Docs Open app →
← All patterns

Conversation Café

Explore a shared challenge calmly and deeply in small groups, using a talking object and simple agreements to listen more and debate less. Adapted from Liberating Structures (https://www.liberatingstructures.com/conversation-cafe), licensed CC BY-NC 3.0.

by Andrew Davis · Version 1 · Download .md

2 parts · 6 phases

Part 1 In café groups Rooms of 6
Intro Host-paced

Keep the six agreements: suspend judgment, respect one another, seek to understand rather than persuade, invite and honor diverse opinions, speak with heart and meaning, and go for honesty and depth without going on and on. Use a talking object — whoever holds it speaks while others listen.

  1. First impressions 7 min

    Take turns with the talking object. Each person shares their initial thoughts, feelings, or experiences about the challenge.

  2. Reflections 7 min

    Take turns again. After hearing from everyone, share any new thoughts or feelings.

  3. Open conversation 30 min

    Lively, open conversation. Use the talking object whenever it helps with turn-taking.

  4. Takeaways 8 min

    Take turns one last time. Each person shares a takeaway.

Part 2 Everyone
  1. Share across groups 3 min

    A few people share a takeaway from their group's conversation that everyone can learn from.