Tricky Conversations Toolkit

This playful activity helps you to facilitate tricky conversations around equality and diversity.

It uses cards with prompts to direct discussions, in a way that gives space to everyone to speak without forcing people to speak if they feel uncomfortable. The game is flexible – it could be used as a planned activity or on an ad hoc basis to tackle tricky conversations as they arise.

This playful activity fits into the ACT change model Steps 1 & 2: agreeing aims and outcomes.

Full instructions for the game are here:

Instructional design

Instructional design focussed primarily on creating spaces for participants to share their beliefs and experiences, where all voices have a chance to be heard but no-one is forced to speak. The form taken involves a card deck with prompts on the cards. Each player draws a card and has a chance to “say”, “ask” or “discuss” the prompt on the card (or choose not to speak if they wish).

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Participants have increased understanding of equality and diversity issues
• Participants’ beliefs, reactions and assumptions are gently uncovered and challenged
• Staff feel more comfortable taking the lead on equality and diversity conversations
• Staff are more aware of their own beliefs and their professional values are developed further

Desired Learning Behaviour

• To participate in healthy, constructive conversations around equality and diversity.

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All of the other ACT games can be accessed from this page: ACT Minigames