in the discussion and map them.
- It is possible to give each side 5 minutes or more to fine-tune their reasons collectively.
Advantages :
- The activity does not require any materials.
- It is set-up quickly.
- Can be done outdoors to give participants fresh air.
- With this format, discussions become a moment of pleasure.
Drawbacks :
- It is not certain that the discussion will actually "flow".
- Some participants who do not feel comfortable in a group or with the logic of reasons may feel excluded; this form of discussion should be complemented with other forms depending on available time, number of participants and goals.
Licence :
Free
Using :
Easy
Setting up :
No setting up
