The Format
A practical guide to what happens in a session — and what participants can expect before, during, and after.
The Four Stages
Participants receive optional background materials in advance — often a book recommendation, a short article, or a discussion prompt. No homework required; come as you are.
Each session opens with a curated short film, lecture, or podcast segment — typically 20 to 40 minutes. Many sessions are anchored in a book, using an interview or talk with the author as the opening material.
A trained facilitator guides a structured conversation. Questions are open; all perspectives are welcome. Participants who have read the book often bring additional texture — but the conversation is designed to be fully rewarding for those coming in fresh.
Sessions close with synthesis and a short list of further reading and viewing — for those who want to keep exploring after the conversation ends.
Many sessions are built around a recently published book, with an author interview or lecture serving as the session's opening material. Reading the book is never required — but for those who arrive having read it, the conversation often goes somewhere richer.
What to Expect
Sessions typically run 90 minutes to two hours. They are designed to feel like a well-moderated conversation among thoughtful people — not a lecture, not a debate, and not a seminar. The source material anchors the discussion; the facilitator keeps it fair and moving.
Participants can expect to hear from a range of perspectives, including views different from their own. The format is designed to make that exposure productive rather than combative — grounded in specific material, guided by open questions, and held together by a shared commitment to good-faith engagement.
A typical session runs around 90 minutes — long enough for a substantive conversation, short enough to fit into an evening.
Sessions work best with 8 to 20 participants — large enough for diverse perspectives, small enough that everyone can speak.
The opening film, interview, or lecture gives everyone a shared reference point. Discussion stays tethered to something concrete.
The facilitator actively ensures quieter participants have space to contribute. No one voice is allowed to dominate.
Each session closes with a short list of books, articles, and recordings for participants who want to keep going.
The Facilitator
Every Attentive Public session is led by a trained facilitator whose role is to create the conditions for a fair, open, and productive conversation — not to lecture, argue, or steer participants toward any particular conclusion.
Facilitators are trained through a preparatory program developed by the program director, combining core reading in facilitation practice with structured observation, mock discussion, and co-facilitation before leading independently.
Facilitator Training Path
Complete the core reading in facilitation practice — neutrality, open questioning, turn-taking, and intervention techniques.
Attend a live session and watch the facilitator as closely as the discussion itself — noting how moments are managed in practice.
Moderate a short mock discussion using a brief article or video segment before leading a real session.
Lead part of a real session while a more experienced facilitator remains present, before moderating independently.
Session Formats
In-person sessions are held at public libraries and community venues in towns and cities across Canada and the United States. The library setting is a natural fit — a neutral public space associated with learning, access, and open inquiry.
Participants gather in a meeting room, watch or listen to the opening material together, and discuss as a group. The shared physical space tends to support a particular quality of attention and exchange that is harder to replicate online.
Venues provide the space; The Attentive Public provides the facilitation, programming, and source material. If your library or community organization is interested in hosting, we'd like to hear from you.
Online sessions follow the same format as in-person sessions — opening material, structured discussion, closing reflection — but take place via video conference, making participation accessible regardless of location.
Online sessions are particularly well suited to topics that attract participants from across a wide geographic area, or to times when an in-person gathering is not practical.
Registration links and connection details are provided when you sign up for a specific session. All you need is a device with a camera and internet connection.
Find an upcoming session near you, or get in touch to learn about hosting or facilitating.