Open Space

I start this as many things should start with a statement of excitement. I am extremely excited about Oxford Reading Spree this weekend. For those unsure this is across between a conference and a party celebrating reading with a host of fabulous speakers. For tickets go here. For more information here.

One of the areas of the programme you may have been unsure about is Open Space. Open Space is an idea that came out of the feeling that the most useful conversations at conferences are had while standing round eating biscuits between formal sessions.

The agenda comes from what people want to talk about. When you come into The Spree you will see me at a table, come over and talk and suggest topics you would like to discuss in Open Space, also feel free to tweet me @jack_m_brown before the conference.

The way Open Space is often explained, and the way you will hear me explain it at The Spree uses one law, 2 rules and 3 animals.

The Law:

The Law of Two Feet – Open space is based around giving people a structure to talk about what they really want to talk to other people about. In this structure it is not at all rude to get up and move from one discussion to another, it is encouraged. If you feel you want to talk about something else use the Law of Two Feet and move.


The Rules:

Whoever came are the right people – Don’t sit in a discussion thinking how great it would be if someone else was there to share their expertise, throw yourself into the discussion. If only you goes, great, you have some time to sit and think about something you are interested in.

When it’s over it’s over – Similar to the Law of Two Feet. When you feel you have got what you wanted out of a discussion or said what you wanted to say don’t prolong the discussion to fill time, use The Law of Two Feet and move to another discussion.

The Animals:
The Bee: The bee is a great animal to be, it flies from discussion to discussion ensuring a healthy cross-pollination of ideas.








The Butterfly: Not everyone will want to join in one of the Open Space discussion topics. You might want to have a cup of tea, eat a cake, or browse the stalls. This is fine, Open Space is about having brilliant conversations only loosely bound by constraints. The Spree will be full of fascinating people, chat to them however you want.

The Giraffe: This is the animal you don’t want to be. The Giraffe sits in one group and gets distracted listening to another group’s discussion. If you find yourself Giraffing use the Law of Two Feet and move to the discussion you are more interested in.









I look forward to seeing many of you at The Spree.