Let’s meet in dialogue

An engaging warm-up exercise to help participants get to know each other and spark deeper discussions on workshop topics.

Duration: 25 minutes for a group of 10. Introduction: 5 minutes. Conversation rounds: 2 minutes. Summary: 10 minutes.

Difficulty level: 1/5

Number of participants: even number.

Source: DraBiNa

Preparation

1. Chairs are arranged in two rows, with each person facing a conversation partner. The number of chairs should match the number of participants.

2. You'll need a projector and a presentation (or flipchart) displaying conversation questions, either from the script or ones you’ve prepared.

3. A timer.

Introduction

1. Encourage participants to take their seats in the prepared chairs.

2. Next, inform them that there will be brief, 2-minute conversations in pairs on assigned topics. It's important that both participants have the chance to speak. After each round, both the conversation partners and the topic will change.

3. The conversation topics, presented as questions or incomplete sentences, will be shown on slides/flipchart and also read out loud by you. 

4. A timer will measure the duration of each round, and the end will be signaled either by an audible sound or a verbal announcement from you.

Instructions

1. Begin the conversation rounds by displaying the first topic and setting the timer for 2 minutes. When time is up, announce "CHANGE" and ask participants to stand and move one seat to the left, clockwise. Then, display the next topic and start the timer again. Repeat this process until everyone is back in their original seat.

2. Encourage politeness by reminding participants to greet each other at the start of each conversation and thank one another at the end.

3. Remind everyone that the conversation is 1:1, with respect for each other's opinions. We listen attentively, share our own thoughts, and avoid judging, negating, or expressing agreement or disagreement.

4. To ensure everyone talks to everyone, once the pairs return to their original positions, ask participants to find someone they haven’t yet spoken with and choose a spot in the room where they can communicate comfortably. Repeat this process until everyone has had a chance to converse with everyone else.

Sample conversation questions

• The most delicious food I’ve ever eaten… What was it? When did I have it? What were the circumstances?

• If I could travel anywhere for a month… Where would I go? Why that place? What would I do there?

• What I value most in others… What qualities are most important to me in relationships? Why?

• If I could be someone else for a week… Who would I choose to be? Why?

• A memory that still makes me smile… What is it? Why does it stay with me?

• Two recent reasons for happiness… What happened? Why did it bring me joy?

• A story that wouldn’t be complete without me… What was the situation? What role did I play?

• The last time I felt truly unique? What contributed to that feeling? (a compliment, appearance, situation)? What did it mean to me?

• If fear and limitations didn’t exist… What would I do? Where? How? How would I feel? What would I gain?

• How people see me… What image do others have of me? Do I agree with it?

• Right now, I care about… What matters to me at this moment? What do I want from this class?

Wrap-up (10 minutes)

Encourage participants to share their thoughts and feelings:

• How did the conversation go for you?

• What was your experience with this exercise?

• What felt easy, and what was more challenging?

• What did you take away from this conversation?

• What did you learn about yourself and others?

• How do you feel now?