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Peak

Feeling &

Emotion

Ideas & Judgement

Fact & Data

Greetings & Small Talk

Withdrawal

Participant Handout 3

Communication Pyramid

We put ourselves in the mind-set that

we are daughters and sons of this area

living among our own people. We want

to facilitate and engage conversations

with our people in a natural way. We

will use the communication pyramid to

achieve this.

There are different communication

stages and levels. Varying degrees of

quality and depth. People initially talk

about the facts and figures of their lives

(data) at a superficial level. When

people openly share how they feel

about an issue they go beyond data and

share at the upper levels of the pyramid

(feeling, emotion and peak) where

impact is best identified and measured.

Let’s consider these communication

levels.

Withdrawal

No communication. It usually demonstrates withdrawal. People do not feel respected. There

is little trust. They do not feel free to discuss important things. Negative experiences e.g.

broken trust or trauma due to disaster can cause this. When there is trust and respect we help

create the space for people to share at a deep level.

Greetings and Small Talk Every culture uses customary greetings. Respect and use these as they establish the

foundation for respect and trust. Initial light chat about general things creates rapport and a

positive atmosphere. Take an interest in the group.

Fact and Data People usually begin discussion by first naming an issue – fact or data. Discussion is led by

the group as they describe the facts and data themselves. They decide which issues they want

to focus on.

Ideas and Judgements The group discuss a topic and with our support, the group members begin to share their

personal opinions and thoughts on it. As facilitators, we do not share ‘our view’. We allow

the group to have its own conversation. We simply allow the discussion to progress naturally

from fact and data to a deeper sharing of ideas and judgements.

Feelings and Emotions

When the group members share their feelings and emotions we know that they are truthfully

opening up. They may be upset, frustrated, happy or angry. Respect and actively listen

The Communication Pyramid

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without controlling the topic. Shared feelings reveal knowledge and wisdom that data alone

cannot do. This level removes barriers to communication. Emotion is linked to motivation. It

is only issues we feel strongly about that we are prepared to act on. These are among the key

impact issues in a community that we want to hear, identify and record. Proverbs and

symbols are often used when people communicate at deeper levels. It is important to also

record these as they add depth of meaning to what is said. Encourage participation of the

whole group.

Peak

Depth of communication is felt. It is the level where the greatest and real changes are

expressed. Total openness – the group members are open and united – we are accepted. It can

be a moment of silence – no words. It may happen after a moment of deep personal

revelation. It may only occur when you are leaving and group discussion is over. Be attentive

to this.