Our Format
A round of Civil Dialogue typically lasts 30-40 minutes. In some settings, such as in a classroom setting that meets for less than an hour, time may only allow for one round. Public events often consist of two or even three rounds of Civil Dialogue. The following outline provides the process and timeline for a Civil Dialogue event:
- The host introduces the event. (5 minutes)
- Welcomes the audience and introduces the goals of a Civil Dialogue session.
- Goal 1: To explore “hot topics” with “cool heads.”
- Goal 2: To honor all points of view without demonizing.
- Goal 3: To foster participation in civil communication.
- How Civil Dialogue works: consider a statement, volunteers from the audience to fill the five chairs, elements of a round (as listed in the program).
- Introduces the information source and explains his/her role.
- Introduces the facilitator.
- Welcomes the audience and introduces the goals of a Civil Dialogue session.
- The facilitator introduces the ground rules of civility.
- By agreeing to these communication guidelines, we create a safer place for dialogue.
- Participants can be passionate but not hostile.
- Focus on how the statement makes you feel; you don’t have to be an expert to have an opinion – like voting.
- Avoid framing the dialogue as an argument to be won or lost.
- Participants should use truthful speech that does not attack others.
- “I” language shows conviction; “You” language implies critique.
- Use your own words and avoid slogans that advocate your position.
- Disagree without demonizing.
- Participants should listen respectfully while others speak.
- Listen with empathy rather than criticism.
- Listen patiently; do not interrupt.
- Do not engage in fake listening as you plan out what you want to say next.
- The facilitator reveals the provocative statement. (2-3 minutes)
- Allows the audience to ponder the statement.
- Offers clarification/discussion of terms in the statement.
- Potentially offers historical or other pertinent information about the statement.
- Calls for volunteer speakers to embody their position in the semi-circle of five chairs.
- The facilitator prepares the speakers for the dialogue. (2-3 minutes)
- Asks speakers to state their names.
- Briefly confirms that the speakers understand the ground rules.
- Chooses the order for the opening statements (“Linda, you were quick to take the ‘Strongly Disagree’ chair, so let’s start with you.”).
- Each speaker offers an opening statement. (5 minutes: approximately 1 minute each)
- The core dialogue. (10-15 minutes)
- The five speakers talk to each other with minimal interruption.
- The facilitator can call for a fact check from the information source.
- The facilitator may need to intervene to ask questions, encourage clarification of statements, or diffuse a combative situation or open the dialogue for quieter members.
- The dialogue is opened to the audience. (5-10 minutes)
- The facilitator invites audience questions/comments.
- The five speakers are not excluded from this interaction.
- The facilitator returns to the speakers to closes the round. (5 minutes)
- Speakers offer closing statements, often in the reverse order of the opening statements. (1 minute each.)
- Speakers are thanked and return to their seats.
- A wrap up summary/statement is offered by the facilitator.
- If another round is pending, the facilitator reveals the statement to be examined, then calls for a short break.
- If the session has concluded, the facilitator turns the event back to the host.
- The host closes the event.
- Encourages feedback from the audience through survey/email.
- Directs the audience to additional resources on the topic.