Role Cards
Participants are assigned specific discussion roles (e.g. spokesperson, devil's advocate, notetaker) via cards, then switch roles partway through. The structure balances participation — drawing out quieter members and reining in those who dominate — while creating a shared sense of ownership over the process.
How to run it
- 1
Define appropriate roles for your group (e.g. spokesperson, devil's advocate, timekeeper, notetaker, connector, questioner). Optionally co-create the roles with the group for more buy-in.
- 2
Write or print roles on index cards or mailing labels. Add playful icons if appropriate.
- 3
Distribute role cards randomly — or deliberately if you know the group dynamics.
- 4
Walk through the responsibilities and constraints of each role.
- 5
Run the discussion with roles active.
- 6
Halfway through, ask everyone to switch roles. Run the second half of the discussion.
- 7
Debrief: What was it like to play your role? How did it change the discussion?
Tips
A 'devil's advocate' role legitimises challenge and makes disagreement feel structural rather than personal.
Silly or humorous icons on the cards reduce resistance — especially in corporate settings.
Pre-meditate the role distribution if you have a specific participation problem to solve.
Variations
Use six thinking hats as the role set (White, Red, Black, Yellow, Green, Blue) for a structured creativity session.
Where it fits
Related methods
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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 University of Hawaii.