Remove all the tables and seat people facing each other in groups of four (try to keep groups to four – much bigger and the conversation can break into sub- groups)

Identify a group host and explain their role (to stay in the same place and to welcome new people to the group NB: their role is NOT to keep notes) I usually ask participants to find the person in the group who lives furthest away (or something similar), ask them to put their hand up and suggest that the person sitting to their right is the group host

Introduce the topic and explain that there will be three 10- minute conversations. Have the topic written up so everyone can refer to it

After the first 10 minutes is up, ring a bell and invite everyone except the group host to find a new group of four. Encourage mixing.

Repeat the last step after another 10 minutes

You can have groups discuss the same question over three rounds, or you can modify the question each time to explore a different aspect of the topic.

After the final round, ask groups to stay as they are and ask for 3- 5 important ideas that emerged from their conversations – these can be written on large A5 stickies and used for a follow-up process if necessary