Valiant knights and great orators
Residents of the primitive communal system could hardly boast of an organized conversation, but at a later time, when world civilization reached a new, better level, debate became an art. In educational institutions it was customary to study not only science and literacy; oratory was a separate discipline.
Such a phenomenon as a round table (event) is not just a designation of a process. According to legend, an equal way of communication, which involves conversation in this format, was founded by the folk hero King Arthur. There is no reliable information confirming the existence of a real person with that name, however, the story about him and his knights, sitting at a round table, is loved not only by the British, but by the whole world.
Design Features
Round tables with a sophisticated and slightly elegant design are increasingly appearing in interiors. What does it mean? We want to follow not only fashion, but also trends in interior design. How we live matters to us. We increasingly value style, and not just comfort and functionality in the interior.
Just as a few years ago we wanted to be industrial, today we are going in a completely different stylistic direction.
The table is the center of the living room, dining room, and sometimes kitchen space. At the table we eat cooked meals as a family and celebrate small holidays with friends. When choosing a table for these places, you should consider the number of people who usually spend time at it. If you don't plan to invite a large number of guests often, you can completely skip the large table - then in your room you will find a small table that will meet your expectations, which guarantees a tabletop for comfortable dining.
The size of the table depends primarily on the size of the room. In the kitchen it is worth placing a large table made of high-quality materials, which will serve as an extension of the countertop - its daily use will increase.
One of the options when choosing a table shape is to choose a round tabletop - all edges are rounded, which will ensure harmony and a cozy character of the interior. A huge advantage of a round table is that you can place a large number of chairs nearby (even an odd number) - each person will be given free access to the dishes placed on the table.
At the same time, this type of table facilitates communication because all interlocutors are visible, which is not the rule in the case of a rectangular table. If you have small children at home, a round table would be an ideal choice because they won't get hurt by the protruding edges.
Buying furniture for the living room has become easier. The furniture market offers tables with round tops of various sizes, making them fit perfectly into both small and slightly larger interiors. Round tables usually have a modern and unique style - they are available in both glass tops and marble finishes.
Who needs a round table?
Numerous discussion clubs very vividly prove how necessary such a form of communication as a round table is. This event involves a conversation according to certain rules, within established frameworks and a given format. At all times, it has been customary in society to submit discussions of controversial issues to public consideration. This manifestation of democracy is becoming more and more common in our time. Conferences are held on a wide variety of occasions. Business issues, scientific conferences, political debates and many other issues are resolved through collective discussion.
Still, one should not think that such an event is available only to great businessmen and politicians. Very often, round table meetings take place in educational institutions of all levels. Even a standard “five-minute meeting” at work is a kind of round table. True, in this version the message of an equal conversation is slightly distorted, nevertheless, everyone can speak out.
Choosing a table for the kitchen of different designs
A round table can be combined with any design.
The main thing is to choose the color scheme and the material from which the tabletop is made.
Wooden tables of large and small sizes are suitable for a Provence style kitchen; dark shades are used in English, and plastic is used in Art Nouveau.
Art Deco can be muted with a round table in a pleasant milky color.
And the bright textiles of the tablecloth will add richness and brightness to the kitchen in the Scandinavian style, which is done in white and blue shades.
Round? Or maybe rectangular? Square?
Round table (event) is a phrase that in the twentieth century acquired the meaning of a term that defines the generally accepted format of conferences and meetings at various levels.
The table, its shape, the seating arrangement of the participants, the presence of other attributes in the room (stand, information board, multimedia equipment) depend on the purpose of the meeting.
A conversation at a round table will take place in the most relaxed and equal atmosphere. If the event still requires a leader, a presenter, then it is more advisable to use a square, rectangular or U-shaped negotiation table. It is then headed by a manager or chairman. When a conversation requires a more active process, for example, speakers need to be on the move, have access to everyone present for a personal conversation, transferring data and documents to them, it is necessary to use a table set in a U shape with an open passage, where conference participants can move freely.
Types and advantages of round kitchen furniture
Kitchen tables can come in different sizes. Their diameter ranges from 60–80 cm to several meters. Depending on the design, they can be stationary or sliding: the latter fold out, increasing the working surface area. The material used can also be very varied:
- MDF;
- tree;
- metal;
- plastic;
- stone;
- glass.
MDF kitchen table
Round tables are very popular now. Thanks to the increasing size of modern apartments, they fit perfectly into the kitchen space. It is round pieces of furniture that look stylish and attractive. Tables are sold everywhere and are included in the product list of most manufacturers. Tables of this shape are considered universal - suitable for apartments, offices, cafes, restaurants. They are suitable for all interior trends, but they only go worse with the clear, graphic lines of the techno style.
