Basic Lab
Basic Process for ConversationLabs
Reading aloud is part of the lab experience. This enables full participation for those for whom reading English is not a strong area, and for those who are auditory learners. For non-English speakers, lab colleagues who are bi-lingual can participate on their behalf so that none of the stories or ideas are lost to the group.
There are two parts to the basic ConversationLabs, Version 1, and these are outlined below. For Version 2, the group has come together for a particular Arena, such as Parenting Teens with Harmful Habits, so they take up that Arena and choose 3 topic cards. The process is then the same for both Versions.
There are two parts to the basic ConversationLabs
The lab partners lay out the Arenas that are in the plastic sleeves. They choose one and put the others away in the box. All Arenas offer value and unique opportunities.
Then, the 10 Topic Cards are taken out and spread out on the mat. After discussing, the group choose 3 to put in the plastic Topic Card holders that are attached to the mat. Put the others away.
Then they alternate reading aloud the Story Sharing Prompts that are printed on both sides of the Mat.
Linking one Prompt and one Topic Card, each participant crafts a unique story from life – and they have 3 minutes of quiet time to consider what they might like to share. We follow the rule that we go only when we are ready. Participants take 3 minutes of uninterrupted time for their individual stories. The 3-minute sand timer is their guide.
Second, after stretching, they deal out and read aloud the Phrasing Cards. These phrases act as guides to shape the Open Conversation that continues until the hour is up.
Lab Components
Lab Mat
This acts as a hosting space and enables participants to see everything they need. This mat is washable and can be folded in thirds to lay in the bottom of the Lab Box.
There are two sets of directions. The directions are read aloud, step by step, so all have an understanding of the process.
The Story Sharing Prompts
These are printed on the Lab Mat in two directions. These are ten suggested ways for the participants to cultivate a memory that can be woven together with one of the Topic Cards. They are read aloud.
The Arena Cards
The group chooses one of the 8 Arena Cards as the main focus of their conversation.
The Topic Cards
The group lays out the 10 color-coded topic cards and chooses 3 for their conversation.
Topic Card Holders
These 3 plastic rings hold the Topic Cards vertically so that everyone can see them as a reference for their story.
60 Minute Timer
Set at the beginning, it provides the outside limit for the lab.
3 Minute Timer
Acts as a talking stick to identify the time for each person to share his/her story. It is also used to provide the time for participants to craft their story, linking one Topic Card with one Sharing Prompt.
Phrasing Cards
These are suggested ways for participants to join in the Open Conversation in ways that keep the conversation warm, and act to weave together the participants by referring to each other by name.
Blank Arena and Topic Cards
These are for customizing a conversation Arena and Topic Cards, using 3×3 post-its. Use the examples as guides. Avoid using “questions” as they imply “one right answer” and are too convergent for this process. Additional guidance for crafting effective Arena and Topic Cards is available by contacting us at Hello@ConversationLabs.com
The Arena we chose was Money, and one member shared how her father had died recently and she was so grateful to be able to speak about this confusion in the family about money. It was a release as there was no space otherwise.
Lab Participant
Location, Sweden