Activating the quiet participants in the discussion

  • As the discussion progresses, in your mind, pay attention to who has not said anything, yet.
  • Say that you hope as many participants as possible would participate in the discussion. “For a successful dialogue, it is usually important that as many people as possible participate in the discussion. This does not mean that everyone must speak equally much, but that everyone has a chance to speak if they wish.”
  • Stop the conversation for a moment and say you would like to hear what the people who have not said anything yet have in mind. “We have already heard some of you. Therefore, next I will ask what those of you who have not said anything yet have in mind?”
  • If the group is large or the atmosphere is tense, you can steer the participants to talk in pairs or small groups for a moment. After that, you can ask especially those people to speak who have until then been quiet. “With the people next to you, talk about what kind of thoughts this discussion has up to now evoked in you. Then we can also hear thoughts from those who have not spoken yet.”

More tools

  • Ready-made Dialogue Scripts

    On this page, you will find script templates for Timeout Dialogues. You can use these to prepare and facilitate your own Timeout Dialogue.
  • Activities Before a Timeout Dialogue

    Timeout Dialogues can be prepared through various exercises. In this material package, you will find exercises for breaking the ice and practicing listening skills.
  • Timeout Facilitator Support Material

    Get ready for the dialogue with this support material, believe in yourself – you’ve got this!
All tools