A method and apparatus for facilitating meetings, conferences and forums involving face-to-face discussion or conversation between participants. The invention may also be used as a form of entertainment or to enhance Internet cafes and leisure facilities. Other embodiments of the invention may be used to facilitate networking sessions, training sessions, educational programs and public consultations. In the method of the invention the communication system is used to structure and coordinate live face-to-face communication between users in person. The invention enables participants to immediately identify subjects that are of special interest and importance to each of them. Groups of participants are then able to concurrently discuss a very large number of subjects using the highly interactive protocols of natural face-to-face conversation. The invention also provides means to alter the trajectory of discussion between users, particularly in the light of previous discussions. Further refinements increase the invention's functionality and improve its user interface.