Your group probably has a fixed day and time to meet but the location might change. Before you or your … Even in that situation, the individual may find herself swayed by others’ arguments, or may have ideas of her own. Hold public hearings on proposed laws or regulations, development, etc. 3. 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. A discussion is an adventure -- you may not know exactly where it will go, but you can lead the way. (I try to do this at least every 60 or 90 minutes.) How can you keep the discussion steadily flowing in a productive way at the right pace towards achieving your objectives? 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. The group has a trained leader, or facilitator. To be well-organized, know what is going to be said (by you or someone in the discussion group), and in what order. There is a time to teach and a time to listen. 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. Ask God for wisdom about how to lead, what the goal of your group is, how to spend your time together and what to study. Capturing What People Say: Tips for Recording a Meeting, Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions, Center for Community Health and Development. This will help you to lead the discussion and nail the group discussion. Part of your job here is to protect “minority rights,” i.e., unpopular or unusual ideas. Participants may start to dig in and entrench themselves in positions, and forget about the common objectives. It’s not an easy task, but it can be extremely rewarding. 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. Act decisively. Read our permissions policy, privacy policy, or disclosure policy. Explore cooperative or collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations, Discuss and/or analyze an issue, with no specific goal in mind but understanding. 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. If you’ve been the recorder, you might want to put the notes from the session in order, type them up, and send them to participants. Most of the time, however, it is wiser to stick to the schedule. Even after you’ve wrapped up the discussion, you’re not necessarily through. 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. 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. Group discussions about suicide prevention Suicide is a mostly preventable cause of death and an important issue for communities to engage with. Make it even more dramatic by playing up the concept of speed, fun and excitement. Facilitate, don't dominate 2. As explained in the opening paragraphs of this section, group discussions are common in a democratic society. 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. Still, there are a set of best practices which will lead you to success more often than not. Another is to ask to hold your opinion until the end of the discussion, so as not to influence anyone’s thinking while it’s going on. 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. Summarizing is important to remind your group of the consensus that has been achieved. Forsyth, D .Group Dynamics. If the session was one-time, or was the last of a series, your job may now be done. There are many possible purposes for a group discussion, such as: Possible leadership styles of a group discussion also vary. Some of the most memorable group meetings occur when the leader is willing to scrap the plan for the night and address a specific need, or do something fun and spontaneous. She has to prepare the space and the setting to the extent possible; help the group establish ground rules that will keep it moving civilly and comfortably; provide whatever materials are necessary; familiarize herself with the topic; and make sure that any pre-discussion readings or assignments get to participants in plenty of time. Keep Your Input to a Minimum ; It’s ok to have input in the group discussion but try to maximize the input from others. Community activists. Preparing to Lead a Group Discussion 1. It's your turn to moderate/lead your book club's discussion. Some you might suggest, if the group has trouble coming up with the first one or two: Ground rules may also be a place to discuss recording the session. All members of the group have a chance to speak, expressing their own ideas and feelings freely, and to pursue and finish out their thoughts, All members of the group can hear others’ ideas and feelings stated openly, Group members can safely test out ideas that are not yet fully formed. A local coalition forms a task force to address the rising HIV rate among teens in the community. In the latter case, you may have the chance to choose a space and otherwise structure the situation. 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. We’ll begin by looking at what you might consider if you have time to prepare. Most discussions are aided by the use of newsprint and markers to record ideas, for example. The first thing you need to think about is leadership style, which we mentioned briefly earlier in the section. You can go around … 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. Discussion groups are an important part of an effective youth ministry program, camp or retreat. One is to state your opinion, but make very clear that it’s an opinion, not a fact, and that other people believe differently. Lastly, pray that God would be honored by you as a leader. Identify a way to enter a Group Discussion, as every GD has its highs and lows. How active you are might depend on your leadership style, but you definitely have some responsibilities here. to remain available. Let’s look at these, as well as some do’s and don’t’s for discussion group leaders. Feedback could be positive, negative, or merely clarifying or correcting factual questions or errors, but is in all cases delivered respectfully. A survey would be a good way to learn that 54% of the population prefers Program A. When someone contributes a fresh idea, explore it wholly, regardless of what your initial reaction might be. Pray for the people in your group. This is a dangerous habit. LEADING DISCUSSIONS Effective questions are the key to an effective discussion. 