Finger Rules
Finger Rules help structure discussions by using hand gestures to indicate participants' opinions and requests. This method ensures that everyone can contribute efficiently and that their points are clearly understood.
How to run it
- 1
Prepare a flipchart displaying the hand signs and their meanings.
- 2
Decide on a set of gestures for common discussion scenarios (e.g., one finger for a general point, two fingers for a direct response).
- 3
Introduce the signs to all participants at the start of the meeting.
- 4
Encourage everyone to use these gestures throughout the discussion.
- 5
Refer to the flipchart as needed to remind participants of the gestures.
- 6
Summarize the gestures at the end of the session to reinforce their use in future meetings.
Tips
Ensure all participants are clear on the gestures to avoid confusion.
Use the method in diverse group sizes to test its effectiveness.
Remind participants to be respectful when using gestures during discussions.
Variations
Adapt the signs to suit specific needs of your group or session. You can create custom gestures for unique topics or situations.
Where it fits
Frequently asked questions
When should I use Finger Rules?â–¾
Use Finger Rules when you want to: team kickoff; conference breakout sessions; feedback collection; brainstorming; decision-making.
How long does Finger Rules take?â–¾
Finger Rules typically takes 5–10 minutes.
How many participants does Finger Rules work for?â–¾
Finger Rules works best for groups of 3 or more.
What materials do I need for Finger Rules?â–¾
Finger Rules requires no special materials — just participants and a space.
How difficult is Finger Rules to facilitate?â–¾
Finger Rules is rated intermediate — some facilitation experience is helpful.
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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 SessionLab. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.