Focused Conversation Method – Overview

The ToP Focused Conversation Method (also known as the ORID method) is a structured facilitation process that helps to guide a group or individual through a thoughtful conversation. In ensures everyone engages in a meaningful way and supports clear thinking and consensus. The acronym ORID represents the four levels of questions: Objective, Reflective, Interpretive and Decisional.

Here is a simplified overview of the steps:
1. Identify the topic and purpose:
– Determine the subject of the conversation and why it matters. This sets boundaries for the discussion.
– Example: “Evaluation of our recent community health fair. “

2. Frame the context:
– Explain why this conversation is important
– Set ground rules (respect, listen, allow all voices)
– Provide any necessary information or materials (data, charts, summaries, etc)

3. Design ORID questions:
– Objective Level – Purpose is to focus on observable facts and data (what people say, heard, read, smelled or tasted.
– Example Questions: What do you remember seeing at the health fair? What statistics stand out for you?

– Reflective Level – Purpose is to explore emotional reactions, associations, and personal experiences.
– Example Questions: What surprised you about the event? What areas did not go so well?

– Interpretive Level – Purpose is to make meaning, analyze significance, identify patterns and implications.
– Example Questions: What challenges emerged during the event? What does this tell us about our communities needs?

– Decisional Level – Purpose is to move toward conclusions, decisions, next steps.
– Example Questions: What should we do differently next time? What actions will make this next event successful?

4. Facilitate the conversation:
– Start with the objective questions and progress through reflective, interpretive, and decisional.
– Keep the participants focused on one level at a time.

5. Summarize and confirm agreements:
– Confirm next steps and who is responsible for actions (if applicable)

6. Close with appreciation:
– Thank the participants for their insights and contributions. Highlight the value of the conversation and how the input will be used.