Timing for really large groups

Christine Whitney Sanchez milagro27 at cox.net
Wed Jun 15 15:15:07 PDT 2005


It is strange and wonderful, Harrison.  Quite the mystery that no matter how
large the group, opening the space takes about the same amount of time.

Thanks for the tip to break in with a smile for the no speeches reminder.
Wish I had that hat of yours to lend the right tone :-)

And yes, their NAME.  In my own experience as a participant, I sometimes
forget the topic but do remember who posed it, especially if I happen to
know the folks in the room.

We will have several good folks available at the marketplace wall to remind
people to put their names on their topic and to please, smile, take their
seats.  Which reminds me, in a group this size, once the negotiating of
time/space is complete, did you suggest that participants indicate the
sessions they are intending to attend by writing their name on the topic
sheet?

Christine

Christine Whitney Sanchez
Triune Milagro, LTD
480.759.0262
VISIT OUR WEBSITE:  www.triunemilagro.com

Invoking the wisdom and capacity of the human spirit!

  -----Original Message-----
  From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU]On Behalf Of Harrison
Owen
  Sent: Wednesday, June 15, 2005 4:04 AM
  To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
  Subject: Re: Timing for really large groups


  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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