Discussion Maps Explained: How to Create a Discussion Map

A discussion map is a visual tool to keep track of a group conversation, mainly among decision-making meetings. The way people interact in a group can communicate a lot about individual roles, motivations, and authority. Creating a discussion map will let you visualize decision-making processes in a specific group of people. You’ll be able to surmise who has power through social dynamics. It can help you strategize how to add your perspective into the conversation—whether you’re making a sales pitch or offering an opinion.

You can create a discussion map to deduce group dynamics by evaluating a particular conversation. By analyzing the flow of a multi-person discussion, you can infer who has the most influence and minimal status. You can also identify effective communication strategies in this particular group, such as assertiveness, deference, or humor.

A discussion map works in a wide array of contexts. Breaking down influence might seem high-stakes, but you don’t need to sit in with a Fortune 500 boardroom to get some insight. A discussion map works around the dining room table or even when you’re out with friends. It’ll give you a better idea about the power dynamics within group settings.

Discussion maps allow you to visualize the way conversations work in meetings. Follow these steps to create a discussion map:

1. 1. Identify the participants. Draw a circle around each speakers’ first initial to represent everyone in a discussion.
2. 2. Track the conversation. Every time someone speaks, mark an “x” next to the speaker’s initial and draw an arrow from them to whomever they’re addressing.
3. 3. Analyze the conversation flow. When the discussion wraps, take stock and analyze. Note that people who talk a lot are often the people who are struggling for influence. When someone stays relatively quiet, make sure to look at how often others are addressing them. If they don’t say much but are getting a disproportionate amount of attention, it signals that they have leverage.

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