1. Warm-up and Introduction (10 minutes)
Activities:
- Short introduction to the topic of cultural diversity in companies and organizations.
- Group discussion on participants’ initial thoughts, experiences, or assumptions.
- The group collaboratively formulates a working definition of cultural diversity in the workplace.
Materials:
- Shared online document (e.g. Google Docs)
2. Revisiting Argument Structure (10 minutes)
Activities:
- Brief recap of the structure of a good argument:
- Claim
- Reason / Explanation
- Evidence
- Link back to the motion
- Participants practice building short arguments using provided sentence starters.
Materials:
- Worksheet
- Learning App (see Appendix B)
3. Core Lesson – Values and Cultural Diversity (20 minutes)
Activities:
Participants work in small groups on the following focus areas:
a) Identifying Core Values
Participants identify values commonly associated with cultural diversity, such as:
- equality and equal opportunity
- innovation and creativity
- collaboration and teamwork
- fairness and inclusion
b) Comparing Workplace Environments
Participants compare:
- a relatively homogeneous workplace
- a workplace shaped by cultural diversity and inclusion policies
They consider how identified values are promoted or limited in each context.
c) Building Value-Based Arguments
Participants practice constructing arguments that compare these environments using values as the main analytical lens.
Example Motion:
“This House believes that cultural diversity enhances innovation in companies.”
- Proposition: Diverse teams bring different perspectives and experiences, which leads to more creative solutions and innovation.
- Opposition: Cultural diversity may lead to communication barriers or conflicts that slow decision-making and reduce efficiency.
Note: Depending on participants’ age and context, examples may also be applied to schools or youth organizations (e.g. group projects with culturally diverse teams).
4. Research and Argument Preparation (40 minutes)
Activities:
- Participants are divided into teams.
- Each team prepares either arguments or counterarguments related to their assigned motion.
- Teams conduct independent research using reliable online sources.
- Arguments are uploaded and structured on Kialo.com.
Materials:
- Internet access
- Kialo.com
- Worksheets (Appendix B)
5. Evaluation of Arguments (10 minutes)
Activities:
- Teams evaluate arguments prepared by other groups.
- Feedback focuses on:
- clarity of claim
- strength of reasoning
- relevance and credibility of evidence
- clear link to the motion
Materials:
- Kialo.com
- Worksheet (Appendix B)
6. Focus on Delivery: Tone and Eye Contact (20 minutes)
Activities:
- Short video on how tone influences meaning and persuasiveness.
- Participants work in pairs:
- read arguments aloud;
- underline key words or phrases to emphasize;
- practice pauses and emphasis;
- receive peer feedback and repeat.
Materials:
- Video
- Printed or digital arguments
Example:
“Companies should actively promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace because a diverse workforce brings a variety of perspectives — and enables companies to better understand and serve a diverse customer base.”
7. Presenting Arguments and Group Feedback (10 minutes)
Objective: Apply both argumentation and delivery skills.
Activities:
- Participants present arguments in front of the whole group.
- Focus on:
- clarity
- tone and emphasis
- eye contact
- Group and trainer provide constructive feedback.
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