Glossary#

This glossary defines key terms used throughout the Better Conversations documentation. Understanding these terms will help you navigate our materials and communicate effectively with others in the community.

Afterparty#: The 30-minute debrief session held immediately after a module delivery. The Delivery Team uses this time to share observations, discuss what went well, identify improvements, and capture insights while the experience is fresh.
Breakout Room#: A virtual sub-room within a video conferencing session where small groups of participants can have private conversations. Better Conversations uses breakout rooms extensively for practice exercises, typically pairing participants for focused dialogue practice.
Briefing#: The 30-minute preparation session held before a module delivery. The Delivery Team uses this time to review the Flight Plan, confirm roles, check technical setup, and ensure everyone is ready for a smooth session.
Clean Language#: A questioning methodology developed by David Grove that uses specific question forms to explore someone’s experience without introducing the questioner’s assumptions. Better Conversations applies Clean Language principles to help participants have more effective dialogues. Key Clean Language questions include “And what kind of…?” and “And is there anything else about…?”
Delivery Team#: The collective group responsible for running a Better Conversations session. Typically includes facilitators, a Producer, and sometimes observers or sponsors. The delivery team works together like a crew, each with defined roles that support a seamless participant experience.
Experience Course#: A Foundation-run course designed for practitioners who want to experience Better Conversations from the participant perspective. Experience Courses help practitioners understand the learner journey before they begin delivering the course themselves.
Facilitator#: The person who leads the learning experience during a Better Conversations session. The facilitator guides participants through activities, manages discussions, and creates a safe space for learning. During delivery, this is a specific role within the Delivery Team.
Flight Plan#: A detailed design-and-delivery document for running a Better Conversations module. Flight plans contain minute-by-minute timings, facilitator scripts, producer instructions, breakout room configurations, and all other information needed for consistent, high-quality delivery. The term draws from aviation, emphasising precision and preparation. See Flight Plans.
Flipchart#: Visual aids used by facilitators during delivery to illustrate concepts. In online delivery, facilitators typically use physical flipcharts positioned to be visible via webcam, or digital equivalents. Flipchart examples are provided in the course materials. See Flipcharts.
Handbook#: The participant resource document provided to attendees before and during the course. The handbook contains key concepts, reflection exercises, and reference materials that support learning and post-course application. See Handbook.
Observer#: Someone who attends a Better Conversations session to learn about delivery without actively facilitating. Observers are often practitioners in training who watch experienced facilitators and producers to develop their own skills.
Partner#: An individual or organisation in a formal relationship with the Better Conversations Foundation. Partners are authorised to deliver the Better Conversations course commercially and receive ongoing support from the Foundation. See Partnership for more information.
Practitioner#: Someone who uses Better Conversations skills in their work on an ongoing basis. Practitioners may deliver the course, apply the techniques in their professional practice, or both. This term emphasises the continuous application of skills aligned to business outcomes, rather than one-off training delivery.
Producer#: A member of the Delivery Team responsible for technical and operational aspects during session delivery. The producer manages the video conferencing platform (typically Zoom), handles breakout room setup and timing, monitors chat, and supports the Facilitator with logistics. This role draws from theatre and broadcasting terminology, reflecting the “crew” metaphor used in our delivery model.
Sponsor#: The person or organisation commissioning a Better Conversations course delivery. In organisational contexts, the sponsor typically handles logistics, participant communication, and alignment with business objectives. During sessions, a sponsor representative may briefly introduce the course and explain its relevance to participants.
Traffic Light Model#: A framework taught in Module 1 (State) that helps participants recognise and manage their emotional state during conversations. The model uses the metaphor of traffic lights: red (stressed, reactive), amber (cautious, uncertain), and green (calm, resourceful).