Tools

The Timeout Template Welcoming words and getting to know each other Ground rules for a constructive discussion Introduction for the theme Buzzing in pairs and/or self reflection Joint dialogue Themes…

The Timeout Template

Welcoming words and getting to know each other
Ground rules for a constructive discussion
Introduction for the theme
Buzzing in pairs and/or self reflection
Joint dialogue
Themes to be discussed further
Buzzing in pairs and/or self reflection
Joint dialogue
Reflecting on the insights
Sharing your insights with others
Wrapping up
What happens after the dialogue
Thank you

A Timeout discussion has been successful when an equal encounter and mutual trust have been created, and the participants’ understanding of the topic has grown.

Start, prepare and invite.

Stages and objectives of the discussion – Start here
Defining the participants

The diversity of the points of view makes it possible to gain unexpected insights that would not be possible without the group’s dialogue. By defining the participants you can better…
Acting as a participant and listener in a discussion

Start by listening to yourself. Your own assumptions may make the task of leading a dialogue more difficult. To become a good leader of dialogues, you first have to become…
Inviting participants

You should invest some time in inviting – a diverse group of participants will have a significant effect on the depth of the dialogue and on how different points of…
Choose the method

If there is enough time, you can also combine methods. Dialogues can be open or structured. If you are a beginner, it may be easier to start by trying a…
Venue and practical matters

The venue plays an important role in the creation of mutual trust and equality.
Preparing for a dialogue and compiling your own toolbox

The leader of the discussion ensures that the atmosphere is one of equality and trust and leads the dialogue.
How to take different language users into account in your discussions

A tool for supporting the participants in a discussion when they face challenges in understanding the language or producing speech.
Remote Timeout -preparing for a remote dialogue

Good preparation is key to ensuring the success of a remote dialogue session. We believe that a Remote Timeout can be just as good as a regular Timeout!
Arranging hybrid and transnational dialogues
How to prepare for dealing with a conflict

A conflict is a profound disagreement. A conflict may have developed over a long period of time or it may have flared up very quickly. Dealing with conflicts can be…
Using dialogic elements in seminars and meetings

This is how you can use dialogic elements to make a seminar, panel discussion, keynote or meeting more meaningful.
The role of the media in a dialogue

New, concrete ideas are often created in a dialogue. Touching stories are told and unexpected viewpoints and new topics of discussion are discovered. These matters could be news! And the…
Constructive online conversation

An online discussion provides an excellent opportunity to bring together people with different backgrounds effortlessly, regardless of the place. An online discussion is an easier way to enable a large…

Go ahead and try!

Cards for facilitating a discussion

A good dialogue is rewarding – and leading one requires practice and repetition.
Introduction: tuning into the topic and the roles

At the beginning of the discussion, tune into an equal and trusting encounter.
Example script for the beginning of a dialogue
Questions for stimulating discussion
Ground rules for a constructive discussion
The facilitators’s best guiding measures
Ways to deepen the discussion
Encouraging the participants to tell about their own experiences

Ask people to tell about events and situations that are important to them. “Tell us about some events or situations that have affected the way you think about the topic…
Activating the quiet participants in the discussion

As the discussion progresses, in your mind, pay attention to who has not said anything, yet. Say that you hope as many participants as possible would participate in the discussion….
What should you do if someone dominates the discussion?

At the beginning of the discussion, reserve yourself the right to limit the number of contributions and their length.
How to move on from a deadlock situation

Say to the participants that you think the discussion come to some kind of deadlock situation. “It seems that we are in a deadlock situation.” Ask how the participants see…
How to ask dialogic questions

Ask questions that are open, not closed. There is no one right answer to such questions. An open question: ”Tell us what you think about the leisure time opportunities for…
When choosing the topic for the in-depth discussion is challenging

Do this When several topics have been brought up in the discussion, direct the participants to think about which one to choose for an in-depth discussion. A good topic: 1)…
Emotional outbreaks in the discussion

Remain calm if there are emotional outbreaks. They are often important points in which the discussion deepens. Say that you can see the discussion evokes strong emotions. Stress that bringing…
The best measures when the starting point of the discussion is a conflict

Introduction to the topic. Explain your own point of view on resolving conflicts. Establishing relationships. Briefly interview each party at the beginning of the situation. This way you can strengthen…
Flare-up of an unexpected conflict in the discussion

Stop the discussion for a moment and put the conflict you have observed into words. “Let’s stop here for a moment. I can see that there appears to be some…
Concluding the discussion

Wrap it up and learn

Wrapping up the discussion

The dialogue may be followed by work on finding solutions, preparation or making decisions. The deeper understanding of the topic gained in the dialogue may enhance the work on the…
Feedback from participants

Feedback will help you learn from the discussion you organised. For example, through feedback, you can:
How to ensure an impact