Before the Program:
- Acquire the full program format in advance.
- Spend some quality time reading over the program format taking special note of the goals and objectives.
- Look over all of the background information provided.
- Take some extra time to get to know the subject.
- Have a clear understanding of key questions to be addressed and any points that may be tricky.
- Ask the program leader any questions about the program before it starts.
- Do not plan to fake anything.
Initiating Discussion:
- Involve everyone in the group.
- Seat people in a way that makes each person visible (circles work well) unless directed otherwise (some programs may emphasize anonymity by obstructing people’s views of each other).
- Seat everyone on the same level (i.e. all on chairs, or all on the floor. If you have someone in a wheelchair, then everyone should be on chairs), unless directed otherwise.
- Invite everyone to join.
- Ask questions either from or based on the program format and/or topic as directed by the program leaders.
- Address questions to the group at large before questioning individuals.
- Do not put people on the spot.
- Ask open-ended questions rather than those requiring one-word answers.
- Ask questions which circle around the main point, allowing participants to discover the answers on their own.
Maintaining Discussion:
- Play off other people’s comments:
“What do you think about what he/she said?” “Do you agree?”
o Allow only one person to talk at a time.
o Make it clear that each person’s comments are worth hearing.
o Encourage those who are less inclined to talk with validating phrases, like “great point!” or “thank you for that!” and make sure they are not interrupted.
o Keep the discussion focused on the topic at hand.
o Keep things moving in the intended direction by using the provided discussion questions and linking back to the goals and objectives.
o Allow the group to dwell on a point if they find it interesting, but avoid tangents.
- Maintain objectivity. The group should not know your opinion because you are there to facilitate rather than be the discussion.
- When necessary, play devil’s advocate.
- Ask follow up questions to make sure people’s viewpoints are understood.
- Summarize main points at intervals to ensure people are following the progression of the concept.
- Give brief feedback on good comments:
“That’s interesting.”
“That’s helpful.”
How to Handle Possible Issues:
- A lull in the conversation
o Ask another question (be prepared with several).
o Summarize and/or repeat points that were already made.
- Someone tries to take over the discussion
o Let him/her go if the point is on track.
o Jump in after the comment is made to reestablish control.
“That’s a great point, thank you!”
“Does someone else have something to say?”
- People do not participate in the discussion at all
o Don’t take it personally.
o Remember that some people gain a great deal from listening.
o Ask more directed questions.
o Find a relevant sub-topic which may interest participants, as long as it does not conflict with the purpose of the discussion and program.
o Try to make points relevant to their lives.
Discipline Problems:
If a person is disruptive:
- Ignore him/her if possible; try not to give the disruptive person your attention.
- Ask a question to involve him/her in the conversation.
- Use positive reinforcement for good answers.
If they continue, follow these steps:
- LOOK – Give a stern look so the person knows you have your eye on him/her.
- TOUCH – Find a way to touch the person’s shoulder while continuing to lead in order to show you are unwilling to let him/her interrupt the group.
- SPEAK – Address his/her behavior directly, but do not make threats.
If these solutions do not work, you may ask the person to leave but do not send the person away unsupervised.
Wrapping-up Discussion: Tying Everything Together
- Summarize main points, emphasizing those which the group made.
- Connect points to the discussion questions and objectives listed in the program format.
- Add points which are part of the goal but may not come out during the discussion.
- Don’t forget to thank the group for their participation!
