Chat or Talk Shows

Brief Description:
The chat show encourages participants to share experiences in an informal, fun environment. Because it requires minimal preparation of participants, the chat show can be initiated in a workshop where participants don't yet know each other or the organisers. The chat show's open circle layout encourages greater participation than a fishbowl and, due to its informal nature, and is less intimidating than a panel discussion.

History:
The chat show as a knowledge sharing methodology was developed collaboratively by Allison Hewlitt (Bellanet), Geoff Barnard and Catherine Fisher (IDS) and used during the "Knowledge Sharing for Development: Africa Regional Program" workshop organised by GDN in February 2005.

When to use:
- An alternative to a keynote or formal podium presentation.
- A chance to weave ideas between participants and dig down for key issues.
- A way to draw out stories from people without them having to do a lot of preparation.

How to use:
- Chat show host (the livelier, the better!).
- 3-4 guests.
- General audience. Audience can be any size, but smaller sized audiences encourage participation.

Layout:
Chairs to seat audience and guests are laid out in a semi-circle, double semi-circle if necessary. A chair for the host is placed at the front with guest chairs alongside.

Process:

• Allow for 60-90 minutes.
• Host, sitting on a chair at the front, welcomes the audience and introduces the theme of show.
• Host provides an introduction that sustains the chat show metaphor (e.g., "My first guest will be well known to you, he was formerly...") and, soliciting applause from the audience, invites the first guest to come forward.
• Host asks the guest three questions, probing for interesting details
• Host invites the next guest and repeats the process. The questions may be identical for all three guests or tailored to each one.
• Host invites questions from audience.
• Host directs several controversial questions to all three guests and encourages debate among them.
• Host does not take notes during the chat show itself, but waits until the end of the chat show to offer a summary reflection.
• If possible, the chat show is recorded (audio/vidoe) to share with others.

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regards & salam

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Megat Zainurul Anuar bin Megat Johari
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