Praxis
"One hour, many voices" finds success in Hesse
The discussion game from the Bonn Institute attracted strong interest and positive feedback in Hesse. Hessischer Rundfunk implemented the format in three cities in the central German state in the lead-up to local elections.
Around 700 people applied for the approximately 300 spots that were available in the three cities where the discussion game "One hour, many voices" was hosted. The events were hosted by Hessischer Rundfunk, the state's public broadcaster. In moderated discussion rounds, participants explored key societal topics such as migration, mobility, climate protection, intergenerational fairness, loneliness, urban development and housing.
The conversations highlighted the format's potential: different perspectives came together, were heard and respectfully discussed. The goal of the dialogue game is to bring people into conversation with each other 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.
