Space requirements for 400?

[Peggy Holman]

I LOVE all these tricks we use for the details!

On closing circles with large numbers, or with short periods of time, I have
found two ideas help.  The first is to provide some silent time, a sheet of
paper and something to write with.  I ask people to think about whatever
they want to say and write it in a word, phrase or sentence.  This means
that rather than figuring out what they want to say while speaking, they
clarify thoughts in advance.  I just ask them to pass the microphone around
the room.  Those who want to speak from their paper, do.  The rest pass.
Writing something also allows for people to take an important thought home
with them.  Sometimes I ask people to leave their words and they go into the
proceedings.  (A group of 230 did this in about 25 minutes.)

When the writing doesn't fit the situation, after the silence, people speak
a word, phrase or sentence.  I have been amazed at the insights that come
with so few words. It may also aid in really hearing each other because no
one speaks for long so unused listening muscles don't get as tired.


On number of breakout sessions, my rule of thumb is 1/3 of people post
something.  With small groups, it tends to be a few more, in large groups, a
few less.  Here's an example of the calculation:

60 people with time for 4 sessions will require about 5 spaces.  The
calculation: 60 people/3 = about 20 people posting; 20 people/4 concurrent
session times = 5 spaces.  Then I add one or two spaces just in case...

Peggy



----- Original Message -----
From: "kerry napuk" <k at NAPUK.DEMON.CO.UK>
To: <OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU>
Sent: Friday, August 02, 2002 8:55 AM
Subject: Re: Space requirements for 400?


> Doug
>
> With short time for the closing ceremony and a big crowd, we put a
> wireless mike on top of a stool at either end of the circle and
> invite people to come forward to speak.  Another option is to roam
> the inner and outer circles with mikes and give them to anyone who
> raises their hand to speak.
>
> Good luck.
>
> Cheers
>
> Kerry
> Open Futures
> Edinburgh
> Scotland
> www.openfutures.com
>
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