Conversation Café
A calm, reflective conversation in a small fixed group (4–8) with a talking object — for a complex or sensitive topic. A Liberating Structure by Vicki Robin.
Time
30–45 min
Form
In small groups
Phase
Process · Close
Materials
Not needed
Step-by-step instructions
2 of 4 steps shown · 30–45 min
- First round — 6 minutes
Whoever holds the talking stone speaks; the rest listen. Each person says once what comes to mind about the theme and then passes the stone on. No responses yet. - Second round — 6 minutes
The stone goes round again. Having heard everyone, each person responds once to what was said — still without cross-talk.
The rest comes with a free account
The remaining steps, the timer and the printables. Registering is free and takes a minute.
Register for freeTips for the facilitator
Listening before responding
The talking stone gives everyone a voice
A sensitive topic with no single answer
Calm where talk usually heats up
- One open theme — set it in the settings (e.g. "How do we deal with…?" or a sensitive issue). Phrase it as an invitation to reflect, not a problem to solve.
- One group of 4–8 at a single table; nobody changes places.
- A talking stone (any object): whoever holds it speaks, the rest listen. Pass it on after speaking.
- The six agreements visible to everyone (open, accept, curious, discover, sincere, concise).
- Time per step — set in the settings (default ≈ 30 min: first round 6, second round 6, free dialogue 12, closing round 6).
- More or less time: a longer free dialogue for heavier themes; shorter for a quick check-in.
- Talking stone in the free dialogue too: if the group starts talking over each other, keep using the stone in the open phase as well.
- Written closing: have everyone write their "what I take away" before sharing it.
- Small theme, regular ritual: use it as a recurring reflective moment (e.g. a weekly mentor check-in).
- Facilitator joins or stays out: take part as an equal voice, or just hold the space and guard the agreements.
- Mentoring / class: a sensitive incident, group dynamics, or "how are we actually doing together?"
- Citizenship / worldview: a values or ethical question with no single answer.
- Team: a tension or change that needs to be talked through calmly.
- Languages / literature: a personal, open response to a theme in a text.
- After an event: processing something that affected the group.
Conversation Café is a Liberating Structure, originally developed by Vicki Robin. It rests on the idea that some themes do not need a solution but room to be heard: a talking stone and a few simple agreements give everyone an equal voice. It develops attentive listening, tolerating difference, and reflecting on a complex or sensitive subject.
Pairs well with
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