Follow these 5 steps for an enjoyable, informative and inspiring conversation:
Step 1. Read this Beyond Sexism conversation catalyst
Humanity’s demand for ecological resources is exceeding the Earth’s ability to regenerate those resources. We maintain the deficit by continuing to dig out resources and accumulate waste, particularly in the form of CO2. Humanity is currently using resources 1.7 times faster than the planet’s ability to regenerate. That’s like a family spending 1.7 times more than the income they earn.
There is a common tendency to ‘point-the-finger’ at others. It is perhaps more useful to focus on ourselves. Travel is the third largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Australia and is a form of resource depletion most humans regularly take part in:
- large cruise ships, such as the Sun Princess, can use 300,000 litres of low grade fuel per day emitting carbon emissions way higher than flying or driving
- a Boeing Jumbo burns an average of 15,000 litres/hour
- a 6.7lt RAM Laramie uses 14 litres of diesel per 100km
- a Toyota Corolla uses 4 litres of fuel per 100km
The most effective conversations about resource depletion are less about what others should do and more about what we will do.
Step 2: How does that make everyone feel?
Go around each person in turn and get their feelings associated with the Convo Catalyst… with NO interruptions, responses or comments from anyone else.
NOTES:
– get each person to start by saying “I feel… “
– feelings are short words to describe our interaction with an experience e.g. I feel… hot, cold, sad, happy, hungry, annoyed, excited
Step 3: What are everyone’s thoughts?
Go around in turn again and get each person to share their thoughts associated with the Convo Catalyst… again with NO interruptions, responses or comments from anyone else.
NOTES:
– get each person to start with “My thoughts are… “
– thoughts are a description of an experience e.g. the temperature is 42deg; there is a blizzard blowing; it’s my birthday party; I haven’t eaten for a day; I’m stuck in traffic; I’m going on holiday
Step 4: Go around again and give each person a set amount of time e.g. 2 mins to ask questions about what others have said.
Be curious about where people are at. Particularly if they have different opinions.