What is the Listening Café?
The Listening Café is a structured, small-group conversation format designed to help participants feel fully heard and understood. Unlike typical discussions where people simply take turns talking or focus on responding or debating, the Listening Café ensures that each speaker receives focused, uninterrupted attention, empathy, and respect.
Every participant takes a turn to be the “Star” of the conversation. Listeners ensure the Star is fully heard and understood by using the PQP listening technique.
The goal during the Listening Rounds is not to debate, fix, or add opinions (that can come later!) — it’s to make participants feel heard BEFORE taking the next step as a group.
Why the Listening Café Works
✅ Creates a safe, structured space for real listening and reflection.
✅ Prevents interruptions, debates, or advice-giving—keeping the focus on understanding.
✅ Helps participants feel deeply heard and valued.
✅ Strengthens teams, relationships, and communication skills.
Be in small groups of 3-5 people. Split larger groups into smaller groups, OR keep a large group together and only have a couple people do the PQP for any speaker.
1️⃣ Choose a person to begin as the “Star” of the conversation
One person shares at a time. This person is the momentary "Star" of the conversation. They share a thought, challenge, idea, or response to a prompt.
2️⃣ The Star Speaks, and then Listeners Use PQP (Paraphrase-Question-Paraphrase)
Listeners don’t interrupt, debate, or shift the focus to themselves. Between 1-3 listeners take a turn using the PQP method with the Star. All, some, or one of the listeners can use the PQP, depending on time. The conversation continues in this loop—paraphrasing, pausing, asking safe-zone questions, and refining understanding—until the Star feels heard.
3️⃣ Rotate Roles - A New Person Becomes the Star
A new participant becomes the Star, and the process repeats until everyone has had a turn.
A Listening Cafe Round is complete once everyone has taken a turn as the Star.