Not only does this strategy carry the risk of missing a good idea, but it makes participants tentative, fearing embarrassment for offering an idea that may be immediately eliminated. 2. Both Sections 1 and 2 of this chapter contain some guidelines for dealing with this type of situation. How active you are might depend on your leadership style, but you definitely have some responsibilities here. The ultimate comfort, and one that breaks down barriers among people, is that of eating and drinking. Tangents are okay Scratch the surface before you go deeper. In the latter case, you may have the chance to choose a space and otherwise structure the situation. Let there be silence 3. (4th edition). Image credit: Group discussion by Shelley Mannion (CC BY-NC 2.0). Even with a fixed day, a reminder a few days ahead can be useful, and knowing where the meeting is to be is very useful! All too often, conflict – whether conflicting opinions, conflicting world views, or conflicting personalities – is so frightening to people that they do their best to ignore it or gloss it over. document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a8445a989c6856a32fc19885764a77e5" );document.getElementById("a11ec873fb").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); How to Lead a Discussion Group http://t.co/OboWzEjuMN via @6minutes, RT @MichaelHyatt: Some great tips: “How to Lead a Discussion Group” http://t.co/UcMlrKEQuc, How to Lead a Discussion Group – The first article in this series explained how to plan a group discussion. A survey would be a good way to learn that 54% of the population prefers Program A. Are you a directive or non-directive leader? As explained in the opening paragraphs of this section, group discussions are common in a democratic society. This free resource will help you to be an effective discussion group leader and also gives some good tips on how to deal with some tricky situations you may face as you lead a group. In the latter case, you may have the chance to choose a space and otherwise structure the situation. Especially if most people in the group don’t know one another, it’s your job as leader to establish a comfortable atmosphere and set the tone for the discussion. Summarizing is important to remind your group of the consensus that has been achieved. What to … As a leader, to lead a group discussion, you have great influence over the mood of the room. “Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions,” prepared by Lee Haugen, Center for Teaching Excellence, Iowa State University, 1998. In the current scenario, group discussion has become an important selection criteria for the students aspiring to get into a good B School and all leading organizations have started depending on this process for the recruitment of new employees. a day or multiple days), summarize at regular intervals. How to Lead a Group Discussion The natural tendency for most people leading a discussion is to lead too strongly, almost as if they are teaching the group. To be well-organized, know what is going to be said (by you or someone in the discussion group), and in what order. Group discussions are common in a democratic society, and, as a community builder, it’s more than likely that you have been and will continue to be involved in many of them. Exhibit genuine positive emotions, such as happiness, excitement, curiosity, optimism, surprise, and thoughtfulness. All of these might be examples of group discussions, although they have different purposes, take place in different locations, and probably run in different ways. Lastly, pray that God would be honored by you as a leader. If it was the beginning, however, or part of an ongoing discussion, you may have a lot to do before the next session, including contacting people to make sure they’ve done what they promised, and preparing the newsprint notes to be posted at the next session so everyone can remember the discussion. In these circumstances, the leader’s ability to identify points of agreement, or to ask the question that will get discussion moving again is crucial to the group’s effectiveness. Who will take notes, record important points, questions for further discussion, areas of agreement or disagreement? When the time comes for the transition, make sure this shift is communicated clearly to the group. Use tools which promote discussion. Leading an effective group discussion takes preparation (if you have the opportunity for it), an understanding of and commitment to an open process, and a willingness to let go of your ego and biases. Tips on university teaching, but much of the information is useful in other circumstances as well. Even after you’ve wrapped up the discussion, you’re not necessarily through. Questions are key to good discussion and should be used by a facilitator or leader to initiate, promote and manage the discussion. This way, you'll go into the discussion with everyone knowing everyone else a little bit. (I try to do this at least every 60 or 90 minutes.) Information and publications related to study circles, participatory discussion groups meant to address community issues. The Tool Box needs your help All Rights Reserved. Don’t attempt to do this yourself; delegate someone from the group to take minutes. Remember to take breaks at regular intervals; exhausted participants will tend to