TABLE HOST GUIDE

TASKS TIPS
Welcome Greet each person with a smile and a handshake as they
arrive at your table.
Introductions Ask each person to introduce themselves, in a go-around
format.
Guidelines or Agreements Gently remind people of the conversation Instructions and
Guidelines
Start the Conversation Read the question out loud and invite participants to
speak—ask, who would like to start? Then go around the
table until everyone has an opportunity to speak.
Encourage Everyone’s Contribution Invite participants to listen deeply, ask clarifying questions,
notice and speak to commonalities and differences, and
reflect. Make space for those who have not spoken yet.
Notes Jot down key ideas, comments, questions. Encourage
participants to write, doodle and draw.
Summarize Summarize key ideas and ask participants if there is
anything else they wish to add.
Offer Thanks Thank participants for engaging in the conversation.

Café Conversation Instructions for Participants:

Join a table with other participants and a host.
Listen for the conversation topic for Round 1. There will be 3 Rounds.
Each round of conversation is 20 minutes.
When time is called, move to a different table for a conversation on a different topic. Listen to
your table Host for the next conversation topic.
Feel free to jot down ideas, draw, or doodle during the conversation.
The table host will keep track of ideas and share with the larger group at the end of the Café
conversation format. Help the host in identifying the key ideas that were shared in your
conversation.

Café Conversation Guidelines:

Speak from the heart: your truth, your experiences, your perspectives.
Listen from the heart: let go of stories that make it hard to hear each other.
Trust that you will know what to say: no need to rehearse.
Say just enough: without feeling rushed, be concise and considerate of the time of others.
It’s ok to pass if you prefer not to speak.
Draw, design, write, share ideas, and have fun.
 World Café conversation menu:

Round 1:
Round 2:
Round 3:

TIPS IN WORKING WITH QUESTION THAT REQUIRE MORE THAN ONE ANSWER:

● Divide your recording sheet into sections that deal with each part of the question.
● Clarify with participants as needed which part of the questions they are answering.
● Be sure to clarify answers as needed or ask folks to repeat themselves.
● Be responsive to the conversation that you are hearing and follow up on threads and
topics where possible and relevant.

IDEAS FOR POTENTIAL FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS FOR HOSTS: (use to stimulate conversation as needed)
Round 1:

Round 2:

Round 3: