Praxis
"One Hour, Many Voices" – the discussion game in Hesse
"One Hour, Many Voices" – the discussion game from the Bonn Institute has attracted strong interest in Hesse. Shortly before the local elections, Hessischer Rundfunk implemented the format in three cities.
Around 700 people applied for approximately 300 spots. In moderated discussion rounds, participants explored key societal topics such as migration, mobility, climate protection, intergenerational fairness, loneliness, as well as urban development and housing.
The conversations highlighted the format’s potential: different perspectives came together, were heard, and discussed respectfully. The goal of the dialogue game is to bring people into conversation and promote constructive exchange.
Overview of "One Hour, Many Voices"
"One Hour, Many Voices" works like a cooperative board game: Clear rules, concrete questions, and physical materials help structure the discussion.
The game is designed to be used in a wide variety of situations, from a small group with just a few participants around a single table to a large hall with dozens of people seated at many tables. Each table focuses on a specific topic. The discussions are facilitated by moderators who distribute speaking time fairly and ensure that everyone at the table is seen and heard.
"One Hour, Many Voices" is about better understanding different perspectives – not about persuading others that you are right or coming up with perfect solutions.