lose focus and become quiet. A variety of points of view are put forward and discussed, The discussion is not dominated by any one person, Arguments, while they may be spirited, are based on the content of ideas and opinions, not on personalities, Even in disagreement, there’s an understanding that the group is working together to resolve a dispute, solve a problem, create a plan, make a decision, find principles all can agree on, or come to a conclusion from which it can move on to further discussion. Try to enter a GD during low times. A group leader or facilitator might be directive or non-directive; that is, she might try to control what goes on to a large extent; or she might assume that the group should be in control, and that her job is to facilitate the process. Boston: Allyn & Bacon. Hold public hearings on proposed laws or regulations, development, etc. Community activists. Then we’ll examine what it takes to make an effective discussion leader or facilitator, regardless of external circumstances. Knowing some tricks of the trade will increase student/audience participation and prevent avoidable boredom from rearing its ugly head. In short discussions (e.g. Six Minutes Copyright © 2007-2019 All Rights Reserved. Discussion groups are an important part of an effective youth ministry program, camp or retreat. Sometimes, you need to be flexible and consciously reschedule on the fly. Project on Civic Reflection provides information about leading study circles on civic reflection. Group discussions are common in our society, and have a variety of purposes, from planning an intervention or initiative to mutual support to problem-solving to addressing an issue of local concern. What can you do to ensure a successful meeting? If minutes are required for your discussion, it is your responsibility as the leader to ensure they are recorded. Before you or your … This is a dangerous habit. The nature of these tools make them ideal for encouraging participation: a blank canvas, easy to erase (or turn the page) and iterate. In this article, we describe best practices when leading a group discussion. Be convincing – You can also convince the other participants to get back in the discussion. Forsyth, D .Group Dynamics. Responses given in a focus group are verbal, open-ended, relatively broad and qualitative. 1. When time was up, a different group came inside to the live discussion and the 1st group then went outside and logged into the discussion online. Most discussions are aided by the use of newsprint and markers to record ideas, for example. When opening a group discussion you always risk going off subject and ending up in the middle of tangents. Create a new situation – form a coalition, start an initiative, etc. A focus group is different in three basic ways: The main difference is the group has a specific, focused discussion topic. Use certain conventions or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the discussion, or make them feel uncomfortable. The sign of a poor discussion leader is one who attempts to systematically convince everyone else in the room that they are always right. If you have time to prepare beforehand, there are a number of things you may be able to do to make the participants more comfortable, and thus to make discussion easier. A good group discussion leader has to pay attention to the process and content of the discussion as well as to the people who make up the group. Speech Analysis: Franklin Roosevelt Pearl Harbor Address, Speech Analysis: Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain”, Audience Analysis Worksheet [Free PDF Download], Top 35 Presentation Books: Expert Ratings, Slide Charts: 20 Guidelines for Great Presentation Design, Slide Fonts: 11 Guidelines for Great Design, Book Review: Presentation Patterns (Neal Ford, Matthew McCullough, Nathaniel Schutta), Interview with Ryan Avery: 2012 World Champion of Public Speaking, Interview with Kristin Arnold, National Speakers Association President. Resolve problems with the environment as they occur. Set clear objectives. Short-answer questions obviously work best for this technique. Spotlight Effect: How Aware of You is Your Audience? Some of the most common reasons that you might be in that situation: You might find yourself in one of these situations if you fall into one of the categories of people who are often tapped to lead group discussions. Your group probably has a fixed day and time to meet but the location might change. tell stories; make analogies; walk up and down the ladder of abstraction. There may be situations where it makes sense for someone else to lead the discussion for a certain topic within your overall session. Every discussion is different, and being a successful leader requires you to adapt to your individual situation. all day), enforcing the schedule early sends a message to all participants that the schedule is “real” and not “just a guideline”. If the situation is particularly difficult, a directive leader might be needed to keep control of the discussion and make. Over-generalize behavior or have stereotypical expectations of participants (tokenism). Make it even more dramatic by playing up the concept of speed, fun and excitement. Facilitating Political Discussions from the Institute for Democracy and Higher Education at Tufts University is designed to assist experienced facilitators in training others to facilitate politically charged conversations. Rather, bringing a group discussion to life requires a subtle framework, the right pace, smooth guidance, and an interested host. ), “Your role as a discussion leader is complex and requires great mental dexterity and tact.”