How can you transform a large group dialogue?

2 Choose the format

There are many different formats and methods for large group dialogue, such as World Cafe, Open Space, Appreciative Inquiry, Future Search, and Dialogue Circles. Each one has its own strengths, limitations, and assumptions, and requires different levels of preparation, participation, and facilitation. You need to choose the format that best suits your purpose, context, and resources, and that can create a safe and stimulating space for dialogue. You also need to consider how to adapt or combine formats to meet the specific needs and preferences of your group.

4 Facilitate the process

As a facilitator of a large group dialogue, you have a crucial role in creating and maintaining a conducive environment for dialogue. You need to facilitate the process by setting the tone, framing the questions, guiding the rules and norms, managing the time and energy, and supporting the interactions and outcomes. You also need to balance your leadership and participation, and be flexible and responsive to the emerging dynamics and needs of the group. You can use various skills and strategies, such as active listening, paraphrasing, summarizing, probing, synthesizing, and harvesting, to facilitate the process effectively.

5 Engage the diversity

One of the main challenges and opportunities of a large group dialogue is the diversity of the participants, who may have different backgrounds, experiences, views, values, and interests. You need to engage the diversity by acknowledging and appreciating it, and by creating opportunities for cross-pollination and integration of ideas. You also need to address any conflicts or tensions that may arise from the diversity, and to foster a culture of curiosity and empathy. You can use various methods and techniques, such as storytelling, dialogue mapping, graphic recording, or fishbowl, to engage the diversity creatively.

6 Sustain the impact

The impact of a large group dialogue does not end when the process is over. You need to sustain the impact by capturing and sharing the key insights, outcomes, and actions that emerged from the dialogue. You also need to follow up and support the implementation and evaluation of any plans or commitments that were made by the participants or sponsors. You can use various tools and resources, such as reports, newsletters, podcasts, or online communities, to sustain the impact and continue the dialogue.