How might we encourage participants to open up in a live session?
Particularly when issues of a sensitive nature are to be discussed we need a save space to carry the conversation. We want to be sure that we can speak up without concern of our personal reputation.
The Chatham House Rule is used precisely to set up this safe space of privacy, trust and courage.
In the beginning every participant agrees that throughout and after the event only what was said leaves the room, not who said it. That way speakers are free to voice their own opinions and challenge those of others participants.
The original rule quotes:
When a meeting, or part thereof, is held under the Chatham House Rule, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.
The Rule is used around the world to encourage inclusive and open dialogue in gatherings. It is used widely from social gatherings, meetings, workshops, panel discussions to large conferences.
Pre-agreed rules such as the Chatham House Rule help leverage the potential of any group through trust.