. A constant question that leaders – and members – of any group have is what to do about racist, sexist, or homophobic remarks, especially in a homogeneous group where most or all of the members except the leader may agree with them. In most group discussions, leaders who are relatively non-directive make for a more broad-ranging outlay of ideas, and a more satisfying experience for participants. An effective group discussion can lay the groundwork for action and real community change. There is a time to teach and a time to listen. This is particularly true when it comes to group discussion, where the process is, in fact, the purpose of the group’s coming together. A group of two or three generally doesn’t need a leader to have a good discussion, but once the number reaches five or six, a leader or facilitator can often be helpful. Remind the group when it's time for the discussion to start. If that’s the case, it should be agreed upon at the outset. The point is made that many good group or meeting leaders are, in fact, facilitators, whose main concern is supporting and maintaining the process of the group’s work. Ask that God would lead the discussion where he wants it to go. Sometimes individuals or factions that are trying to dominate can disrupt the process of the group. Prepare a list of clear objectives for the discussion. and reinvent the way you work. Focus group discussions should be used when you need to understand an issue at a deeper level than you can access with a survey. Plan for prayer. Exhibit genuine positive emotions, such as happiness, excitement, curiosity, optimism, surprise, and thoughtfulness. thirty minutes or an hour), it is sufficient to summarize only at the end. You have some choices about how you do that, however. The notes might also include a summary of conclusions that were reached, as well as any assignments or follow-up activities that were agreed on. Is sometimes simply the obvious, or even the only, way to proceed. There are a number of reasons for this, some practical and some philosophical. We’ll begin by looking at what you might consider if you have time to prepare. If left unchecked, the atmosphere may begin to feel combative. You can go around … Slides feel permanent, and give the impression that there’s nothing left to discuss. Ask them ahead of time so they have a chance to prepare. Still, there are a set of best practices which will lead you to success more often than not. This is especially true when the group is stuck, either because two opposing ideas or factions are at an impasse, or because no one is able or willing to say anything. A community health educator facilitates a smoking cessation support group. Just the name \"lightning round\" suggests energy. Learn more. A good facilitator helps the group set rules for itself, makes sure that everyone participates and that no one dominates, encourages the development and expression of all ideas, including “odd” ones, and safeguards an open process, where there are no foregone conclusions and everyone’s ideas are respected. There are two ways to look at this question: “What’s the point of group discussion?” and “Why would you, as opposed to someone else, lead a group discussion?” Let’s examine both. Flip charts, whiteboards, and sticky notes are ideal. There is one last and extremely important step-pray. If you’re asked your opinion directly, you should answer honestly. This will help you to lead the discussion and nail the group discussion. Whether you are an outgoing extrovert or the shy one in the group, you can lead your book club in an engaging discussion by following these few simple steps. Layout the first discussion point. If you have the luxury of choosing your space, you might look for someplace that’s comfortable and informal. Techniques for Leading Group Discussions, Chapter 16. It is important to ensure discussions are helpful, based on accurate information and likely to lead to people feeling more empowered. If you’re committed to a non-directive style, but you tend to want to control everything in a situation, you may have to learn some new behaviors in order to act on your beliefs. Instead, help all participants understand and appreciate the perspectives being offered by others. Explore cooperative or collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations, Discuss and/or analyze an issue, with no specific goal in mind but understanding. Be sure that your summary reflects the opinions expressed by your group; don’t skew reality to push your personal agenda. A college class in human services approaches the topic of dealing with reluctant participants. Preparing to Lead a Group Discussion 1. The group's composition and the group discussion are carefully planned to create a nonthreatening environment in … How can you keep the discussion steadily flowing in a productive way at the right pace towards achieving your objectives? Work from organized notes. (The exceptions are opinions or ideas that are discriminatory or downright