Method guide · Work with a structured grid
Matchstick discussion
Use when equal speaking-token allocations can make imbalances in speaking opportunities visible without recording contributions.
- People
- 4–20
- Base procedure time
- 30 minutes
- Recording
- No record
Purpose: Explore through dialogue; Build working relationships.
English guide
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How this method works
Give everyone the same number of speaking tokens and have them use one per contribution to visibly limit imbalance in speaking opportunities. Each person puts one token into the bowl whenever they speak. People who have used all their tokens wait through a round in which those with tokens left choose to speak or pass. Before discussion, agree whether tokens may be transferred and how speaking time will be limited; stop unauthorised transfers and speaking without a token. Do not record contribution contents or speakers’ names. At the end, confirm only that the tokens have been collected. Do not use this in emergencies where an expert’s uninterrupted explanation should take priority, or where equalising the number of contributions would compromise safety.
Phase schedule
Minutes are cumulative from the start of the base plan, not a live timer. Read scaling for any additional time. Phase controls do not advance automatically.
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- Distribute equal speaking-token allocations0–3 minutes from the start (3 minutes)
Action: Distribute. Participation: Small group using tokens and a bowl.
No record
- Check the one-token rules3–5 minutes from the start (2 minutes)
Action: Check. Participation: Small group using tokens and a bowl.
No record
- Speak one at a time with a token5–25 minutes from the start (20 minutes)
Action: Speak. Participation: Small group using tokens and a bowl.
No record
- Invite one round of people with tokens left25–28 minutes from the start (3 minutes)
Action: Invite. Participation: Small group using tokens and a bowl.
No record
- Check consent and collect tokens28–30 minutes from the start (2 minutes)
Action: Collect. Participation: Small group using tokens and a bowl.
No record
Facilitation steps
- For 3 minutes, use the remaining time and the length of one round to choose an equal allocation of 1–5 speaking tokens per person, then distribute them.
- For 2 minutes, explain the speaking-time limit per token, passing, and the rule that transferring a token requires both people’s consent.
- For 20 minutes, people with tokens submit one token per contribution; those who have used all their tokens wait through one round.
- For 3 minutes, invite people with tokens left in one round, letting each person choose to speak or pass.
- For 2 minutes, collect unused tokens and those in the bowl, then finish without retaining contribution contents or speakers’ names.
If something changes
If
A contribution exceeds the agreed limit, or at least one contribution is made without a token.
Then
Use a signal to end that contribution, check the one-token rule and speaking-time limit, then resume the same round.
If
At the 10-minute point of discussion, at least one person has not used a single token.
Then
Temporarily stop additional contributions and return to a round in which people with tokens left choose to pass or speak.
If
Even one token transfer lacks consent from the giver or the recipient.
Then
Do not transfer the token. Return it to its owner and preserve their choice to pass or use it themselves.
Preparation
Materials
- Speaking tokens: 1–5 per person
- One bowl per group for used tokens
Room and setup
- Seats where each person can see their own remaining tokens.
Adjust for people and time
For 4–20 people, work as one group and agree an equal allocation of 1–5 tokens per person that allows one round within the 20-minute discussion. For 21 or more people, divide the participant count by 20 and round up for the number of groups, distribute people evenly with no more than 20 per group, and give each group one bowl. Use the same token count and transfer policy across groups. Do not record or consolidate contributions; check only the number of groups that finished.
Safety and non-applicable situations
Passing remains a personal choice. Token transfers require consent from both people. Do not record contribution contents or speakers’ names, or consolidate contributions across groups. Do not use this where expert explanation takes priority in an emergency or equal contribution counts would compromise safety.
Manuscript's recorded references
These translate the original manuscript's source and rights claims. They remain separate from any current-page notice below; they do not establish new verification.
- Seeds for Change Facilitation Tools: Matchstick discussion
https://www.seedsforchange.org.uk/tools
anti-copyright adaptation; changes made
- Conditions applying to anti-copyright
https://www.seedsforchange.org.uk/resources
anti-copyright
Diagram, print, and video language
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Editorial provenance
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