Consensus Workshop Method: Harnessing diverse ideas in audience research

The Consensus Workshop Method is a participatory method that can be used as both a research and empowerment tool in entertainment education programs. It forms part of the Technology of Participation (ToP), created by the Institute of Cultural Affairs. The intention of this paper is to provide an overview of the Consensus Workshop Method, with an example of its application. The paper begins with a story that takes place in a small hilltop village in Nepal. This example illustrates one of the uses of the Consensus Workshop Method, which was to involve villagers in developing a street drama, as well as empowering them to create a vision and a strategic plan for the betterment of their village. The paper concludes with a list of resources for practitioners wanting more information on how to facilitate and use ToP processes.