Replace Your Stale Panel Discussion with a Dynamic Fishbowl Session

Are you in search of a dynamic and engaging alternative to traditional panel discussions or moderated conversations?

Consider the Fishbowl method. This facilitation technique breathes life into group dialogues, blending the expertise of selected speakers with the vibrant input of the audience.

The fishbowl is a useful alternative to a lecture or moderated panel discussion.

At its core, the Fishbowl setup consists of a central group of discussants focusing on a specific topic, encircled by listeners. What sets it apart is its openness to audience participation; attendees are not just passive observers but are encouraged to join the discussion, share their insights, and ask questions.

This fluid exchange of ideas not only diversifies the conversation but also democratizes the knowledge-sharing process, making it a more inclusive and interactive experience for everyone involved.

How does the Fishbowl work?

Chairs are arranged as shown in the image below.

Persons seated in the outer circle observe and listen. Once someone wishes to join the discussion, they take a seat on the white (empty) chair.

The red chairs are panelists who remain seated throughout the entire conversation.The intention is for the white chair to be a "rotating" one. That is, it should be vacated as soon as someone new wishes to join the conversation.

What About a Virtual Fishbowl?

You can adapt the tool for your virtual meetings. Use a video conferencing tool that allows for breakout rooms and spotlight features. This enables you to create a "center stage" for speakers and an "outer circle" for listeners, mimicking the physical arrangement of a traditional Fishbowl.

To manage time and transitions smoothly, make sure to brief your panelists, or "fish" on how they will share the stage. This ensures a seamless start to the discussion and sets the tone for participation.

Leverage virtual backgrounds or icons to differentiate between the speakers and the listeners. This visual distinction helps maintain the structure of the Fishbowl and makes it easier for participants to follow.

Encourage active listening by allowing the outer circle to submit questions or comments through the chat feature. Periodically, pause the discussion to address these inputs, ensuring everyone feels involved.

Plan for smooth transitions by announcing when a speaker's time is up and inviting listeners from the outer circle to join the discussion. This keeps the conversation dynamic and inclusive.

My tips for use of the tool

My experience with the tool has been good. However, I have had audiences who are shy with no one wanting to be the first person to sit in the inner circle on the empty chair.

I plan for this by briefing a few persons beforehand to take the empty seat if it is vacant for too long.

Additionally, the facilitator has to give clear instructions at the start to prevent confusion.

In sum...

Whether you're aiming to foster deeper understanding, generate a variety of perspectives, or simply keep your audience engaged, the Fishbowl method offers a refreshing and effective solution.

What's been your experience with the Fishbowl? Let me hear in the comments section below.