Timeout is a dialogue method for people from different backgrounds. It is as its best with a group of six to twenty five. Timeout is always a facilitated discussion. The facilitator will take care of the constructiveness of the discussion. Great support for the facilitator and the participants are the Ground rules for a constructive dialogue, made by Timeout.
You can use Timeout-dialogue whenever a deeper understanding of the topic or an equal encounter is required – for instance, as a part of preparations, decision-making or bringing different people together.
However, dialogue does not fit in all situations, and it should not be confused with negotiations or decision-making. Instead, use dialogue as part of the above when there is a need to better understand the topic or the field of operation.
Timeout offers an opportunity to pause and consider things in peace. The tools help you invite the ones who do not usually take part in conversations.
With the tools you can practice how to facilitate a dialogue with small steps. As your experience grows, you can become a dialogue expert! You do not have to understand everything at once. Get the hang of a few guiding measures first, and expand your knowledge one dialogue at a time. There is no reason to have cold feet, as anybody can learn.
A Timeout discussion has been successful when an equal encounter and mutual trust have been created, and the participants’ understanding of the topic has grown.
Timeout breeds a feeling of inclusion between the participants and in societal inclusion in general. Moreover, it provides a deeper understanding of the topic in question and of different perspectives. At best, it generates unpredictable insights and new thinking. The goal is not unanimity.
Being on the same level is crucial. Instead of aiming at a consensus, it is important to highlight the different starting points, so that diversity can be considered and accepted.
Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Former Director General for Finnish National Agency for Education
Before a Timeout dialogue
A clear objective helps to define why the discussion is being held. Here are some questions which can help you forward with planning your own Timeout!
- What need does the dialogue meet?
- What would be a good topic?
- Where would the Timeout discussion happen? What would be a good place for the participants?
- Who should you invite to discuss?
- Who are usually left out? Invite them, too!
- Who facilitates the discussion? Should someone write things down?
- What are the right questions to help the discussion forward?
- What is expected to happen after the discussion?
- How do you ask for feedback?
When you have considered these questions, it’s easier to start! You can find more help in the Tools section.
Timeout can be used by cities, organisations, NGO’s, enterprises, schools and universities, the media, politicians, parties or local and regional governments as well as religious and denominational communities.
Timeout enthusiasts
The Timeout Template
- Welcoming words and getting to know each other
- Ground rules for a constructive discussion
- Introduction for the theme
- Buzzing in pairs and/or self reflection
- Joint dialogue
- Themes to be discussed further
- Buzzing in pairs and/or self reflection
- Joint dialogue
- Reflecting on the insights
- Sharing your insights with others
- Wrapping up
- What happens after the dialogue
- Thank you
Already more than 141 000 people around Finland and abroad have taken part in different Timeout dialogues!
Timeout Foundation
Ground rules for a constructive discussion by Timeout
- Listen to others without interrupting or having side conversations. “Everyone will have the opportunity to share their thoughts in peace today. Let’s make sure we don’t interrupt one another or start side conversations. Let’s stay present in this moment and focus on each other. Please keep phones away during the dialogue.”
- Share your own experiences and perspectives. “To better understand the topic — and one another — it’s helpful to share personal reflections and experiences related to the theme. This might mean talking about situations or events that have shaped our viewpoints. Feel free to continue from where the previous person left off.”
- Allow room for unfinished thoughts and different viewpoints. “Together, we’ll explore this theme and the perspectives it brings up. No one needs to have the right answers. It’s okay not to agree — during or after the dialogue. Let’s also bring up things that may have been overlooked and ask each other open questions.”
- Respect others and keep the dialogue confidential. “Let’s value the dignity of everyone — including those who aren’t present today. Respect doesn’t mean accepting discriminatory words or actions. There’s no need to debate or try to win. Keeping the dialogue confidential allows everyone to speak openly and freely.”