Re: Info for Sessions #3 & #4
Hi Everyone,
Here are some information sheets to help you review and prepare for the next session. You will be asked to present the “How-to”, so you can review that here. The other two pages are material that Lou developed to help you think about the facilitation process and challenges that may arise.
All the Best,
Bill
How-To: Basic Empathy Circle
In a Circle of 3 to 5 Participants
the first person selects who they will speak to;
they speak about whatever comes up for them for a set time (typically 3-5 min);
the listener reflects back what they are hearing until the speaker feels heard to their satisfaction.
then it is the listener’s turn to select who they will speak to and for that new listener to reflect back what they are hearing.
everyone helps hold the circle process by monitoring and sticking to the steps. The dialog continues around the circle like this for the time allotted.
Speaker Tips
Select who will listen to you. Good to spread is around to include everyone. But it’s your choice.
Pause often to give the listener a chance to reflect what they heard. Check if they understood you to your satisfaction. If not say it again, maybe in different words. until you feel understood.
When you are done talking and you feel heard, you can say “I’m fully heard” to indicate that you are done with your turn.
Active Listener/Reflector
You may ask the speaker to pause periodically so you can reflect what you heard.
In your own words reflect back the essence of what you hear the speaker saying.
Refrain from asking questions, judging, analyzing, detaching, diagnosing, advising or sympathizing. When it’s your turn to speak, you can say anything you want.
Silent Listeners
Listen and be present to the exchange between the speaker and active listener/reflector. You will soon have a turn to actively listen and speak.
The group may choose a particular topic or issue to discuss, however, every participant may talk about whatever s/he wants to share with the group and be heard.
More at EmpathyCircle.com
<Empathy Circle Facilitator Guide.pdf>
<Typical Facilitator Problems.pdf>