What’s A Fishbowl?

So at AAC 2010 this year we have on day three something called a fishbowl. And though many may think it has something to do with smoking something (you know you did) it’s a great concept introduced to me by David Hussman.

Here’s how it works.

At the front of the room we set up 5 chairs. The rules are:

1. One chair must remain empty at all times.
2. The people in the chairs are having a discussion amongst themselves.
3. If you want to participate in the discussion, get out of the audience and take a seat. When you do, observe rule #1 – someone else has to get up.
4. Topics are limited to 5 minutes. At the end of the 5 minutes, the audience votes (with a cool red/green paddle) on whether they want the discussion to continue for another 5 minutes. Green = yes; Red = move on.

That’s it.

It’s like a panel discussion, only a lot more interactive and fun.