Introducing the different moderating skills Before discussing the basic skills used in moderating the dialogue process, the trainer can use an exercise to introduce the joint learning process that takes place during dialogue meetings. This exercise is given below. Exercise / ‘Building images’ STEP 1: Ask three volunteers to leave the room. STEP 2: Arrange a selection of objects (whatever is available) into a specific design or structure that is hidden from the view of the three volunteers. STEP 3: Ask one of the volunteers to return to the room. STEP 4: Using similar objects to the ones used above, ask the volunteer to reconstruct the structure or design based on the instructions of one member of the group. The volunteer may not ask any questions. The time for this activity should be limited (5 minutes). STEP 5: Repeat this activity with the second volunteer, but, in this case, the entire group can provide guidance and instructions on how to reconstruct the structure or design. The volunteer may not ask any questions. The time limits should be the same as for the first volunteer. STEP 6: Repeat the activity with the third volunteer, but, this time, the entire group can assist with instructions and the volunteer may ask as many questions as he or she wishes. Once again, the time limit should be the same. STEP 7: Once all three volunteers have completed the activity, discuss the following questions with the group: • What was the difference between the three volunteers? • How well did each person do? • What contributed to the different results that were achieved? STEP 8: The facilitator should use this discussion to relate the exercise to the sustaineddialogue process. In particular, attention should be drawn to the better results that are achieved when many views are presented rather than just a single view. It is the role of the moderator to ensure that all views are shared. The moderator can then present each of the basic moderating skills, as described above. Presentations should include some type of discussion of each skill and why such skills are useful. The exercises below can be used to solidify participants’ understanding of the skills. 58 Community Healing: A training manual for Zimbabwe