15/24 BITES

Fishbowl – Many voices in one focused conversation

This module is a part of a larger collection of bite-sized learning on facilitating social learning spaces.

This collection of learning bites was created by Danida Fellowship Centre together with Beverly and Etienne Wenger-Trayner and produced by Grape and Brand By Hand. Photos used in the collection were taken by @Crawfurd Media, @E Pictures Media Ltd, @Daniel Samwel and Danida Fellowship Centre, supplemented with Stock Photos.

When is the fishbowl format useful?

Have you ever faced a group that was too big for a real conversation – but too valuable to split up?

That’s when the fishbowl format comes in.

It brings the focus and depth of a small group, while keeping everyone involved.

Step-by-step guide

The fishbowl is a simple format that allows many voices to be heard – without breaking into small groups.

Follow these steps to make it work in your own setting, whether in person or online.

1. Set up the space

Arrange two circles:

Inner circle: 4–6 chairs (or “video on” if online).
Outer circle: everyone else sits around (or “video off” if online).

2. Start with a few key voices

Invite 2–3 people to introduce the topic and begin the conversation (you may have prepared these people for this ahead of opening the space).
They start talking – to each other, not to the outer circle.

3. Create a flow of participation

Anyone who wants to speak and contribute to the conversation must move into the inner circle.
If the circle is full, they tap someone out (or ask them to turn video off, if you are online).
People can join the circle as often as needed.

Two fundamental rules:

No speaking from the outer circle.
If you’re in the inner circle, stay until someone asks you to leave.

Two key practices:

In the inner circle, people talk to each other, not to the outer circle.
From the outer circle, do not tap on the shoulder of someone who has not spoken yet.

Tips for facilitation:

Consider appointing a rapporteur from the group – or take the role yourself. This person notes the main insights and threads of the conversation (on a flipchart, in a shared Google Doc, or on posters as graphic facilitation). It helps participants stay focused in the moment, while also supporting reflection afterwards.

To support turn-taking and paying attention, it can be helpful to introduce a ‘talking stick’ to the inner circle. Only the person holding the talking stick is allowed to speak and, once they have finished, the stick is passed on to the next person wishing to contribute to the conversation.

What about the facilitator – and wrapping it up?

A fishbowl doesn’t require a facilitator to lead the conversation – but it helps to have someone who holds the frame. If there is a facilitator, their role is to make sure the two key rules are followed:

No speaking from the outer circle.
Stay in the inner circle until you’re tapped out.
Ensure everyone can hear clearly. Use a microphone if needed.

The conversation itself is led by the people in the inner circle – not the facilitator. A fishbowl ends when the energy settles or when it is time to close the space.

Example: A real community conversation

You’ve seen the steps – now meet someone who’s used them in practice.

Maryam brought the fishbowl format into a real community conversation.

Could this work in your context too?

Is the fishbowl a good fit for you?

Let’s look at when the fishbowl format works best – and how it might fit your context.

Start by exploring the flashcards below.

Reflection exercise: Think about your own context…

Can you think of a situation where:

You want a deep conversation among everyone in the group but it’s too big a group to do it all together?
A specific challenge calls on exploration and insights from diverse perspectives?
You want many to feel part of a conversation to address that challenge?
But for it to be meaningful, you still require the conversation to be focused amongst a few people at any one time?

Write your thoughts down or just think them through.

Work document

Before continuing, download your personal working document. Keep it open – you will use it to note down your thoughts during the reflection exercises in this module.

lb15-work-document-fishbowl.docx.docx 233.9 KB Download

Reflection exercise: What does it take to join the inner circle?

In a fishbowl, you step into the inner circle to speak. It can be intimidating.

What might help people step up?

Clear rules?
A supportive tone?
Someone going first?
Provocative statements?
A burning desire to be heard?
A sense of trust within the group?

Write down a few ideas in your work document.

Next step: Try it with a group you know well

See how it feels – and adapt it to your context. Download a guide to the fishbowl below.

Inspired by “Communities of practice within and across organisations, a guidebook”, Etienne Wenger-Trayner, Beverly Wenger-Trayner, Phil Reid and Claude Bruderlein (Social Learning Lab, 2023).

Fishbowl – step-by-step guide

A practical guide to running a fishbowl with your own group.

lb15-fishbowl-guide.pdf.pdf 518.5 KB Download

Well done

You have completed this microlearning.

Exit the course

Fishbowl – Many voices in one focused conversation

When is the fishbowl format useful?

Step-by-step guide

1. Set up the space

2. Start with a few key voices

3. Create a flow of participation

Two fundamental rules:

Two key practices:

Tips for facilitation:

What about the facilitator – and wrapping it up?

Example: A real community conversation

Is the fishbowl a good fit for you?

Reflection exercise: Think about your own context…

Reflection exercise: What does it take to join the inner circle?

Next step: Try it with a group you know well

Well done

Danida Fellowship Centre

Opening hours

Our organisation

Locations

Fishbowl – Many voices in one focused conversation

When is the fishbowl format useful?

Step-by-step guide

1. Set up the space

2. Start with a few key voices

3. Create a flow of participation

Two fundamental rules:

Two key practices:

Tips for facilitation:

What about the facilitator – and wrapping it up?

Example: A real community conversation

Is the fishbowl a good fit for you?

Reflection exercise: Think about your own context…

Reflection exercise: What does it take to join the inner circle?

Next step: Try it with a group you know well

Well done

NEWSLETTER

Engage with us

Danida Fellowship Centre

Opening hours

Our organisation

Locations

Engage with us