“Truth is born in dispute” - this Latin proverb very vividly characterizes human nature. The heated debate, debate and discussion, apparently, have been waged since the long time ago when a person only learned to talk. A round table (event) is a place where you need and you can talk.
Valorous knights and great orators
The inhabitants of the primitive communal system could hardly boast of organized conversation, but already at a later time, when world civilization reached a new, higher level, debate became an art. In educational institutions, it was customary to study not only science and literacy, oratory was a separate discipline.
A phenomenon such as a round table (event) is not just a designation of a process. An equal way of communication, which involves talking in this format, according to legend, was founded by the folk hero King Arthur. There is no reliable information confirming the existence of a real person with that name, nevertheless, the story about him and his knights sitting at a round table is loved not only by the British, but by the whole world.
Who needs a round table?
Numerous discussion clubs very vividly prove how necessary a form of communication such as a round table is. This event involves a conversation according to certain rules, in an established framework and in a given format. At all times, it was customary in society to submit discussion of controversial issues for general consideration. This manifestation of democracy in our time is increasingly common. Conferences are held on a variety of occasions. Solving business issues, scientific conferences, political debates and many other issues are resolved through collective discussion.
Nevertheless, one should not think that such an event is accessible only to great businessmen and politicians. Very often, a round-table meeting takes place in educational institutions at all levels. Even the standard “five-minute” at work is a kind of round table. True, in this version the message of an equal conversation is a little distorted, however, everyone can speak out.
Round? Or maybe rectangular? Square?
A round table (event) is a phrase that in the twentieth century acquired the meaning of a term that defines the generally accepted format of conferences, meetings at various levels.
The table, its shape, seating of the participants, the presence of other attributes in the room (stand, information board, multimedia equipment) depend on the purpose of the meeting.
The conversation at the round table will take place in the most relaxed and equal environment. If the event still involves a leader, a leader, then it is more advisable to use a negotiating table in a square, rectangular or U-shape. Then it is headed by a leader or chairman. When the conversation requires a more active process, for example, speakers need to be on the move, have access to everyone present for a personal conversation, to transmit data, documents to him, it is necessary to use the table established by the letter P with an open passage, where conference participants will be able to move around freely.
Basic Rules
In general, different formats suggest different options. A lot depends on whether a leader is present among the participants. It does not have to be announced as such for public attention. But the understanding that a certain person has a greater influence and power is an indicator of his authority and impact on the assembly. Often such a person (a vowel or an undeclared leader) is seated at the head of the table, and the other participants are seated on the principle of "the more important, the closer." That is, persons close to the leader are sitting next to him. The deputy, the second person in the organization after the boss, is located on the right hand.
Conducting conferences involves the order and following the schedule, the rules of the event. Speeches by keynote speakers are planned. They, in turn, are obliged to make their report as informative, logical, and concise as possible. The remarks that the participants wish to make can be made only with the permission of the leader and when the speaker has finished his speech.
How to organize a round table?
The round table is organized for some purpose. Most often, it consists in solving certain problems. To achieve a positive result, it is necessary to develop a round-table scenario.
A competently held event has a certain sequence of events. What are the main stages of a conference?
Introduction This stage assumes that the leader or organizer of the whole process will familiarize those present for the purpose of the meeting, as well as introduce themselves, guests, participants, lecturers. After that, the next stage begins.
Familiarization with the subject of conversation. At this point, the moderator of the round table briefly explains the issues, and the first discussion takes place. Collaboratively, participants should find out all the “problem areas”, discuss priority tasks and fully get into the course of things.
It can be assumed that the discussion below will focus on ways to resolve the issue under discussion, but in fact it will be more correct to identify controversial issues, as well as difficulties that have to be faced. Knowing a problem will help solve it.
Further, each of the participants can express their arguments, arguments, opinions regarding how to get out of this or that situation. It is at this moment that the most desperate discussions and disputes take place. The host of the event is simply obliged to return the participants to the peaceful track and the topic of conversation.
When all opinions are expressed, the time comes for decision-making and debriefing. This final stage becomes the apotheosis of the event and its result.
There are no losers in the discussion, and there are no winners in the dispute, as B. Toyshibekov said. A constructive dialogue will always lead people to a common point of view and will allow finding a way out of the most difficult situation, and a round table will help them in this.