How to Engage Strangers in a Conversation
This Recipe for Action was created in collaboration with NYC-based nonprofit, Listening Lab. Thank you for sharing your recipe and inspiring others to make a positive impact in their community!
Why this recipe matters
At a time where meaningful, in-person conversation is hard to come by, this recipe encourages building connections, fostering community, and opening up avenues for understanding perspectives different from your own by simply setting up a table with some chairs and inviting strangers to a friendly conversation in a public space.
Recipe
1. Choose a topic.
- Select a topic you're passionate about or interested in exploring. This will help you define your goal for the conversation, whether it's to share ideas, gather stories, or simply connect with others.
2. Select a location.
- Research and choose a public space where you can set up your table.
- Be sure to check if you need a permit to set up a table in the area (and make sure you're not trespassing!).
- Prioritize a location a that feels safe and accessible to you and to your prospective conversation partners.
3. Gather your team.
- Teams of three people are ideal for this type of community activation, especially if you plan to record or document the experience.
4. Create a conversation guide.
- Develop a guide with one to five open-ended questions related to your topic. These questions should encourage thoughtful dialogue and make it easy for people to engage.
5. Plan the logistics.
- Determine how long you plan to sit, how many people you'd like to talk to, and how you will transport your table, chairs, and other materials to your selected location.
- Consider if/how you'd like to connect with participants after your conversations. If you're not comfortable sharing your personal contact information, consider creating a new email address just for your initiative.
6. Make a sign.
- Design a sign that warmly invites people to join you at your table for a conversation.
- The sign should be clear, welcoming, and aligned with your selection discussion topics/themes. The sign can also simply be the question that you want to ask.
7. Prepare for safety.
- Consider what you're comfortable sharing in these conversations.
- Ensure everyone's emotional and physical safety by choosing a secure environment and having supporting people around. Depending on your selected topic/theme, consider asking a social work to volunteer to join in your conversations or be "on call" should any questions or challenges arise.
8. Go talk to strangers!
Nutritional information
This approach to conversation has allowed individuals to connect in ways they hadn’t before, strengthening the community bond and fostering a deeper understanding of one another. Check out Listening Lab to learn more.
― Matthew Chavez, Co-Founder of Listening Lab
Finishing touch
Consider extending this activity by documenting your conversations to share with a broader audience. If you have any questions, or would like help setting up a listening station, you can reach out to hello@listeninglab.nyc!