Guided Conversations - Tips and Training

Guided Conversations can take many forms. However, key skills that need to be considered during the use of any Guided Conversation. Training sessions for individuals that will be conducting Guided Conversations are best when they take place in a comfortable and informal environment.

Before covering content on Guided Conversation skills, the team of individuals who are preparing to conduct Guided Conversations should get to know each other and think about the purpose of their specific Guided Conversation. In HAIRE, ageing was a key element of the Guided Conversation's purpose. A creative workshop, e.g. a simple poetry session, can help individuals share their thoughts and get to know each other. Guidance for a poetry session, compiled by Kelly Stevens, University of Exeter, can be seen here: [INSERT DOCUMENT].

The session linked to above covered the meaning of ageing, but this topic can be changed to any main interest that is relevant to a Guided Conversation.

For conducting Guided Conversations, the following skills can be covered in a training session.

Building Relationships

Guided Conversations have the potential to cover personal and sensitive experiences. Participants should feel comfortable with their environment and the individual that is conducting the conversation.

General Chat plays an important role in making participants feel comfortable.

Before starting a Guided Conversation, it can be helpful to take the time to engage in a general chat - talking about the weather or something positive that you notice about the person and/or wherever the Guided Conversation is taking place can help to create a more comfortable atmosphere.

Referenties

• Guidance for conversations around suicide and depression, Devon Mind, UK, Devon Mind, UK, 30 maart 2023.
• HAIRE Poetry Workshop Guidance, University of Exeter, University of Exeter, 30 maart 2023.