Discussion Formats

A carefully chosen discussion format is a prerequisite for achieving the aim and expectations set for the discussion. The Opinion Festival is a place where you can and should experiment with different discussion formats – for some discussions, the best choice is a classic panel discussion, for another discussion, forum theatre helps to better achieve the aim, and a third discussion may require a completely different solution. Scroll down the page to see the formats!

The formats on this page have been selected and described by the Opinion Festival’s good partners DD Stratlab, Change Consulting, SpeakSmart and the Estonian Debating Society. Discussion formats can be searched for based on four criteria: 

1. What is the purpose of the discussion?

Is it desired to bring together different points of view and create greater understanding between them? Or is it desired to open up different positions and give the participants in the discussion a better overview of the problem at hand? Is it possible that the desire is to find a certain common ground between the participants? Or rather to develop a solution to a problem or some other fairly concrete output?

2. Who gets to speak in the discussion?

How inclusive is the discussion – are invited discussants-guests more likely to speak, or are participants, i.e. the audience, more likely to speak? Or is the discussion time divided more or less equally between the two?

3. How conflictual is the topic?

The question here is how different the positions are and how opposed the participants are. Conflict does not mean that people fall out or start arguing and shouting at each other. In this case, by conflict, we mean precisely the fundamental opposition of the participants in the discussion and, consequently, the intensity of the discussion. At the other end of the scale are discussions where the participants are more or less of one mind and therefore the discussion is rather neutral.

4. How broad is the topic?

Is a very narrow and therefore specific question being discussed, or is a broader and more general topic under discussion?

Find a suitable discussion format

Use the search engine and find the most suitable discussion format for you. If you get stuck, want answers to questions or some additional tips, please contact your discussion area coordinator, who will be able to help you themselves or put you in touch with either the Opinion Festival’s discussion design mentor or the partners behind the adaptation of these formats.

What is the Purpose of the Discussion?
Who Gets to Speak?
How Conflicting is the Topic?
How Broad is the Topic?
Debate
Engagement
Intensity
Debate is a suitable format for discussions where the aim is to open up a topic from two different points of view. The aim is to create an opportunity for participants to present opposing reasoned opinions, through which the resulting lively and meaningful discussion illustrates the different facets of the discussion topic. The aim of debates is not to find consensual solutions.
Open Up Perspectives
INACTIVE PARTICIPATION
Playful Solutions for Conducting Discussions
Engagement
Intensity
Here, participants use various objects, such as Lego, memo papers, newspaper clippings, etc., to express their thoughts. This is a very good format for promoting creativity, equal participation and cooperation, suitable for finding new ideas, understanding problems and making decisions.
Finding Solutions
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
Mini Case Studies
Engagement
Intensity
The mini case study solution is a great discussion format for finding new solutions and introducing different points of view, as they allow participants to deal with a specific, well-defined and real-life situation. It encourages participants to consider practical solutions that can be applied in similar situations and to share their experiences of similar situations.
Finding Solutions
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
Panel Discussion
Engagement
Intensity
The panel discussion is a great format for introducing different points of view, it allows several experts or stakeholders to share their views, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the topic under discussion. However, in order to understand the problem more deeply and find possible solutions through a panel discussion, it is important to involve panellists with different experiences and backgrounds.
Open Up Perspectives
INACTIVE PARTICIPATION
Round Table or Focus Group
Engagement
Intensity
A focus group has a common topic and stakeholders are represented there. The round table method is for finding solutions, therefore this discussion is more intensive, because it is necessary to reach somewhere or agree on something within a limited time.
Finding Solutions
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
Hot Seat
Engagement
Intensity
Using this format, the discussion can become quite heated, sharp and perhaps uncomfortable questions are asked to the speakers. Therefore, audience interest can be quite high. This format can also be used to raise awareness on a very interesting topic - with the help of questions asked in the discussion, the topic can be widely opened and made clearer to many.
Open Up Perspectives
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
Aquarium
Engagement
Intensity
This is a moderated and structured group discussion format for exploring a confusing topic. Representatives of audience subgroups are "on stage" and speaking, they can also be exchanged. Participant involvement is very high. Well combined with "free discussion" and common ground finding formats. It can also be a discussion form or method within another format.
Creating Understanding
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
Sociodrama
Engagement
Intensity
This method is suitable for exploring complex topics and examining them empathetically from different perspectives and stakeholder viewpoints. The audience is actively engaged. Various roles, viewpoints, parties, and interest groups express their positions and switch roles during the process. Spokespersons for subgroups can be either spontaneously chosen by the group or designated by the organiser.
Creating Understanding
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
Strategic Discussions
Engagement
Intensity
Seda formaati saab kasutada siis, kui on eesmärgiks saada mõni konkreetne väljund. Kas sisend mõnda dokumenti või ettepanekud lahendusteks või muu strateegilise protsessi osa.
Finding Solutions
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
Finding Common Ground
Engagement
Intensity
The aim of this format is to help bridge divides on polarised topics.
Finding Common Ground
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
Reverse Panel
Engagement
Intensity
This format is useful when you want high audience engagement while also incorporating expert insights.
Creating Understanding
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
Classic Aquarium
Engagement
Intensity
The Classic Aquarium format is suitable when the goal is to engage participants in discussion while keeping the conversation focused and outcome-driven.
Creating Understanding
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
Moderated Free-form Discussion without Speakers
Engagement
Intensity
This format may be well suited if there is a desire to get participants thinking as freely and creatively as possible about a complex (but not quite polarising) topic.
Creating Understanding
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
Game Show or Champions' Battle
Engagement
Intensity
This discussion can be fun, at least interesting to watch, as the audience can participate in various ways and express their opinion by voting. One topic is explored to examine and clash different points of view and worldviews. Allows for relatively short remarks or answers.
Open Up Perspectives
INACTIVE PARTICIPATION


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