Basic model of authentic dialogue
The basic model of authentic dialogue includes the following components:
Setting the Container (welcome everyone, provide a basic overview of what an authentic dialogue is, share the simple rules, and facilitate a participatory process of setting ground-rules for the dialogue. To set the ground-rules, ask all participants to answer the question – what do you need from yourself and all the other people here to be fully present and open to the experience? All participants list and then make sure everyone understands what is raised, and search for consensus on what “rules” to live by in the conversation. Dialogue requires the simple rules on page 7 be honored. These ground-rules are different; it is an open space for people to express their felt needs for safety in a group setting. A lot can be learned about the diverse places people are coming from by doing this, BUT, don’t dwell on it. Do it efficiently so you can get to the dialogue.
Dyadic work – talk to people about the principle of “generative listening” and get people involved in one to one dialogues around a question related to the core subject of the dialogue for the day. This gives people a “warm-up”, a chance to begin to immerse themselves with just one other person and recognize the similarity and difference of perspectives. Do a review of what came up in the one to ones with the whole group before you go on – so everyone can see the range of perspectives and background that are present – and begin to make individual and collaborative meaning about that.
Split the group into thematic dialogues – and commence authentic dialogues. Make sure the simple rules and ground rules are followed. It is a good idea to have the simple rules and ground-rules up on the wall on easily visible paper to provide a reminder of how we are to relate in the experience. Make sure visible recording is going on of what is being said so people can keep tracking as the dialogue progresses.
Close with Collaborative Meaning-Making (collaborative action research). Bring the groups together and search for collaborative meaning and discuss what was useful, what was new, and what to consider doing next to go deeper with dialogue and get to desired transformation
Setting the Container (welcome everyone, provide a basic overview of what an authentic dialogue is, share the simple rules, and facilitate a participatory process of setting ground-rules for the dialogue. To set the ground-rules, ask all participants to answer the question – what do you need from yourself and all the other people here to be fully present and open to the experience? All participants list and then make sure everyone understands what is raised, and search for consensus on what “rules” to live by in the conversation. Dialogue requires the simple rules on page 7 be honored. These ground-rules are different; it is an open space for people to express their felt needs for safety in a group setting. A lot can be learned about the diverse places people are coming from by doing this, BUT, don’t dwell on it. Do it efficiently so you can get to the dialogue.
Dyadic work – talk to people about the principle of “generative listening” and get people involved in one to one dialogues around a question related to the core subject of the dialogue for the day. This gives people a “warm-up”, a chance to begin to immerse themselves with just one other person and recognize the similarity and difference of perspectives. Do a review of what came up in the one to ones with the whole group before you go on – so everyone can see the range of perspectives and background that are present – and begin to make individual and collaborative meaning about that.
Split the group into thematic dialogues – and commence authentic dialogues. Make sure the simple rules and ground rules are followed. It is a good idea to have the simple rules and ground-rules up on the wall on easily visible paper to provide a reminder of how we are to relate in the experience. Make sure visible recording is going on of what is being said so people can keep tracking as the dialogue progresses.
Close with Collaborative Meaning-Making (collaborative action research). Bring the groups together and search for collaborative meaning and discuss what was useful, what was new, and what to consider doing next to go deeper with dialogue and get to desired transformation