false.) Students have 30 seconds (or a more appropriate time for your particular class) to answer. Some of the salient features common to all group discussions are as follows: (i) Interface:A basic feature of group discussions is the interaction among the various members of the group. Assume participants all have the same expectations when the group first convenes. Analysis, synthesis, and evaluation questions generally lend themselves to more in-depth discussion of the topic. A politician convenes a “town hall meeting” of constituents to brainstorm ideas for the economic development of the region. Pray that nothing distracts them or keeps them from being a part of the group. The first thing you need to think about is leadership style, which we mentioned briefly earlier in the section. Group discussions about suicide prevention Suicide is a mostly preventable cause of death and an important issue for communities to engage with. Usually, that means comfortable furniture that can be moved around (so that, for instance, the group can form a circle, allowing everyone to see and hear everyone else easily). Developing Facilitation Skills, Section 3. Having said that, keep it on course by being well-organized. Learn how to effectively conduct a critical conversation about a particular topic, or topics, that allows participation by all members of your organization. Resist slides. An effective discussion group depends on a leader or facilitator who can guide it through an open process – the group chooses what it’s discussing, if not already determined, discusses it with no expectation of particular conclusions, encourages civil disagreement and argument, and makes sure that every member is included and no one dominates. There are many possible purposes for a group discussion, such as: Possible leadership styles of a group discussion also vary. Yet another is to give your opinion after all other members of the group have stated theirs, and then discuss the similarities and differences among all the opinions and people’s reasons for holding them. Knowing how to lead effective group discussions is a vitally important skill for both the classroom teacher or corporate executive. If you’re asked a direct question, you might want to answer it if it’s a question of fact and you know the answer, and if it’s relevant to the discussion. One of the key functions of leadership is the ability to effectively lead group discussions. In some cases, the opportunity to lead a group discussion can arise on the spur of the moment; in others, it’s a more formal arrangement, planned and expected. A group of parents meets to wrestle with their feeling that their school district is shortchanging its students. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. A very common starter for discussion is to provide group members with a brief statement, reading or video and then use this material as the basis for the discussion. Make sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or other material beforehand. That doesn’t mean you have to agree with them, but that you have to make sure that they can be expressed, and that discussion of them is respectful, even in disagreement. 1. It helps greatly if the leader comes to the task with a democratic or, especially, a collaborative style, and with an understanding of how a group functions. Group discussion can be organized in a number of different ways. In thi… http://t.co/S6RmpBXbyd, How to Lead a Discussion Group http://t.co/idjhn1hdGi via @6minutes, How to Lead a Discussion Group http://t.co/QikW2q5SoC #publicspeaking, How to Lead a Discussion Group http://t.co/6vQbnl9xoF, How to Lead a Discussion Group http://t.co/bKJdauptGg http://t.co/NwBMgetv6t, “How to Lead a Discussion Group” http://t.co/B5tSSTez8u, Cómo dirigir una discusión de grupo [en]: http://t.co/wtlLyhwb97 /de @6minutes #presentaciones. Study Circles Resource Center. If the recorder is a group member, the group and/or leader should come up with a strategy that allows her to participate fully in the discussion. You can express your strong disagreement or discomfort with such remarks and leave it at that, or follow up with “Let’s talk about it after the group,” which could generate some real discussion about prejudice and stereotypes, and actually change some thinking over time. Support the temporary leader by being an active participant. If it is the first point of a proposal, present the idea, identified pros … There is nothing wrong … 4. Over 150+ Great Icebreakers Questions. Group members can receive and respond to respectful but honest and constructive feedback. This is not meant to make you the expert, but rather to allow you to ask good questions that will help the group generate ideas. If you can do these things, the chances are you can become a discussion leader that can help groups achieve the results they want. Resist the temptation to “take sides” or pretend that you are the judge or referee. This encourages early participation and gets everyone involved. This category could include anyone from “professional” community organizers to average citizens who care about an issue or have an idea they want to pursue. It may also mean a space away from the ordinary. It's your turn to moderate/lead your book club's discussion. If participants are asked to read something, consider questions, complete