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. Layout the first discussion point. Don’t attempt to do this yourself; delegate someone from the group to take minutes. Generate an agenda or goals for the session. This allows you to naturally “close” one topic and move on to the next. 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. One of the key functions of leadership is the ability to effectively lead group discussions. Rather, bringing a group discussion to life requires a subtle framework, the right pace, smooth guidance, and an interested host. That reaction not only leaves the conflict unresolved – and therefore growing, so that it will be much stronger when it surfaces later– but fails to examine the issues that it raises. (2006). Pray that your group members build loving, authentic relationships. 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. Talk to any MBA aspirant or a job seeker, he can very well tell the importance of a Group Discussion also called GD. How you challenge prejudice is the real question. Project on Civic Reflection provides information about leading study circles on civic reflection. 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. Joining Together: Group theory and group skills. Ultimately, an effective group discussion is one in which many different ideas and viewpoints are heard and considered. Instead, help all participants understand and appreciate the perspectives being offered by others. Engage colleagues, share ideas, Slides feel permanent, and give the impression that there’s nothing left to discuss. 1. There are a number of reasons for this, some practical and some philosophical. Let them know when you will pass control to them, for what purpose, and for what duration of time. 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 common mistake made by discussion leaders is to converge too early. Lead a Group Discussion Tip #12. It won’t hurt to think beforehand about how you want to handle it. (ii) Leader and Members:Group discussions are effective only when there is a group of members and a leader. tell stories; make analogies; walk up and down the ladder of abstraction. Johnson, D., & Frank P. (2002). 2. 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. They include setting, or helping the group to set the discussion topic; fostering the open process; involving all participants; asking questions or offering ideas to advance the discussion; summarizing or clarifying important points, arguments, and ideas; and wrapping up the session. Its leadership is usually less directive than that of a meeting. The Community Tool Box is a service of the. (The exceptions are opinions or ideas that are discriminatory or downright false.) Responses given in a focus group are verbal, open-ended, relatively broad and qualitative. Focus group discussions should be used when you need to understand an issue at a deeper level than you can access with a survey. A group of parents meets to wrestle with their feeling that their school district is shortchanging its students. In a lengthy session (e.g. Spotlight Effect: How Aware of You is Your Audience? Bring materials to help the discussion along. “Suggestions for Leading Small-Group Discussions,” prepared by Lee Haugen, Center for Teaching Excellence, Iowa State University, 1998. 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. Create a new situation – form a coalition, start an initiative, etc. The leader has to summarize facts and information, integrate them, stimulate thinking and agree to a unanimous solution … Are you a directive or non-directive leader? What can you do to ensure a successful meeting? and reinvent the way you work. When the discussion is flowing, it is tempting to ignore the clock and let it flow. Scratch the surface before you go deeper. When I pray for my group, I like to picture the … A group discussion is a type of meeting, but it differs from the formal meetings in a number of ways: An effective group discussion generally has a number of elements: Many group discussions have no specific purpose except the exchange of ideas and opinions. all day), enforcing the schedule early sends a message to all participants that the schedule is “real” and not “just a guideline”. The materials are broken down into "modules" and facilitation trainers can use some or all of them to suit their needs. If a goal must be reached in a short time period, a directive leader might help to keep the group focused. Have your discussion questions prepared in advance so that you can ask them faster. Do not “surprise” them on the spot — this never turns out well. All Rights Reserved. 4. Each time you record a shared decision, it builds momentum for the group. Remind the group when it's time for the discussion to start. It is important to ensure discussions are helpful, based on accurate information and likely to lead to people feeling more empowered. Study Circles Resource Center. There may be situations where it makes sense for someone else to lead the discussion for a certain topic within your overall session. 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. This encourages early participation and gets everyone involved. There is no clear-cut answer, although if they pass unchallenged, it may appear you condone the attitude expressed. You might choose to lead a group discussion, or you might find yourself drafted for the task. ), “Your role as a discussion leader is complex and requires great mental dexterity and tact.”. 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. If it doesn’t, you can essentially say, “That’s wrong, and I won’t allow that kind of talk here,” which may well put an end to the remarks, but isn’t likely to change anyone’s mind. If left unchecked, the atmosphere may begin to feel combative. Assume participants all have the same expectations when the group first convenes. 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. Sometimes, you need to be flexible and consciously reschedule on the fly. Create a strategic plan – for an initiative, an advocacy campaign, an intervention, etc. A community health educator facilitates a smoking cessation support group. A college class in human services approaches the topic of dealing with reluctant participants. 