Instructions

Set Up: Prepare for the Activity

Create a slide deck with approximately 10 photos that are likely to evoke an emotional response. These photos can be specific to the group or focused on current events. See Sample Slide Deck by Jessica Friedrichs.

Organize participants into small groups (3-6 ppl).

Begin by introducing the learning goals of this activity.

Step One: Showcase Photos (10 min)

Show photos or slides one at a time. After each photo, ask participants to reflect on what level of emotional reaction they have to each image.

They can do this by silently jotting down notes or they can share their reactions by holding up pieces of colored paper: red (strong), orange (moderate), or yellow (weak).

Step Two: Dive Deeper into Emotional Reflection (15 min)

In small groups or pairs, encourage participants to dive deeper. Beyond the level of emotion, what specific emotions were aroused by the images?

Encourage participants to explain their emotional responses and some context for the response. Focus on 3-4 images.

Step Three: Practice in Full Group Discussion (20 min)

Come back together as a full group and introduce a relevant discussion prompt.

Allow the discussion to unfold as normal but instruct participants to use their colored pieces of paper to indicate how their emotions are registering during the discussion.

Pause the discussion at crucial points (when many participants are holding red cards, for example) to pause and discuss why emotions are changing in the group discussion.

Step Four: Debrief as a Full Group (10 min)

• What role do emotions play in the discussion?

• When are emotions good for the discussion and when might they be bad for the discussion?

• Did any of the emotional responses surprise you?