How does it work? Format description
The moderator asks the audience a question – “What do I know about this topic and what is my position?” It could be a topic where there are more than two different positions. Positions are briefly introduced.
People with similar positions gather together and choose one representative from among themselves. Representatives of different positions come on stage and sit in a circle (they are in the so-called aquarium).
A so-called meeting or consultation begins, where, under the guidance of the moderator, everyone in the aquarium is given the floor, who then discuss the topic from different points of view. In between, representatives of positions can also be exchanged in the aquarium, and representatives should be able to consult with their group in between or at least at the end.
What do the participants in the discussion do?
The audience is involved immediately, because they have to divide according to their position. During the aquarium, the audience cheers for their representative, if necessary, they can also replace their group’s representative or give him advice.
If there are invited speakers in the discussion, what do they do?
The discussants are representatives of subgroups identified and spontaneously elected from the audience. There are no separately invited discussants.
What is the role of the moderator?
The moderator should think of 4–5 different positions in connection with a specific topic. These positions can also come from the audience, but then it may happen that they need to be clarified or slightly supplemented or adjusted by the moderator.
Number and profile of participants in the discussion?
There should be around 20 participants, then division can be better controlled. Participants should have their own opinion on the given topic.
If you feel you need advice on choosing or applying a discussion format, please contact your discussion area coordinator.