1. TEMPLATE FOR PLANNING A DISCUSSION
NATURE OF THE DISCUSSION
TEMPLATE FOR PLANNING A DISCUSSION
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Closed
Use the template to help you plan the discussion to get an idea of the time and resources required. Go over the objectives of the discussion, plan who will be invited and how, determine a suitable venue and facilities, and prepare for your role as the discussion leader by choosing the leading methods that best suit you.
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Confidential
Other:
NEED FOR THE DISCUSSION
TOPIC OF THE DISCUSSION
OBJECTIVES OF THE DISCUSSION
IMPACT OF THE DISCUSSION
What need does the discussion meet? Why is the discussion organised? What kind of change does the discussion aim to achieve?
What topic do you need to invite the participants to discuss? What topic do you believe the participants will want to discuss? What topic will you write to the invitation?
What kind of topics best meet the need for this discussion? Which are the primary objectives from the viewpoint of the organiser? What are the primary objectives from the viewpoint of the participants and the topic?
To what wider need is the discussion linked? To whom is the content of the discussion important? Who is responsible for further measures after the discussion?
TARGET GROUP AND INTEREST GROUPS
To whom is the issue important and why? Whose life does the issue affect? Who else is interested in the issue? Who influences the decisions?
Who makes the decisions?
Which of the desired target groups do not usually participate?
TIME AND PLACE OF THE DISCUSSION
When and where will the discussion take place? What could be a suitable venue?
What does the venue symbolise? How many participants are you aiming at? Is there room for a circle?
HOW WILL THEY  BE INVITED?
How will you reach your target group?
What will attract them to attend your discussion?
What channels do they follow?
Through whom is it easiest to reach them?
Is one invitation enough or will invitations tailored for different target groups be needed?
PREPARING FOR THE DISCUSSION
What has been said about the topic recently? Whose voice is heard and whose is not?
What is my opinion?
What are good ground rules like? How do I start, steer and end the discussion? How can a successful dialogue be ensured? How will the discussion be documented and summarised?