Some variations for the World Café format

Originally posted by Nancy Margulies - May 22, 2008 in the Old Community Space:

I recently hosted a World Café for a group of bankers. After 3 rounds I noticed their energy dropping so I made up an activity that turned out to be a fun addition:

I asked one person from each table to stand and then announced that those standing were amazing consultants who would soon show up to "consult" with a new table. These consultants were unique because they only ask questions. The standing people joined new tables and as they questioned the group about their opinions and ideas it added new energy to the process.

I also tried something new that can be modified and used with other groups: On one flip chart paper I wrote "Teen-agers" and on another "30-somethings" and on another "People in their 60"" etc. There were 5 flip chart papers (posted on the walls) and 5 tables. Everyone moved around the room and wrote on each paper words or phrases that describe that age group's passions. Then each table was given one of the papers (filled with ideas about the passion of one specific age group) and asked to design a bank that would appeal to that specific segment of the population. Each table shared their ideas with the whole group at the end of that round. The result was a great deal of creative ideas and another boost in levels of engagement.