INGLÉS PARA

INTÉRPRETES II
 WARM UP…

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Roundtable Discussion

Roundtable discussions
are small group, often
closed, deliberative
techniques where ideas
are equally exchanged
by participants on a
given topic.
Problems and Purpose

Roundtable Discussions are small group discussions where everybody

has an equal right to participate. This method can encompass several
different formats; roundtables are a form of academic discussion, used
as a technique for community and public engagement, and may also be
used by organizations and businesses.
Roundtables are generally not open to the wider public but involve a
relatively small number of participants who discuss or deliberate on a
topic that is usually identified beforehand. The key principle
underpinning a roundtable is that all participants are on equal footing.
Problems and Purpose
Roundtable discussions are distinct from the Magic Roundtable, which
is a specific deliberative technique. This entry refers to roundtables in a
general sense, the implementation of which will vary in practice.
The general purpose of a roundtable is to hold a close discussion and
exploration of a specific topic. A roundtable, holding all participants on
equal footing, aims to confront issues rather than people . The
individual aim of a roundtable discussion will vary in practice.
Roundtables are used as one-off events, as series, as a tool within
broader participatory processes, and as established, ongoing meetings.
Origins and Development
Whilst the term was coined from King Arthur’s legendary round table
where knights congregated, the roundtable as an engagement is somewhat
more recent, arising in the 1980s “out of a need for consensus-building to
identify problems and seek solutions in the relationship between formal
decision makers (such as governments & judiciaries) and other sectors of
society (such as environmental groups, community groups & other
interest groups)”. Nonetheless, the roundtable’s legendary origins are still
relevant, since the round shape of the table meant that no one person sat
at the head, and everyone seated was of equal stature.
 Generally participant
numbers at a roundtable are
How it relatively small, with 10-12
Works people. However, larger
numbers are manageable if
participants are split up into
smaller groups. (7-8 people).
 Participant demographics
will vary according to the
HOW IT WORKS purpose and need of the
organizer. Roundtables often
involve stakeholders and
stakeholder organizations
who are invited by the
organizer. They are not
usually open to the public
(as observers), although
members of the public may
take part.
 Participants are usually invited by
the organizer a few weeks in
advance of an event. Given the
HOW IT WORKS range of contexts in which
roundtables are used, participants
may comprise stakeholder or
community organizations, business
people, employees and employers,
professional associations and others
.
In some cases, participants may be
recruited through promotion and
advertising of the event [5]. This is
more likely should the target
participants be members of the
public, or for an academic
roundtable discussion.
 A topic for a roundtable has usually been
identified in advance. Selecting the topic and
scope can be tricky as it must be clearly
defined, yet allow the opportunity for open
and natural discussion otherwise the
conversation can dry up during the roundtable.
Some guidelines suggest drawing up an
agenda beforehand [2], splitting the topic into
smaller areas for a more structured discussion
[6], or focusing on specific goals as with the
San Francisco Urban-Rural Roundtable.
WHAT ABOUT
THE TOPIC?
 Roundtables will generally make use of a facilitator
or chair for the discussion, but this person should
not lead or direct the discussion. The facilitator’s
role is to try and ensure that everyone is included
ACTORS?
equally in the discussion and to keep the discussion
on track, through reminding the group of the time or
gently steering the conversation if it goes too far off
track. Again, this will depend on the scope and aims
of each roundtable.
TIMING
The time allotted for a roundtable
… discussion can also impact how exactly the
discussion evolves. Given a limited time,
participants may choose to work towards a
specific goal or outcome, or instead spend
the discussion on broader reflections
without the impetus to achieve a specific
output. However, this will also depend on
the scope of the topic and the aim of the
organizers. It is essential that the facilitator
is mindful of time to avoid participants’
frustration if the discussion is cut short—
especially if it is a one-off meeting.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
•Listening to others—no interruptions when people are
speaking.
•No other discussions whilst someone is talking.
•Everyone participating actively.
•No domination.
•Differences in opinion are not expressed or taken personally.
•Maintaining a civil tone and atmosphere.
ADVANTAGE AND
DISADVANTAGE..
Roundtables have an advantage of standard hearings in that they
usually follow a relatively strict process which can make for a more
effective discussion. They are also relatively inexpensive to run.
One disadvantage is that the small number of participants and the
fact that they are usually invited leaves a roundtable vulnerable to
criticism from those not present: why should those outside the room
accept the outcomes of a discussion they were unable to participate
in?
EXAMPLE
Watch the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWyDCLNbcf0