# Spectrogram Participants position themselves along a physical line between Strongly Agree and Strongly Disagree in response to prompt statements. The facilitator interviews individuals across the spectrum to surface underlying reasons and differing viewpoints. **Time:** 20 minutes. Adjusted to 20 minutes for a standard 3-statement sequence; source notes up to 40 minutes for larger groups or more statements. **People:** 6 to 24. Whole group standing along a single line, followed by individual micro-interviews ## Choose this exercise **Purpose:** Map the visible distribution of participant opinions on specific propositions without forcing consensus. **Use it when:** Use at the start of a session or strategy discussion to quickly reveal the full range of views on an issue. **Skip it when:** Skip when the group has high interpersonal friction and exposing public minority stances would create immediate hostility or risk for vulnerable participants. ## Materials and tools - Painter's tape (1 roll, roughly 5 to 8 meters long) - Two printed signs: 'Strongly Agree' and 'Strongly Disagree' - Prepared list of 3 prompt statements ## Before participants arrive 1. Clear a straight corridor across the room floor. 2. Apply a strip of painter's tape across the floor to define the axis. 3. Fix the 'Strongly Agree' sign at one end and 'Strongly Disagree' at the other. 4. Ensure there is ample clearance on both sides for walking. ## Say this to open We are going to map our perspectives using this line. One end is 'Strongly Agree' and the other end is 'Strongly Disagree.' The space in between represents everything in the middle. When I read a statement, step to the point on the line that matches your personal view. You can stand anywhere along the spectrum. I will ask a few people why they chose their spot. You are always free to pass if I call on you. ## How to run it ### 1. Practice warm-up statement (3 minutes) Read a low-stakes warm-up statement: 'I prefer working early in the morning rather than late at night.' Direct everyone to move to their position. Invite one person at each end and one in the center to share a one-sentence explanation. ### 2. Run first substantive statement (5 minutes) Read the first work-related statement clearly. Wait until everyone has stopped moving. Interview 2 to 3 people standing in different clusters (e.g., strong agree, neutral, strong disagree). Ask: 'What made you choose this spot?' Do not allow cross-room debate yet. ### 3. Run second substantive statement (5 minutes) Read the second statement. Allow everyone to find their new spot. Point out shifts or splits in the group. Interview 2 to 3 participants who have moved compared to the previous statement or who hold an isolated position. ### 4. Run third statement and allow shifts (4 minutes) Read the third statement. Once people position themselves, invite two opposing participants to briefly share their reasoning. After both have spoken, announce: 'If hearing these perspectives changed your mind, you may move to a new spot now.' Note any movement. ### 5. Debrief group observations (3 minutes) Invite participants to return to their seats or gather in a semicircle. Ask the debrief questions to reflect on the patterns observed across the room. ## Debrief questions - Where did we see the most consensus, and where was the group most divided? - What did you learn about a peer's perspective that was unexpected? - How did seeing the physical spread change your understanding of our challenge? **Finished output:** A visible spatial map of team alignment and recorded notes on the core rationales behind diverging views. ## Remote Set up a digital whiteboard with a horizontal line labeled 'Strongly Agree' on the left and 'Strongly Disagree' on the right. Give each participant a digital sticky note with their name. Read each statement and give 30 seconds for participants to drag their sticky note along the spectrum, then call on 2 to 3 people using voice audio. ## Hybrid Maintain the physical tape line for in-person attendees while mirroring it on a shared digital whiteboard. Project the digital whiteboard on the room screen. Read the prompt to both groups simultaneously. Alternate brief comments between in-person participants and remote participants. ## Access and participation choices - Participants with mobility limits can sit along the line in chairs or indicate their position with a numbered card (1 to 10) from their seat. - Anyone may say 'I pass' when approached for an interview without giving a reason. - Participants may step outside the spectrum line to observe if they prefer not to declare a stance. ## If the session gets stuck **Everyone clusters in the neutral middle to avoid conflict.** Remind the room that the line has no right or wrong answers. Reframe the prompt with sharper tension or ask: 'If you had to lean even two inches toward one side, which way would you lean?' **Two participants start directly arguing across the room during an interview.** Step between them and refocus the exercise: 'We are mapping where people stand right now, not debating to reach an agreement today. Thank you for sharing both rationales.' ## Terms used here - Spectrogram: A facilitation technique where people physically position themselves along an axis to display their degree of agreement with a statement. ## Sources and adaptation Observed in WorkshopBank documentation under the titles 'Spectogram/Human Barometer' and 'Spectrogram'. Retained the physical tape line mechanic and 'Strongly Agree' to 'Strongly Disagree' poles from the WorkshopBank observation. Added concrete step timing (20 minutes total), a warm-up prompt, clear facilitation scripting, and safety protocols including the right to pass. [WorkshopBank](https://workshopbank.com/workshops/spectogram-human-barometer) Current run sheet: https://unitedwetransform.com/exercises/spectogram-human-barometer-workshop-workshopbank/