Standards of Support

Taken from Lee Glickstein, Be Heard Now! Page 215

 

 

A circle is as effective as the room is safe. For optimal safety and best results for all, we agree to maintain the following standards of support:

Confidentiality

  • We do not take contents of talk outside of the circle, unless we have specific permission.

While a person is presenting we as audience members , to the best of our ability:

  • Maintain soft positive focus on the face of speaker.

  • Remain quiet except for laughter if it comes up naturally.

  • Do not take notes or engage in any other distracting behaviour.

  • Do not respond out loud, even if asked a question by speaker.

When giving feedback we do:

  • Keep it brief (no more than seconds) and clear.

  • Frame it absolutely in the positive.

  • Talk about our own feelings.

While giving feedback we do not:

  • Discuss content of the talk.

  • Talk about the speakers life.

  • Evaluate or compare this talk with previous talks they’ve given.

  • Analyse, coach or advise.

  • Turn attention to ourselves.

When receiving feedback we:

  • Just receive the feedback into our heart the best we can.

  • Do not make comments to the people giving feedback, beyond ‘thank you’.

During breaks and after circle:

  • We are sensitive about initiating conversations with others based on eth content of their talks. This includes good ideas, prying questions, and unsolicited advice.

Talk content:

  • The only restriction on talk content is that it not reflect negatively on anyone present.

If you are unwilling or unable to maintain any of these Standards of Support, please bring it to the attention of the Circle Facilitator.

‘The most important thing about a Speaking Circle is that it is safe. Judgement, criticism, competition and anything other than wholehearted support are left at the door’.

Lee Glickstein, Be Heard Now!

‘The safety allows us to take risks and that’s where we find ourselves’

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