Conversation Mapping
Conversation Mapping
Conversation Mapping is a simple way to document diverse perspectives in relationship to each other around a topic. It is a gentle way to surface divergent viewpoints and explore how these interact. It is also an important tool to decrease the influence of strong voices in a group setting and enable space for diverse contributions. In this tool, a small group tracks their conversation on paper as it unfolds in real time, and then has an opportunity to converge their thinking and understanding around the topic relating to key themes that have emerged from the discussion.
*Note: Adapted from Bruce McKenzie’s description of Conversation Mapping
Accessibility
This activity requires participants to engage is sensemaking and pattern recognition
This activity requires participants to engage is social learning
This activity requires participants to write or draw on their own
This activity requires ample space to move around a room
Output: The output from the process produces a butchers paper of connected thoughts. It can be captured digitally through tools such as MURAL, IDEAFLIP, or MIRO. Additionally another butchers paper will document convergent key insights from the conversation, which can be typed up.
This is a Tool: indicates a very small, contained, activity, which only has 1-2 steps. You'll apply this exactly the same way each time you use it.
Investment: low cost, low resources, low skill, medium time
Outcomes
- Documentation of divergent perspectives and how they sit in relationship to one another
- Documentation on convergent insights from the topic
- Social learning process amongst participants
- Awareness of diverse perspectives on the topic
When and Why Do I Use This
Perspectives
Use conversation mapping to help participants become aware of diverse perspectives relating to a common topic and understand how those perspectives sit in relationship to each other. Importantly, conversation mapping can enable social learning and strengthening of relationships amongst participants as perspectives are shared in a written format as opposed to verbally, this slower process can support deeper consideration of diverse ways of understanding.