Run the conversation
1-2-4-All
Think alone, then in pairs, then in fours, then as a whole group, so every voice shapes the answer before the room converges.
- Time12 to 20 minutes
- People4 to 100 people
- Steps4
What it's for
Open discussion in a big group is dominated by a few people. 1-2-4-All starts with a minute of silent thinking, then builds up in stages, so ideas are tested and improved in small groups before anyone presents to the room. It scales from a team of six to a hall.
Use it for any question where you want everyone's thinking, not just the first few people to speak.
How to run it
1: alone1 min
Everyone answers the question silently on notes.
2: in pairs2 min
Pairs build on each other's ideas and keep the best.
4: in fours4 min
Two pairs combine, noting similarities and differences.
All: the room5 min
Each four shares one standout idea. Collect them in the last frame.
Tips
- Keep the time-boxes strict. Short time is what keeps the energy up.
- In the final round, ask each group for one idea that hasn't been said yet.
Where it comes from
One of the Liberating Structures developed by Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless, described in The Surprising Power of Liberating Structures (2013).
Pairs well with
Brainwriting 6-3-5
Six people write three ideas each, then pass them on to be built on, five rounds over, for up to 108 ideas in half an hour.
Lean Coffee
A meeting with no fixed agenda: people propose topics, vote, and discuss them in order in short time-boxes.
Check-in round
Everyone says how they are arriving before the work starts, so the room knows who is tired, distracted or keen.