What is a Conversation Café?
Conversation Cafés are lively hosted conversations among small groups of people with diverse views but a shared passion for engaging with others. Held in public spaces like cafés, restaurants and bookstores, Conversation Cafés provide an open forum to talk about important topics over a cup of coffee or tea.
People of every philosophical, political and personality stripe circle up around tables and steaming beverages to earnestly shift from small talk to BIG talk. Everyone is welcome. There's nothing to join. Anyone can come, just once or many times. There are no books to read, no assignments, and no dues (except a bite to eat at the café).
A few consistent elements allow a "new way of talking" that shifts from small talk to BIG talk:
Hosts : One or two people are on hand to greet people, orient them to the process and launch the conversation.
- Agreements : 6 principles common to most dialogue and circle groups guide the conversations:
. Suspend judgment as best you can
. Respect one another
. Seek to understand rather than persuade
. Invite and honor diversity of opinion
. Speak what has personal heart and meaning
. Go for honesty and depth without going on and on- A simple process : The Conversation Cafés adapt two ancient traditions: the talking-stick circle and deep dialogue. Two rounds of speaking without interruption introduce a quality of listening and reflecting that opens people to themselves and one another. People can pass if they like. They can be silent as their way of speaking. Then a lively conversation happens, keeping in mind the agreements to inquire rather than assert and debate. At the end, a final 'talking stick' round anchors for each participant the gems they are taking away.
Talk to strangers?
Yes, it's easy at Conversation Cafés. You don't have to be 'in the know.' You don't have to read a book. You don't have to join an organization. You don't even have to think up a good opening line. Skilled hosts lead you through a simple process that helps you shift from small talk to BIG talk and discover the magic of great conversation. No committees will be formed.
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