I agree with the advice too. In my last group where there was a very pregnant pause, one of the participants who felt anxious decided that she should get up and go around the circle and whisper in topics into different person's ears. It created great amusment for the participants and then people got into the spirit. It started by individuals asking questions, then the whole group responded "post it as a topic!". The tension of the opening pause is very difficult, but I agree, no icebreakers (at least not planned ones!!!) Michelle Michelle Cooper The Cooper Group Consultants 200 Crestview Avenue Ancaster, Ontario Canada L9G1E2 Telephone - (905) 648- 4633 Fax - (905) 648-1763
-----Original Message----- From: Chris Kloth [SMTP:kl...@tmn.com] Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 1998 11:01 AM To: osl...@listserv.idbsu.edu Subject: Re: Preconference work Ingrid, while I have had to wait a few times, but was always glad I did. I agree with Birgitt..no ice breakers. Here is a question based on my learning from two of my early open space sessions: how much effort went into clarification of the question or topic? I found that it is important to have a lot of dialogue about the topic during the pre-work. I want to be sure the topic avoids language that implies a hiddent agenda. I like to think of a good topic statement or question being broad enough to be inclusive and focused enough to be actionable if people are so inspired. I also like a little whimsy in the topic. Chris