A Charlotte neighborhood group recently told the Observer that it was tired of inviting speakers who gave lectures college-style. Something was missing. So instead, the group decided to encourage dialogue with the public officials who addressed them by placing chairs in a circle.

A day after the story appeared, Matt Leighninger, an expert in citizen engagement with the Deliberative Democracy Consortium, visited Charlotte. He loved the story.

In a series of meetings sponsored by Knight Foundation - with elected officials, county staff and nonprofit leaders - Matt shared characteristics of good community engagement.

They included: Having people talk about what they care about and their experiences to create common ground; giving a fair presentation of options to be considered, not just one plan for reaction; and presenting the expectation of action so that participants see themselves as part of the solution.

Having candidates sit in a circle actually talking with folks would seem to fit into Matt's framework.