Timing for really large groups

Wed Jun 15 04:04:27 PDT 2005

I have found it strange (and wonderful) that no matter the size of the group it always seem to take about 1 and 1/2 hours from start to the convening of the first sessions. However when you are dealing with really large groups (and you are) you really have to keep the issue announcement process moving along. To do that I have found several things useful. First make it crystal clear at the start that ALL you want is The issue and the name. NO SPEECHES. And when the first participant breaks into a speech, even a small one, break in with a smile and say, No speeches. The second thing, which will enable you to break in easily, is use a hand held mike and don't let go of it. You become the microphone stand, a fitting role for the facilitator.  The idea of having a large screen with the issues projected is an interesting one. I have thought of it before, but never had the chance to try. Sounds like a good opportunity for an experiment. But even with a screen, I would be very careful that people can really HEAR the issues called out. If somebody talks too softly or too fast, I invite them to say it over again. And don't forget to make sure that they have their names on the papers. Things can get pretty crowded at the microphone, and it is easy to lose track. But the NAME is important. Lastly, on the subject of being able to hear -- ambient noise can be a problem with a large group. People tend to go to the Wall, stay there and talk. One or two folks won't make that much difference, but once it starts, it is very hard to turn around. A few reminders from you will help (another reason to keep you hands on the mike.) Also stationing a few associates at to wall who can gently invite people to take their seats is a very good idea.

As for reports -- how about several computer areas -- and network them with wifi??

Good luck.

Harrison

Harrison Owen
7808 River Falls Dr.
Potomac, MD  20854
USA
301-365-2093
207-763-3261 (summer)
website www.openspaceworld.com

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Christine Whitney Sanchez 
  To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU 
  Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2005 5:23 PM
  Subject: Timing for really large groups

  Hi All,

  Apropos to the wonderful thread about the combination of OST with World Cafe or any other method, Claudia Haack and I, along with a dedicated design team and a multitude of volunteers, are preparing for the 2005 Girl Scout National Convention.  

  On October 7, Claudia and I will open the space for up to 2,000 National Council Delegates around the topic of governance.  And for the other 10,000 or so convention participants, "Strategy Cafes" will be open for business throughout the 3 day convention.  In this case, it's not so much a blend of the methods, but rather using two different methods for two different purposes.  

  Regarding the Open Space, we are at the stage where we need to finalize some of the physical/logistics plans that will involve the convention center and we have a few questions about what you would do (or have done for those of you who have facilitated really large events).

  ~  With a group this size, is there anything you would do to expedite the marketplace?  There will be 3 session times available.  We open the space at 8:30.  The first breakout session begins at 10:15 or whenever it starts.

  ~  What is your guess for how long the marketplace will take?  Harrison, you just said - From a standing start -- just sitting in a circle -- to active engagement in something like 15-20 minutes. People rushing to the center of the circle to announce their issues, and everybody else listening hard and figuring out what additional issues need to be raised in order to meet their own needs. That burst of activity might last 30-40 minutes, followed by another 20 minutes of total ordered chaos in the Market place -- and it is off to work -- usually with sufficient time for a cup of coffee, restroom break, or phone call.  Did you, Michael Pannwitz and company find this timing to hold in the Germany 2,000 person event?

  ~  We have the capability to hang one large screen on the same side of the room as the marketplace wall.   Do you see any value in projecting the session topics & times on this screen (as was done in Phx, Harrison)?

  ~ Because the physical distances in this convention center are so vast, it isn't feasible for most people to travel from the breakouts, back to the plenary room to input their reports.  So far, it looks like we have spotty wireless capabilities.  Any suggestions about how and where to place the computers?

  Thanks in advance for your ideas!  

  Christine Whitney Sanchez
  480.759.0262

  2717 E. Mountain Sky Avenue

  Phoenix, AZ  85048-8990

  Claudia Haack
  608.209.6768

  606 Orchard Drive
  Madison, WI  53711

  Triune Milagro, LTD
  VISIT OUR WEBSITE:  www.triunemilagro.com 

  Invoking the wisdom and capacity of the human spirit! 

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