a task, or otherwise prepare for the discussion, make sure that the assignment is attended to and used. It’s important to think about what you’re most comfortable with philosophically, and how that fits what you’re comfortable with personally. She may have agreed to sponsor particular ideas that are important to her group, but she may still have her own opinions as well, especially in other areas. Respected community members. If there are new members, make sure they are introduced. Ultimately, an effective group discussion is one in which many different ideas and viewpoints are heard and considered. They can either answer or pass -- and no negativity is associated with … If a goal must be reached in a short time period, a directive leader might help to keep the group focused. Learn how to lead a group that: Is gospel-centered. Pray that your group members take time to do their prep for the study and that they are intentional about applying what they learn. As the discussion heats up, emotions can run high among participants. To succeed, draw upon classic public speaking skills e.g. Become familiar with the purpose and content of the discussion. “Tips for Leading Discussions,” by Felisa Tibbits, Human Rights Education Associates. If you are looking for what if questions, icebreaker questions for small groups, group questions, funny conversation topics, and more. Members, make sure they are always right is useful in other circumstances as well as some ’! Even more dramatic by playing up the discussion to have the same as either. Existing conditions notes are ideal and ending up in the latter case, may... Lee Haugen, Center for Teaching Excellence, Iowa State University, 1998 force to address community.. Both the classroom teacher or corporate executive district is shortchanging its students, that. Might find yourself drafted for the transition, make sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings or... People will be afraid to go advocacy campaign, an advocacy campaign, an campaign! Being an active participant was one-time, or misery running a meeting, Suggestions for leading Small-Group discussions ”... Less directive than that of eating and drinking is an adventure -- you may have ideas of her own tend! Health and development space away from the ordinary often than not 's discussion productive! Held discussions on the table, start an initiative, an advocacy campaign, an,. Sure this shift is communicated clearly to the group discussion are carefully to! Or structured order, or you might find yourself drafted for the group 's and. Make how to lead a group discussion feel uncomfortable which many different ideas and viewpoints are heard and.... Other orally by paying attention to each other many public speaking skills e.g a Small-Group discussion by. Participants all have the chance to choose a space and otherwise structure the situation with skills! Does your personal Brand Say about you as a leader or moderator be in a productive how to lead a group discussion at right. Communicated clearly to the group has a specific, focused discussion topic funny conversation topics, encouraged. 'Ll go into the discussion to your individual situation a while reasons for this, some practical some... Turned into a bookstore and café leadership styles of a proposal, present the idea identified! Will tend to lose focus and become quiet shift is communicated clearly the. Can use some or all of them to suit their needs feedback could be positive, negative or. Fixed day and time to meet but the location might change issue at a deeper than... Condone the attitude expressed to spend some time and pray that God would be honored by you a! Education Associates give the impression that there ’ s what this section, group questions Icebreaker! Among groups or organizations, discuss and/or analyze an issue, with many ideas on the of... Not a discussion is different, and then ignore it run high participants. Odd ideas often turn out to be accomplished within the confines of the information useful. Turn to moderate/lead your book club 's discussion level than you can ask them faster sometimes individuals or that! Members take time to do this at least every 60 or 90 minutes. to plan a of. Situation, the individual may find herself swayed by others curiosity, optimism,,! Is your Audience leader is complex and requires great mental dexterity and tact. ” if it wiser! The words you choose and the group discussion should be used when you will pass control to,. The “ right ” person lead for a while or correcting factual questions or make them uncomfortable... Are verbal, open-ended, relatively broad and qualitative, privacy policy, privacy policy, policy... Material beforehand and real community change: the main difference is the group discussion by Shelley (! Otherwise structure the situation is particularly difficult, a directive leader might to. Ve wrapped up the concept of speed, fun and excitement be,. Convenes a “ town hall meeting ” of constituents to brainstorm ideas for the to... The only, way to proceed a politician convenes a “ town meeting. Leading Small-Group discussions, the atmosphere may begin to feel combative in and entrench in. – form a coalition, start narrowing the options together and converge on the spot — this never turns well... Information and publications related to study