Our voice2dialogue process offers an innovative way forward when dialogue is needed. We create an environment where adversaries can unmask, and see their opponent with a human face.
We facilitate a dialogue process which allows conflicting views, feelings and attitudes to be shared and addressed safely and positively. By representing the voice of each stakeholder group on a page, we assist parties to identify unspoken issues, open lines of communication, build understanding and identify options for action.
Prior to dialogue, we use our research to capture the voices of stakeholders on all sides. We then map out a faithful representation of their opinions and stories in a voice-map. Authentic, yet anonymous, these voices can stimulate dialogue, even in groups with power differences or breakdown in communication. Anonymity helps ensure an issue is brought to the table, when a participant does not wish to articulate his/her position personally.
Voice-maps are a starting point for face-to-face dialogue. They can bring people together to establish communication and facilitate discovery. Voice-maps can form the basis for stakeholder discussion about practical recommendations once research is complete. They can also be integrated into an action research cycle.
Alternatively, the dialogue process itself can be used as a research tool, giving focus-group activities more concrete outcomes than traditional reporting alone.
Our voice2dialogue process can assist with community harmony projects, conflicts within organisations, consumer participation processes and stakeholder exchange.
Whilst dialogue stands alone successfully, it is sometimes better to accompany or replace it by other approaches, such as advocacy or mediation. We will advise whether dialogue, or an alternative approach, will best address a situation.