Method
As PDF

Listening and Speaking

InformParticipateOnboardingUnderstanding & Gathering PerspectivesAnalogue1 - 3 HoursDirectly AffectedInterested PublicSmall Group up to 15Medium Group up to 30SimpleStructured

Listening and Speaking is a structured dialogue method in which participants listen attentively to one another and share their perspectives without interruption. The focus is not on debating or evaluating what is said, but on developing mutual understanding. The method creates a safe and respectful environment in which different perspectives can be expressed openly. It is particularly suitable for sensitive topics, the early stages of conflict resolution, or situations where trust needs to be built.

Goal

The goal of the method is to foster mutual understanding and respectful dialogue. By listening carefully to one another, participants gain insight into different experiences, needs, and perspectives. The method helps build trust, reduce tensions, and create conversations based on empathy rather than persuasion.

When useful?

  • discussing sensitive or emotional topics
  • building mutual understanding
  • exploring different perspectives or conflicts
  • introducing participation processes
  • facilitating in-depth conversations in small groups

When not useful?

  • concrete decisions need to be made
  • rapid results are expected
  • addressing purely factual or technical topics
  • participants are unwilling to listen respectfully

Process

Begin by considering:

  • Which topics should be discussed?
  • Which questions encourage personal reflection and dialogue?

The questions should be:

  • open-ended
  • easy to understand
  • non-judgemental

Examples include:

  • "What experiences shape your everyday life?"
  • "What would you like to see for the future of your neighbourhood?"
  • "Which changes are most important to you?"

The venue should:

  • be quiet
  • create a comfortable atmosphere
  • allow conversations in small groups

Helpful arrangements include:

  • chairs in a circle
  • several small conversation areas

The groups should be positioned so they interfere with each other as little as possible.

The facilitation team explains:

  • the process
  • the discussion guidelines
  • the schedule

Facilitators may also:

  • ensure the discussion guidelines are respected
  • support participants if tensions arise
  • manage the timing
  • document the outcomes

For larger events, each small group may have its own facilitator.

At the beginning of the session, the facilitation team explains:

  • the purpose of the method
  • the overall process
  • the discussion guidelines

Key guidelines include:

  • do not interrupt
  • listen attentively
  • avoid judging or evaluating others
  • speak from your own perspective
  • avoid debate or argument

Important:

The focus is on understanding rather than convincing others.

Participants are divided into small groups, usually consisting of three to four people.

Groups may be formed randomly or intentionally to bring together different perspectives.

One person speaks while the others listen without interruption.

The speaker may:

  • describe personal experiences
  • explain their perspective
  • share thoughts or feelings

The listeners:

  • listen attentively
  • do not ask questions
  • do not interrupt
  • do not comment

Important:

Each participant should receive the same amount of speaking time.

The facilitation team ensures that:

  • speaking times are respected
  • everyone has the opportunity to speak
  • the discussion guidelines are followed

Helpful tools include:

  • a visible timer
  • clearly announced time limits

If it becomes apparent that the allocated speaking time is either too short or too long, it can be adjusted during the session, provided the change is communicated clearly to everyone.

At the end of the conversation rounds, all groups come back together.

During the plenary session, participants may share:

  • impressions
  • key insights
  • common themes

Important:

The focus remains on sharing reflections respectfully rather than evaluating or debating others' contributions.

Record:

  • key themes
  • frequently shared experiences
  • identified needs
  • open questions

Important:

Personal statements should be treated sensitively and anonymised whenever possible.

The results can:

  • inform future participation activities
  • provide a foundation for workshops
  • highlight conflicts or unmet needs

Inform participants about:

  • how the results will be used
  • the next steps in the process

Providing feedback strengthens trust and transparency.

Source: https://mobilitaetsplanung-hessen.de/methodenkoffer-partizipative-planung/

Notes

Tips

  • Allow sufficient time for calm and thoughtful conversations.
  • Apply the discussion guidelines consistently throughout the session.
  • Small groups encourage openness and trust.
  • Facilitators should remain sensitive, neutral, and supportive.
  • Short breaks between conversation rounds can help participants process what they have heard.

Not suitable for

  • voting or rapid decision-making
  • large public debates
  • purely technical topics
  • highly escalated conflicts without experienced facilitation

Similar Methods

FishbowlStructured · ActivatingDynamic FacilitationCreative · Structured

Afterwards

Afterwards, methods that organise, deepen, or translate the gathered content into concrete steps are useful. Depending on the goal, the following formats can follow, for example:

Round Table

A Round Table is a participation method in which representatives of different stakeholder groups come together to discuss a shared issue or conflict. The aim is to make different perspectives visible, foster mutual understanding, and collaboratively develop sustainable solutions or agreements.

StructuredActivating

Workshop

A workshop is a facilitated working session in which participants collaborate to explore a specific question, develop ideas, or create solutions. Depending on its purpose, a workshop can be used to share information, analyse problems, or develop concrete actions. Because all participants are actively involved, it is particularly well suited to the collaborative development of results.

CreativeActivating

Planning Workshop

A Planning Workshop is a participatory method in which residents work together with planning professionals, public authorities, and policymakers on concrete planning projects. During collaborative workshop sessions, participants discuss ideas, identify challenges, and develop proposals that are visualised directly on maps, plans, or physical models. The method is particularly suitable for urban development and design projects where local knowledge and community perspectives should actively inform the planning process.

ActivatingCreative
Bookmarked Methods0 methods

Nothing bookmarked yet.