1-2-4-All is a way to set up conversations so everyone has a chance to speak and be heard in a short amount of time. We use it during Formal Consensus.
What do we need?
- Time
- Gathering space (for pairs, groups of four, and full group)
- A way to take and share notes with the group (optional: 1-2-4-All Note Sheet)
- A question
Who do we need?
- Facilitator – The Facilitator helps the group follow the steps in order.
- Participants – The Participants think about the question on their own. Then, they discuss it in pairs, groups of four, and as a full group.
How do we do it?
- The Facilitator shares the question.
- The Facilitator explains the first step. The Participants think about the question on their own. After 1 minute, the Facilitator ends this step.
- The Facilitator explains the second step. The Participants form pairs and talk about their answers. After 2 minutes, the Facilitator ends this step.
- The Facilitator explains the third step. Pairs of Participants come together to form groups of four. They talk about their answers together. After 4 minutes, the Facilitator ends this step.
- The Facilitator explains the fourth and final step. As a full group, the Participants share their ideas and reflections.
Learn more
Liberating Structures – “1-2-4-All”