Capturing thoughts

Overview

A great way to clarify thoughts and ideas around a central topic or issue - then turn those ideas into action.

Benefits

Encourages thinking in an organised way, making brainstorms or idea-generating discussions more effective.

Preparation

• Prepare flip chart paper or print out worksheets for participants to get their ideas down on paper.

Materials

• Worksheets, flip chart and pens.
• Download and print 'Capturing thoughts' activity sheets.

What you do

• Define the challenge/topic/issue you want to generate ideas around and write it in the centre of the worksheet. (You may prefer small groups, with a worksheet for each group.)
• Generate 8 ideas that address the challenge and write these around the central challenge.
• Discuss the ideas, then get the group(s) to agree two main actions to develop each idea, writing them on the worksheet.
• Ask the group(s) to present their ideas and actions to each other and discuss them.
• Agree the ideas and actions to take forwards as a group.

Top tips for your group activities

• Be well prepared
• Consider changing your usual meeting environment
• Know what you want to come away with before you start
• Break the ice with a warm up
• Give people enough time to get into and do the activities
• Keep people engaged and motivated
• Encourage and proactively get input from everyone
• Think about how your going to capture the notes
• Use flip charts, coloured post its, coloured pens, paper, stickers
• If possible use a flexible and effective facilitator

Use worksheet online (Exploratree)

Activity worksheet download