explore · Communication, Knowledge Sharing · 60–180 min · 10-80 people · medium energy

Long Table

A long dinner table, a paper tablecloth and pens, with conversation as the only course. Only people seated at the table may speak; everyone else watches and can join by taking an empty chair or asking for a seat. People write and draw on the tablecloth while they talk, and leave the table when they are done.

When to use Long Table

Use when a large offsite or conference crowd needs an open conversation on a topic without a panel, a moderator holding the microphone, or a fixed list of speakers.

What it solves

Panel discussions put five people on a stage and leave the room's real knowledge sitting in the audience.

How to run Long Table, step by step

  1. Set one long table with about twelve chairs, a paper tablecloth and pens. Put audience seating around it (before the event).
  2. Post the etiquette where everyone can read it: only those at the table speak, anyone may join or leave, ask for a seat if the table is full (5 min).
  3. The host reads an opening question. A few invited people sit down first to get the talk going (5 min).
  4. Let the conversation run. Watchers take empty chairs or ask for one; diners leave when they have said their piece (45-150 min).
  5. Encourage people at and around the table to write on the tablecloth as they listen (throughout).
  6. The host closes the table and invites everyone to walk round and read the tablecloth (10 min).

Materials needed

  • Long table and about twelve chairs
  • Roll of paper for the tablecloth
  • Pens and markers
  • Printed etiquette sheet
  • Audience seating

Facilitator tips

  • Use Weaver's published etiquette sheet rather than inventing your own rules. It does a lot of the facilitation for you.
  • The host does not moderate. Their job is to start, keep the etiquette, and end.
  • Silence at the table is allowed. Do not jump in to fill it.

Common pitfalls

  • The opening guests never leave, so the table becomes a fixed panel.
  • The question is too narrow and the conversation runs dry in fifteen minutes.

Variations

  • Card Table: Weaver's small-scale version for four people at a card table.
  • Run several shorter tables in a row, each with its own question, during a conference day.

Running it online or hybrid

Can be streamed, but remote viewers cannot take a seat. Give them a chat channel the host reads into the table.

What it produces

A written-on tablecloth that holds the conversation's threads, questions and doodles, which can be hung up afterwards.

Origin

Created by performance artist Lois Weaver of Split Britches in 2003, inspired by the film Antonia's Line. Open-source: the etiquette sheet is free to download and reuse. — source

Build a session around Long Table

METODIC places Long Table inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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