The Fishbowl: A New Way to Facilitate Difficult Conversations

The traditional “panel” is evolving: Fishbowls showcase a new method for facilitating difficult conversations. The Fishbowl format puts 4 speakers and an empty chair in the middle of the room. The moderator sets the rules; among them, that speakers contribute from their personal experiences, not from their “expertise,” their group, or their company. Audience members can take the empty chair when they feel their viewpoint isn’t represented. Other specific rules apply in this format: audience members learn how to facilitate this new format.

Steven Huang, Head of Diversity & Inclusion at Culture Amp