Focused conversation is a technique of deliberation meant to replicate the ‘natural’ thought process used to reflect on and address an issue.
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Problems and Purpose
Focussed conversation is a technique of deliberation described most fully by Laura Spencer in her 1989 book Winning Through Participation. With theoretical underpinnings in Chris Argyris' concept of the ladder of inference and David Kolb's models of individual experiential learning and team learning cycle, this technique is meant to replicate the ‘natural’ thought process used to reflect on and address an issue.
This technique is often used within a larger methodological framework or in conjunction with other discussion techniques as its focus is on reflecting on prior events before coming to a conclusion. For example, a Citizens' Jury may be presented with the facts of a case or may have a Q&A session with a panel before embarking on focused conversations.
Origins and Development
The theoretical underpinnings of this technique can be traced back to the 1970s with Chris Argyris’ concept of ‘the ladder of inference’. It’s development also owes much to David Kolb’s work on educational theory, especially his ‘Experiential Learning Model’ and the idea of the team learning cycle.
How it Works
Participant selection varies according to the overal project needs but, for each focused conversation group, it is ideal to have 10 (or less) participants.
Stage 1 – Objective
Purpose: uncover the surface facts of the case based on directly observable data
For the practitioner: Think about your rational objective for the conversation. What do you want the group to learn as the result of the conversation?
Typical questions:
- What did you see, hear, feel, smell, taste?
- What did you hear people say?
- Which objects, cards, ... attract your attention?
Stage 2 – Reflection
Purpose: to access "gut level" responses, associations, emotions, images
For the practitioner: Clarify your experiential aim for the conversation. What do you want the group to feel as the result of the conversation?
Typical questions:
- What is it about the data that angers, excites, intrigues, surprises, ... you?
- What internal images are triggered by the data?
- What does this [situation, experience, ...] remind you of?
Stage 3 – Interpretive
Purpose: to make sense of the situation by articulating the meaning, values, significance, purpose, implications
For the practitioner: brainstorm questions you might ask about the experience or event without regard to the reflective thinking level of the question.
Questions should highlight the layers of meaning and purpose, for example:
- What significance do you attach to the situation?
- What storyline are we living out?
Stage 4 – Decisional
Purpose: to make future resolutions
For the practitioner: sort questions by level and cull them to a short list of not more than 10. As you shortlist, recall your rational and experiential aims. Make sure questions are specific but open-ended; avoid yes-no answers.
Questions should allow people to articulate their relationship and response(s) to the situation, for example:
- How shall we respond to ...?
- The next time we are confronted with ..., how could/should we behave differently?
Analysis and Lessons Learned
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See Also
References
External Links
http://flash.lakeheadu.ca/~kbrown/F2250%20Webpages/focused_conversation....
The Art of Focused Conversation for Schools
https://www.bridgew.edu/sites/default/files/relatedfiles/ORID-discussion-method-6.3.14.pdf
https://www.top-network.org/use-focused-conversation
https://ispimi.org/images/meeting/082212/focused_conversation_ica_associates.pdf
Notes
This article was summarized from Ken Brown's article on "Focused Conversation" available on the Lakehead University website: http://flash.lakeheadu.ca/~kbrown/F2250%20Webpages/focused_conversation....
Lead Image: Focused Conversation/ORID http://tinyurl.com/y52jaggd
Secondary Image: Focused Conversation Method http://tinyurl.com/y3lak6mv