Basic Rules
In general, different formats offer different options. A lot depends on whether there is a leader among the participants. It does not have to be announced as such for public attention. But the understanding that a certain person has greater influence and power is an indicator of his authority and influence over the meeting. Often such a person (a public or unannounced leader) is seated at the head of the table, and the seating of other participants follows the principle “the more important, the closer.” That is, people close to the leader sit next to him. The deputy, the second person in the organization after the boss, is located on the right hand.
Conducting conferences presupposes order and adherence to the schedule, the rules of the event. Keynote speakers are scheduled. They, in turn, are obliged to make their report as informative, logical and concise as possible. Remarks that participants wish to make can be made only with the permission of the leader and when the speaker has finished his speech.
Variety is not a bad thing: types of tables
In addition to standard ones that remain unchanged in size, manufacturers offer improved designs that allow you to effectively manage space. Models that change size are necessary if the house has a small kitchen or living room, and guests are often invited.
Standard design Source vuelosfera.com
In order for the folding version to last a long time, all elements of the transformation mechanism must be metal. According to their design features, folding structures are divided into the following types:
- Sliding (transformer). This option is more expensive than others. The tabletop consists of several parts. When assembled, some of the elements are hidden under the outer surface. When the table needs to be enlarged, the outer elements move to the sides, and the hidden ones rise and fill the area.
Transformer for the kitchen Source mm-kaudal.ru
For a large company Source www.qorix.com
- Folding (table-book). When assembled, the side parts (having additional legs) are lowered down. When guests are expected, both side parts are raised. The rest of the time it can be installed close to the wall, lowering one part.
Folding table for a small kitchen Source roomester.ru
Dining area in a modern style Source pinterest.com
- For a small kitchen. A round kitchen table in the interior does not fit into every space. In a small room, a truncated version is relevant - a semicircular model. Less common is a model attached with the flat side to a wall or window sill. When folded, such a tabletop does not take up space, and is installed in the working position using a support leg.
When every square meter counts Source hedraflors.com
In the spirit of minimalism Source pinterest.com
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in the construction of turnkey country houses
Color
The color of the table is determined solely by the interior and the taste of the owners. A kitchen or living room with a round table will look more interesting if you choose chairs that differ in tone from the tabletop (lighter or darker). Popular colors are:
- White. A white table makes the interior slightly sterile (unless it’s minimalism). A milky or cream-colored model is perceived much more positively.
Graphic color selection Source soldronzgreen.com
- Brown (natural wood). A universal color for the dining area, cozy and familiar, with many variations. Brown models fit into all styles, from Provence and country, to loft and Scandinavian.
In a traditional interior Source dizayndoma101.com
- Black. In certain styles (modern, high-tech), black furniture looks elegant, in others it looks ridiculous. In the right environment, a black table can become the highlight of the interior.
Black varnish always attracts attention Source www.goodnewsarchitecture.com
- Grey. Universal solution; a gray tabletop can be combined with all colors; looks organic in both classic and ultra-modern surroundings.
Living room in classic French style Source pinterest.ru
- Colors of rainbow. Installing a bright (yellow, red, blue) table is justified if it will play a major role in the interior of the room. For the best effect, the surroundings should be of contrasting color.
In Provence style Source vdomax.ru
6. Don't let the topic get away from you
One day I was invited to a round table organized within the Free International University of Moldova, where I was invited to present what the Bible says about homosexuality. After I showed that this was a sin and condemned by God, the speaker, who was from the Gay and Lesbian Party, made a clever move and began to list certain negative things in the church, and spoke for more than 20 minutes until the leader stopped him. When I was given the floor, I immediately showed him his tactics and said: “Yes, indeed, there are many problems in the church that produce pain, but today we have come to talk about homosexuality. Let's get back to the topic and continue the conversation." When one of the speakers wants to turn the conversation in a different direction in order to make others look bad, do not allow it.
How many participants should there be?
Even before the event begins, the organizers must clearly know for whom they are holding the round table.
Why is this necessary? Such knowledge will help you more effectively prepare for possible questions, objections and provocations, as well as prepare a competent argument. So what data do you need:
- Number of doctors or chiefs;
- Full name, position, contacts (including social networks), specialization of participants;
- Needs and relationship history;
- If new people will be present, information about them should be collected in advance.
Important : be sure to take a contact phone number, as well as the page address on your favorite social network: Facebook, Instagram, Odnoklassniki, VKontakte, etc.
An example of incorrect organization
Some large pharmacy chains gather 20-30 primary sources for their events. The round tables themselves are held in one large auditorium, and the invited speakers are representatives of several pharmaceutical companies and external trainers. At the same time, the time for a trainer to speak is limited to 1-2 hours, and for a representative - 30-40 minutes.
Why is such a round table organization ineffective?
- There is no quality feedback from participants . With a large number of participants, it is not possible to answer all the questions and pay attention to every doctor or chief of staff. As a result, it is difficult to maintain attention and interest.
