From Sam Kifer
Hi Edwin,
I had a chance to look over some of the training materials.
Here are some comments/suggestions I have so far:
1) Lesson 1
I really like the inclusion of videos to illustrate the idea of empathy and having an empathy circle discussion about the definition of empathy. I'm recalling an empathy circle you did with James Damore where you and him get into a detailed discussion about the definition of empathy and how that may have been misunderstood on his part. That could be a fun clip to show in this lesson as well.
2) Lesson 2 on the Speaker
I don't really have much to add to this one. This role isn't quite as complex as the Listener or Facilitator so may not need as much attention
3) Lesson 3 on the Listener
I added some comments and suggestions to the google document titled "Listener's Role, Tips and Experiences"
I think it could be helpful to include small clips from the wide array of empathy circles you already have recorded to pull out examples of each type of reflection: (Ex: Repeating, Rephrasing, Paraphrasing, Reflection of Feelings, Reflect the Meaning, etc.)
You can also have some clips of what NOT to do (though you might want to get permission first from the person who is being used as a "negative" example).
For example, there were a couple of exchanges between David and Lisa that demonstrate this from this video: https://www.facebook.com/EmpathyCenter/videos/2161028990835490/
4) Lesson 4 on the Facilitator:
Again, can show clips and examples of how or when a facilitator might need to step in to keep the process on track. The same video linked above has a lot of good spots about 14 or 15 minutes in, and again around 83 minutes in
Can do role plays with facilitators where two participants model the process being done incorrectly, and each facilitator gets practice on gently interrupting and correcting everyone to keep it on track.
I assume the text and guide for this lesson is still in process.
OTHER
I did a training with some of the kids at my school for the Empathy Circle group I started there. I printed up a set of scenario cards that each student picked and then had to answer how they would respond. Not sure if something like this would be helpful with adults or translate well into the online format, but I thought I would include some of those example scenarios below:
We are handing each of you a card with example thoughts/feelings or scenario you might encounter during the group. Look at the scenario on your card, and when you are called on, describe what you would do? How do you express this within the guidelines of the group?
Some example cards:
· Ex: You're feeling really nervous about speaking and you're not sure what to say. What can you say when it's your turn to speak? - basically say that you are feeling nervous and you're not sure what to say! Maybe you are worried about how others will perceive you.
· Ex: You're feeling nervous when someone chooses you to listen for them. You're not sure you can accurately reflect back and you're feeling nervous. What do you do? (or, What can you say when it's your turn to speak next?) - basically, share what that was like for you.
· Ex: You're the listener, and the speaker said something you didn't quite understand, and you're not sure how to reflect it back. What can you say or do?
· Ex: you're the listener and the speaker is talking so much and you don't remember what they said. What can you say or do?
· Ex: You're the listener and you really don't like what the speaker is saying. What do you say or do? - continue your job of reflecting back what they are saying, put your feelings on hold, then share them when it is your turn to be the speaker.
· Ex: Speaker says X, and you really think they are doing it all wrong. OR they have the completely wrong idea. You are the listener. What can you say or do? - wait until your turn to speak and share your feelings, but not while you are the listener. Reflect back what they said.
· Ex: You’re the speaker and while the listener is reflecting back you realize they didn’t quite understand what you meant. What can you say or do?
· Ex: You’re the speaker and you said everything you wanted to say, and feel like the listener has fully understood you. What do you say or do next?
· Ex: You’re the speaker and you didn’t get to say everything you wanted to before the time ran out. What do you say or do next?
· Ex: You’re the listener and you zoned out while the speaker was talking. When it’s your turn to reflect back what they said, your mind goes blank. What can you say or do?
· Ex: You’re the Speaker and the Listener completely forgot what you said. What can you say or do next?
· Ex: You’re neither the Speaker or the Listener. The Speaker is saying something that makes you feel some type of way. What can you say or do?