Example script for the beginning of a dialogue

“Welcome everyone.

The purpose of this discussion is that we learn from each other and hear each participant’s points of view and experiences of the issue we will be discussing. The intention is not to persuade, argue or convince the others about our own view, but to allow room for different perspectives and build an understanding based on each other’s comments.

The objective of this discussion is to build a new view on the issue discussed and learn from each other. I hope you will gain a new understanding of what is important to the others and a deeper understanding of what is important to you.

As the leader of this discussion, I will steer the discussion and ensure that everyone will have a chance to speak and that we observe the ground rules for the discussion. (Go over the rules). Does everyone find these rules acceptable?”