Facilitating Open Discussion

Open Discussion is the most common of all the formats for thinking in groups. Every person talks from their own personal frames or reference. But without strong facilitation, an open discussion can become tedious. frustrating and ultimately non-productive.

The Thefacilator challenge is to produce harmony among individual different perspectives.

Introducing the Open Discussion

Here is an example of an effective introduction.

We are here to spend half an hour in open discussion.

My intention is to support a free-flowing interchange while looking for ways to give everyone opportunities to speak when they want to.

If more than one person wants to talk at the same time, I'll ask you to rise your hand and I will number you off. 

That way, you will know when your turn is coming and you do not have to keep weaving your hand to get my attention.

If someone makes a statement that produces immediate reactions, I might take a few comments from people who weren't in line, to speak. 

But I'll do that only when it's an obvious choice and if I do let anyone take a cut, I will definitely return to those who were in line

Stacking

It helps hierarchical groups to make room for all members. It works fine with 3 - 4 participants.

1. Tell the group: "Raise your hand if you would like to speak."
• I will temporarily interrupt the stack if there is a sudden burst of energy.
2. Before anyone is speaking, assign a number to each person: "You are first", "You are second",...
3. Invite the first person to begin.
4. When that person finished, call on the other person next in line, "How was second?"
5. After the stack is complete, begin the next stack by asking "Does anyone else want to speak? if so please raise your hand now."

Allowing spontaneous reactions: "I am going to take a few responses to this last comment. For those of you who are already in line to speak, don't worry. I won't forget you. I will definitely to the designated speaking order soon."

Sequencing

The facilitator sequences two conversations that are underway simultaneously, keeping the discussion focused without taking sides.

1. Validate both perspectives.
• "We appear to have two conversations going, simultaneously, some of you want to respond to Y, and at the same time, others of you would prefer to return to X."
2. Focus on one line of thought for a few minutes.
• "Here is what I'm going to do, I will take 2 or 3 more comments on the Y, and then I will ask to reintroduce the X topic."
3. Shift to a different line of thought for the next few minutes.
4. If necessary ask the group what to focus on next.
• "Then if necessary, we can take stock to decide what's most important to focus on at that point."

Sequencing is not effective for managing more than two topic areas.

Calling for Responses

It is a method for preserving the focus of the discussion while encouraging participation from new speakers.

• "Does anyone have a reaction to what N just said?"
• "Does anyone have a question for the people who just spoke?"

Calling for responses is often perceived as neutral by the participants as long the facilitator is not in favor of one particular opinion.

Deliberate Refocusing

This is a directive method perceived as such by the participants. The best way to use it is to frame it as if it is a question.

• "For the past N minutes, you have been talking about topic X. But some of you indicated you wanted the group to discuss topic Y too, is it now a good time to switch?"
• "A while ago Jimmy raised the issue and no one responded. Before we lose that thought altogether, I just want to check, does anyone have a comment for Jimmy?"

Tracking

Valuable method to use when a discussion is at its most competitive and its most unruly, when people are least likely to listen to each other, or when everyone is intended to push individual agendas.

1. Say to the group "I think we are discussing several issues at the same time, here they are..."
2. Name each line of thought you are able to identify.
3. Complete the list by asking the group "Have I captured all the themes?"
4. Summarize: "Okay, you have N threads, each important to someone"
5. Decide how to continue "Before another round, would you like to organize a sequence for focusing on the issues?"

Asking for Themes

The issues are identified by the group members rather than by the facilitator.

1. Say to the group"You are discussing several issues all at the same time"
2. Ask: "Can we pause a moment and list all the themes being discussed?"
3. Record the themes as they are listed.
4. When the list is complete say: "It's easier now to see the range of ways you are thinking about the subject, If necessary we can step back and prioritize topics. For the moment let's resume the discussion, who wants to talk?"

Framing

Gently step back from the content and remind the group of the purpose of the conversation.

1. Begin by pointing out that several sub-conversations are underway.
2. Say, "Let's remember how the discussion began"
3. Restate the discussion's original purpose: "Originally we discussed X. The conversation has gone in different directions. Some might need to be persuaded it right now and maybe others can be deferred, which do you think are relevant?"
4. Continue as if you had Asked for Themes (see above).

Switching from Open Discussion to Different Format

When a discussion becomes tedious and people appear to be restless or bored, the wisest choice might be to end the Open Discussion and switch to another format.