- Too big budget and low return . If participants are not interested in the round table and do not receive useful and relevant information, you should not expect them to sell your product in the future. In addition, large events require large financial costs, which will not pay off due to the negative attitude of listeners.
- Lack of further prospects . A participant who does not receive positive emotions and new, useful knowledge is unlikely to want to attend such events and will recommend them to his colleagues. Moreover, negative opinions may also apply to the drugs discussed at the round table, even if they are effective.
Conclusion: the maximum number of round table participants should not exceed 10-15 people if the event is held live. If you are planning an online meeting, the estimated number of participants is 5-7 people.
Important : it is better to hold more events, make them systematic and relevant, than to hold one round table once a quarter for uninterested listeners.
Materials
The nice thing about round tables is that they are compatible with any design. The main thing to do is to choose the right material and color of the countertop. Products made from the following materials are available for sale:
- Tree. A classic, solid and durable option. The pattern and texture of the surface depends on the raw materials used: solid pine, birch, ash, oak. A wooden round table in the living room interior requires periodic maintenance; it is varnished and polished.
French chic Source boopalinaandbebe.com
Ready for breakfast Source pscreative.info
Dining area in the living room Source pinterest.com
- Imitation wood. Inexpensive countertops are made from fiberboard and particleboard. A budget option (which is better to avoid) is laminated chipboard. The material absorbs water well, which is why it quickly deforms, and also emits toxic formaldehyde. Veneered MDF is a higher quality material: durable and with a wide choice of colors and textures.
MDF table top Source pinterest.com
Light wood dining table Source realty.rbc.ru
Plastic model in Provence style Source pinterest.ca
- Glass. A glass tabletop does not visually clutter up the space, and therefore is relevant for a small room. For its manufacture, especially durable hardened triplex, sometimes colored or matte, is used.
With forging elements Source ro.aviarydecor.com
Original support design Source qacico.com
In vintage style Source moderncontempo.com
- Plastic. Plastic products are lightweight, easy to clean, and have a variety of appearances. Unfortunately, they do not fit into all styles.
For geometry lovers Source www.heals.com
How to cheer up Source pic2.me
Such furniture is easy to care for Source tass-sib.ru
- Rare options. Countertops made of metal, stone or mosaic tiles are rarely found. As a rule, such products are made to order and are not cheap. In addition to their impressive decor, they are distinguished by their long service life and ease of maintenance.
With marble top Source www.pinterest.nz
Designer's work Source dorofeybrychov.ru
See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in interior redevelopment
What should be the scenario for the round table? Why is interactivity needed?
It is important to understand that, first of all, the round table is an interactive event. This means that all participants must be involved in the discussion. However, the discussion must be structured.
We recommend planning five main stages of the round table :
- Opening and introducing the purpose of the discussion;
- Updating the problem;
- Reasoned belief;
- Working with doubts and objections;
- Conclusion of agreements.
All of the above criteria are familiar to medical representatives and are the basis of sales. Therefore, we will dwell in more detail on the tools for involving the audience in the discussion. Working with an audience is always more difficult than working individually.
So how do you engage your listeners in a discussion? Below you will find 5 methods that work flawlessly:
- Personalization . We are talking about contacting directly a specific participant: a doctor or a chief minister.
- Questions . Ask your audience questions – both general and personalized. Questions may be about a specific problem, drug, or situation.
- Requests . Ask participants to comment on the statement and share their opinions and experiences.
- Examples from clinical practice. They can be brought either by the medical representative himself or by the round table participants.
- Pre-prepared questions. Another way to engage your audience is to prepare questions and situations in advance. If possible, it is worth agreeing with a loyal doctor or leader so that he actively asks questions from the audience, stimulating the activity of other participants. Discussion of clinical cases also has a positive effect on engagement.
An example of a clinical case at a round table
Below we will look at how you can build the logic of an event based on case studies from clinical practice:
- We describe the patient's portrait . It is important to reflect the target audience for your medications in the patient’s portrait, symptoms, complaints and objective data.
- We describe the previous treatment . Be sure to update your competitors’ shortcomings.
- We discuss preliminary diagnosis, diagnosis, treatment . At this stage, it is important to teach the doctor how to correctly prescribe current doses and regimens.
- We evaluate the results and dynamics of treatment. Here, the medical representative is faced with the task of teaching the doctor how to manage the patient over time, titrate, change, not replacing your drug, but working with doses and dosage forms.
What is better: questions to the audience or personal questions?
If you have a choice between questions for the audience and personal questions, then first of all you should focus on personal questions. They better help activate listeners and attract their attention.
However, asking questions to the audience also works. It is important to correctly navigate the situation and remember the purpose of the round table.
Any provocation of the medical representative should turn into a competent argument and end with a specific power of attorney - achieving the goal, i.e. sales.
