Conversation Café

Conversation Café is a dialogue format in small groups of 5 to 7 people around a difficult question. It is attributed to Vicki Robin and adapted in the Liberating Structures. The game alternates between regulated speech using a talking object and open conversation. It serves to slow down exchanges, bring forth feelings, viewpoints, and learnings, without immediately seeking to resolve the issue.

Walkthrough

1. 1

   Setting the framework and groups

   5 min

   The facilitator divides participants into groups of 5 to 7 and sets each group around a table or in a discussion space. They provide each group with a simple, visible, and easy-to-pass talking object. They say: 'We will explore a difficult question with a framework that protects listening and limits power dynamics.' Participants arrange themselves so that everyone can see each other. The aim is to create a clear container before delving into the subject matter.

   Tip — Choose neutral and manageable talking objects: a pen, a stone, a soft ball. Avoid overly playful or symbolic objects that might distract from the dialogue.

2. 2

   Presenting the question and the agreements

   5 min

   The facilitator displays or states the difficult question to be addressed, then checks that it is understood without opening the debate. They present the four agreements: listen to understand, suspend judgment, speak for oneself, be brief. They clarify: 'Here, we do not speak on behalf of others; we share our experience, feelings, or viewpoints.' Participants may only ask clarification questions about the framework. This step aligns the group on the expected quality of conversation.

   Tip — Phrase the question in a single sentence, visible throughout the exercise. If it triggers reactions, remind participants that the first opportunity for expression comes right after.

3. 3

   Round 1: what everyone thinks or feels

   5 à 7 min

   The facilitator initiates the first round with the talking object. They say: 'When you have the object, you have up to 1 minute to express what you think or feel about the topic. The others listen without interrupting.' The object circulates from person to person until everyone has spoken once. Participants may speak briefly or pass their turn if they do not wish to express themselves. This first round gives equal space to voices before any discussion.

   Tip — Keep a discreet eye on the time without cutting off abruptly. A gentle visual cue, like raising a hand as the minute approaches, helps to keep it brief without breaking trust.

4. 4

   Round 2: reactions after listening

   5 à 7 min

   The facilitator immediately engages a second round with the same talking object. They say: 'After listening to others, what resonates, surprises, or confirms something for you?' Each person speaks again in turn, briefly, without debating or responding point by point. Participants build on what they have just heard and always speak for themselves. This round makes the effect of listening visible before opening the conversation.

   Tip — If someone starts to argue against another person, bring it back to the framework: 'Talk about what this provokes in you, not what the other should think.'

5. 5

   Open conversation

   20 à 40 min

   The facilitator opens the free conversation and announces that the talking object remains available. They say: 'You can now engage in dialogue more naturally; if the group feels the need, take the object back to slow down or give space again.' Participants exchange, question, deepen, and connect viewpoints. The facilitator observes without directing the content, ensuring adherence to the agreements: listening, suspended judgment, speaking for oneself, brevity. This phase allows for exploring the complexity of the topic.

   Tip — Move near the groups without sitting with them, unless explicitly requested. Your presence should support the framework, not become an authority on the content.

6. 6

   Final round: what everyone takes away

   5 à 7 min

   The facilitator interrupts the open conversation at the scheduled time and initiates a final round with the talking object. They say: 'In a brief intervention, share what you take away from this conversation.' Each person speaks one last time, without being commented on or prompted by the group. Participants may name an idea, an emotion, a question, or a personal shift. This final round neatly closes the exchange and prevents the last speakers from being left alone.

   Tip — Announce the final round two minutes before the end of the open conversation. This avoids a sudden cut-off when the group is engaged.

7. 7

   Debrief in plenary

   5 à 10 min

   The facilitator gathers the groups and specifies that the debrief focuses first on the experience of the dialogue, not on fully resolving the topic. They invite a few voluntary, brief contributions, asking participants to speak for themselves. They might say: 'What did you notice about your way of listening, speaking, or judging?' Participants share transferable learnings to their real conversations. This step transforms the experience into actionable insights.

   Tip — Do not seek to have every group's content fully reported. Instead, ask for observations on the process: this is where Conversation Café produces the most collective learning.

Variants

• In a short format, keep the four rounds but limit the open conversation to 20 minutes. This variant is suitable when the goal is primarily to allow for a first structured listening.
• In a large group, create several circles of 5 to 7 people around the same question. Conclude with a plenary debrief focused on the learnings from the dialogue rather than an exhaustive synthesis of the content.
• For remote sessions, create breakout rooms of 5 to 7 participants and designate a virtual talking object: for example, the displayed order of first names or a person who explicitly names the next speaker. The facilitator reminds participants of the agreements in the chat and indicates the timing for each round.
• For a very sensitive topic, ask participants to write alone for a minute before the first round. This helps everyone speak for themselves and reduces immediate reactions.