Meetings are undergoing radical transformation. Formerly a single sender would address a broad group of recipients; nowadays communication is increasingly becoming interactive. Open debates form a relatively new means of communication in the meeting market. Professionals share information and insights to take their visions and thinking forward. This method makes a perfect fit with the Dutch consultation culture, where two always know more than one.

Dialogue vs monologue

The meeting market in the Netherlands is rapidly latching onto the new trend. Which is not so strange for a country where dialogue is preferred to monologue and where everyone is invited to have their say and come up with ideas. The critical eye of outsiders never goes amiss and their input can be extremely valuable – not least for organisers of meetings. Open debates are also obviously a lively way to gather and share information.

Netherlands Debate Institute

The NDI (Netherlands Debate Institute) supplies debating professionals for a variety of roles including debate leaders and chairmen for gatherings and events. According to the institute one key ingredient for a fruitful debate is a clearly formulated proposition. Another is to divide the participants into two camps which can then put forward their arguments for and against the proposition. That is the best way to get a clear focus on the issue in question. Two key maxims of the NDI are: ‘differences of opinion engender truth’ and ‘every standpoint deserves to be heard with interest and respect, whilst also being held up to the most critical light’.