Temperature Check
Temperature Check helps visualise the feelings and opinions within a group. This activity encourages everyone to express their sentiments, making sure all voices are visible and acknowledged.
How to run it
- 1
Ask participants to line up straight in the middle of the space, standing shoulder to shoulder.
- 2
Explain that this activity aims to visually capture everyone's thoughts without the need for consensus.
- 3
Designate one end of the room as 'hot' and the other as 'cold'.
- 4
Read out a series of yes/no statements.
- 5
Participants will move along the line to indicate their feelings about each statement, standing closer to hot for agreement and cold for disagreement.
- 6
Encourage participants to observe where others stand before reflecting on their own positions.
- 7
Debrief as a group about the experience and any insights gathered.
Tips
Create a safe environment by establishing ground rules for respectful listening.
Encourage participants to share their reasoning after the statements to foster deeper understanding.
Be mindful of the physical space to avoid crowding and ensure everyone can easily participate.
Variations
Adjust the spectrum to include more gradations, such as 'warm' and 'cool', for more nuanced feedback. Alternatively, use specific themes for the statements related to the group's work.
Where it fits
Frequently asked questions
When should I use Temperature Check?â–¾
Use Temperature Check when you want to: team alignment; emotional check-in; project retrospectives; stakeholder meetings; group brainstorming.
How long does Temperature Check take?â–¾
Temperature Check typically takes 20–45 minutes.
How many participants does Temperature Check work for?â–¾
Temperature Check works best for groups of 4 or more.
What materials do I need for Temperature Check?â–¾
Temperature Check requires no special materials — just participants and a space.
How difficult is Temperature Check to facilitate?â–¾
Temperature Check 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.