Beyond Serial Monologues: Building an All Voices Heard Culture
By Todd Erickson – Senior Consultant and Community Engagement Specialist
We've all been there—sitting in a community meeting (think of a typical town hall) or organizational discussion, watching as one person after another “takes the mic,” shares (or, as we have witnessed recently, angrily shouts) their viewpoint, and then the conversation moves on. No real interaction. No back-and-forth. Just a series of disconnected statements.
“Serial Monologues” give the illusion of inclusivity—after all, everyone gets a turn to speak. But does it actually lead to better understanding, collaboration, or meaningful change? Not really. Instead, these meetings often leave people feeling unheard, frustrated, confused, or stuck in their own perspectives.
The Case for Structured Dialogue
A true All Voices Heard culture is created when people engage in Structured Dialogue—discussions designed to foster learning, collaboration, and shared understanding. Instead of individuals simply stating their opinions, structured discussions encourage participants to build on each other's ideas, challenge assumptions, and find common ground.
One of the most effective ways to do this is through small-group discussions within larger meetings. When diverse voices come together in a facilitated setting, the conversation becomes more dynamic, and the insights more actionable.
At EnSpark, we often organize participants into small groups, provide them with focused questions to discuss, capture the ideas that emerge, and manage a collective team to review the ideas and identify key themes across all conversations.
We use engagement technology and rapid synthesis techniques to capture discussions in real time and present emerging themes to the larger group—revealing the collective thinking and ensuring that no valuable perspectives are lost. Integrating smart technology helps groups rapidly develop a shared understanding of areas of agreement and priority, as well as those needing further discussion.
Why Traditional Methods Fall Short
Surveys and one-on-one interviews have their place, but they lack the real-time interplay that allows ideas to evolve. When people engage in live discussions, they listen, reflect, and often refine their views based on new insights. This fluid exchange of ideas and rapid sense-making leads to more inclusive and informed decision-making.
Consider companies designing their return-to-work policies. There was most likely a survey administered that captured initial opinions, but where was the structured dialogue that allowed employees and managers to hear each other out, explore trade-offs, come to a shared understanding, and co-create solutions that work for everyone? That’s the difference between checking a box and actually building consensus.
Creating Spaces for Meaningful Conversations
In today’s polarized world, fostering constructive, inclusive dialogue isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. Organizations and communities must move beyond outdated meeting formats and embrace facilitation techniques that encourage true engagement. When people feel heard, valued, and part of the process, they are far more likely to support and drive real change.
So next time you're planning an important discussion, ask yourself: Are we just giving people a mic, or are we actually helping them connect, collaborate, and create something better together?
Want to turn your next meeting into a powerhouse of collaboration and real impact? At EnSpark, we ensure every voice is heard and every idea counts. Let’s transform the way you engage—reach out to our team today!
About the Author
Todd Erickson helps communities, organizations, and diverse networks think, plan, create, and take action together on issues that are important to them. EnSpark clients benefit from his creative engagement in collaborative meetings, and through launching and managing diverse ongoing collaborative networks and coalitions.
Todd is also the founder of Collaboration Arts, a consultancy that designs and facilitates creative engagement in collaborative meetings, whether online or in-person; and, through launching and managing diverse ongoing collaborative networks and coalitions.