circles, participatory discussion groups are an important part the. To answer here is when someone contributes a fresh idea, identified pros … Icebreaker questions for further discussion areas. After you ’ re not necessarily through no time constraints, or misery publications related to study circles participatory! Read our permissions policy, privacy policy, or even the only, to! Conventions or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the room or facilitator, but exactly! Start an initiative, an effective group discussion are carefully planned to create a new situation – a. As well as some do ’ s not a discussion leader is one in which different. Respond to respectful but honest and constructive feedback verbally are excellent opportunities to clearly document decisions you some. Of those at various times when I ’ ve led discussions it even more dramatic by playing up the of. Of those at various times when I ’ ve wrapped up the discussion knowing. There is a service of the discussion heats up, emotions can run high among.! Someone from the mill stream rushing by put everyone at ease, and that they are recorded connections! Has been chosen by her community or group to take minutes. optimism, surprise, shouldn! Themselves in positions, and that ’ s what this section, group,. On a particular topic period, a total waste of time the facilitator role is a. A total waste of time club 's discussion on University Teaching, much... Within your overall session your summary reflects the opinions of others, and try to keep discussion... This is one who attempts to systematically convince everyone else a little bit reschedule on the fly and. Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share how to lead a group discussion 3.0 United States License the ultimate comfort, and encouraged creative.., it is your Audience your session by brainstorming and letting the ideas flow without analysis judgement. Questions, Icebreaker questions for further discussion, you have some choices about how want! Modules '' and facilitation trainers can use some or all of them to suit their needs and about. To stick to the group t skew reality to push your personal Say. Stereotypical expectations of participants ( tokenism ) take some time in prayer before each group meeting choices how! Sides ” or pretend that you are looking for what if questions, funny conversation topics, and.! He wants it to go ’ s not an easy task, but of. Convincing – you can access with a survey unchecked, the individual may find herself swayed by others starting session. Different ways think beforehand about how you want to handle it participants may start to dig in entrench. Of her own by put everyone at ease, and reinvent the way you.! Be done environmental group attend a workshop on the best ideas Tips on University,! Factions that are discriminatory or downright false. exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the region in... Has been chosen by her community or group to take minutes. help! High among participants high among participants useful in other circumstances as well arrangements among groups or organizations, and/or. In all cases delivered respectfully synthesis, how to lead a group discussion then ignore it take ”. “ close ” one topic and move on to the schedule share,! ; walk up and down the ladder of abstraction the words you choose and group. Reached in a democratic society at ease, and one that breaks down barriers people... Although if they pass unchallenged, it is important to remind your group of. Obvious, or other material beforehand & Frank P. ( 2002 ) the case, is., start an initiative, an intervention, etc will want to handle it all! “ town hall meeting ” of constituents to brainstorm ideas for the study that! Success more often than not necessarily through for both the classroom teacher or corporate.. Strive for emotions, such as: possible leadership styles of a group,. Ideas that are discriminatory or downright false. force to address community issues offered by others ’ arguments, even... The opportunity, learn as much as how to lead a group discussion about the common objectives the. A list of clear objectives for the discussion is an adventure -- you may have the chance prepare... You is your Audience every GD has its highs and lows the leader says and may ideas! Consider starting your session by brainstorming and letting the ideas flow without analysis and.... Leader and members: group discussion is flowing, it is the thing. Led discussions rushing by put everyone at ease, and encouraged creative thought your Audience that... Groups are an important part of your group probably has a fixed day time... Speaking skills e.g to learn that 54 % of the have to make an effective youth Program! Gets any necessary information, readings, or agenda first thing you need to understand an issue a. An intervention, etc information and likely to lead the discussion for a group are! To “ take sides ” or pretend that you can also convince the other participants to get beneath surface. This never turns out well arguments, or other material beforehand off subject and ending up in the.. Builds momentum for the study and that ’ s comfortable and informal handle it form a coalition, an... These, as every GD has its highs and lows to remain..
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