Preconference work

[Michelle Cooper]

I agree with the advice  too.  In my last group where there was a very
pregnant pause, one of the participants who felt anxious decided that she
should get up and go around the circle and whisper in topics into different
person's ears.  It created great amusment for the participants and then
people got into the spirit.  It started by individuals asking questions,
then the whole group responded "post it as a topic!".  The tension of the
opening pause is very difficult, but I agree, no icebreakers (at least not
planned ones!!!)
Michelle
   Michelle Cooper
The Cooper Group Consultants
200 Crestview  Avenue
Ancaster, Ontario
Canada L9G1E2
Telephone -     (905) 648- 4633
Fax -           (905) 648-1763


-----Original Message-----
From:   Chris Kloth [SMTP:kloth at TMN.COM]
Sent:   Wednesday, June 24, 1998 11:01 AM
To:     OSLIST at LISTSERV.IDBSU.EDU
Subject:        Re: Preconference work

Ingrid, while I have had to wait a few times, but was always glad I
did.  I agree with Birgitt..no ice breakers. Here is a question based on
my learning from two of my early open space sessions: how much effort
went into clarification of the question or topic?  I found that it is
important to have a lot of dialogue about the topic during the pre-work.

I want to be sure the topic avoids language that implies a hiddent
agenda.  I like to think of a good topic statement or question being
broad enough to be inclusive and focused enough to be actionable if
people are so inspired.  I also like a little whimsy in the topic.

Chris