Fishbowl
The Fishbowl method fosters active listening and observation among participants by dividing them into 'players' and 'observers'. It's ideal for situations where stakeholders need to understand different perspectives without immediate feedback.
How to run it
- 1
Prepare discussion questions related to a chosen topic before the meeting.
- 2
Set up a room with two concentric circles of chairs: the inner circle for discussion participants, and the outer circle for observers.
- 3
Assign roles to participants as either 'players' or 'observers' and distribute handouts and pens.
- 4
Begin a 15-minute discussion with 'players' in the inner circle, using prepared questions to guide the conversation.
- 5
Observers take notes on discussion points and insights on their handouts.
- 6
After 15 minutes, switch roles and repeat the discussion process.
- 7
Conclude with a debrief where participants share observations and experiences from both roles.
Tips
Ensure participants understand the importance of the observer role in capturing the essence of the conversation.
Encourage a safe space for sharing insights during the debrief.
Consider varying the topic if time allows for multiple rounds.
Variations
You can modify the method by changing the duration of discussions or allowing observers to ask clarifying questions at the end. Another variation could include rotating participants between the circles more frequently to keep the energy dynamic.
Where it fits
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Try it freeMethod descriptions on Workshop Weaver are original content written by our team, based on established facilitation practices. This method was inspired by work from Gamestorming.