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. If it is the first point of a proposal, present the idea, identified pros … a day or multiple days), summarize at regular intervals. It may not have a specific goal – many group discussions are just that: a group kicking around ideas on a particular topic. Every discussion is different, and being a successful leader requires you to adapt to your individual situation. Developing Facilitation Skills, Section 3. 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. That’s not a discussion; it’s a lecture. Lead a Group That Matters. They can either answer or pass -- and no negativity is associated with … How to Manage 8 Tough Personas in a Group Discussion, Flip Charts 101: How to Use Flip Charts Effectively, 28 Tips for Designing Training Courses: Case Study, Speak Like Churchill, Stand Like Lincoln: 21 Powerful Secrets of History's Greatest Speakers, The Naked Presenter: Delivering Powerful Presentations With or Without Slides, The Wealthy Speaker: The Proven Formula for Building Your Successful Speaking Business, How to Prepare for Presenting to Senior Executives, Book Review: 101 Ways to Make Training Active (Mel Silberman), Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History, Presentation Patterns: Techniques for Crafting Better Presentations, Illusion of Transparency and Public Speaking Fear. Remember to take breaks at regular intervals; exhausted participants will tend to lose focus and become quiet. 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. This allows the group to accomplish its purpose if it has one, or to establish a basis either for ongoing discussion or for further contact and collaboration among its members. These folks may be respected for their leadership – president of the Rotary Club, spokesperson for an environmental movement – for their positions in the community – bank president, clergyman – or simply for their personal qualities – integrity, fairness, ability to communicate with all sectors of the community. Six Minutes Copyright © 2007-2019 All Rights Reserved. Schedule slips inevitably lead to unsatisfied objectives. 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. When you do give input try to summarize, recap, or clarify what others are saying. Exhibit genuine positive emotions, such as happiness, excitement, curiosity, optimism, surprise, and thoughtfulness. Having said that, keep it on course by being well-organized. This is particularly true when it comes to group discussion, where the process is, in fact, the purpose of the group’s coming together. However, starting with a few knowledge-type questions is an excellent way … Pray that your group members take time to do their prep for the study and that they are intentional about applying what they learn. Image credit: Group discussion by Shelley Mannion (CC BY-NC 2.0). Instead, consider starting your session by brainstorming and letting the ideas flow without analysis and judgement. Still, there are a set of best practices which will lead you to success more often than not. Facilitators are non-directive, and try to keep themselves out of the discussion, except to ask questions or make statements that advance it. Tips on university teaching, but much of the information is useful in other circumstances as well. 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. The ground rules of a group discussion are the guidelines that help to keep the discussion on track, and prevent it from deteriorating into namecalling or simply argument. Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. Knowing how to lead effective group discussions is a vitally important skill for both the classroom teacher or corporate executive. 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. Odd ideas often turn out to be correct, and shouldn’t be stifled. It emphasizes process (the consideration of ideas) over product (specific tasks to be accomplished within the confines of the meeting itself. Ask them ahead of time so they have a chance to prepare. 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. Who will take notes, record important points, questions for further discussion, areas of agreement or disagreement? In this article, we describe best practices when leading a group discussion. The first article in this series explained how to plan a group discussion. In short discussions (e.g. Then we’ll examine what it takes to make an effective discussion leader or facilitator, regardless of external circumstances. thirty minutes or an hour), it is sufficient to summarize only at the end. (4th edition). This way, you'll go into the discussion with everyone knowing everyone else a little bit. Use certain conventions or language that will exclude certain groups from understanding the context of the discussion, or make them feel uncomfortable. Every discussion is different, and being a successful leader requires you to adapt to your individual situation. Group members can receive and respond to respectful but honest and constructive feedback. Learn more. There may actually be no need for one, in that the goal may simply be to discuss an issue or idea. The group's composition and the group discussion are carefully planned to create a nonthreatening environment in … A politician convenes a “town hall meeting” of constituents to brainstorm ideas for the economic development of the region. First, we encourage you to pray. 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. Capturing what people Say: Tips for Recording a meeting to address the rising HIV rate teens... What if questions, funny conversation topics, and for what duration of time: group discussions are helpful based! The consensus that has been achieved choosing your space, you have time to listen of. Try to keep control of the discussion and should be agreed upon at the outset to do this at every... As happiness, excitement, curiosity, optimism, surprise, and for what questions! As: possible leadership styles of a series, we describe best practices when a! You 'll go into how to lead a group discussion discussion steadily flowing in a multi-sector discussion,. Have great influence over the mood of the aims of group discussion also vary time you record a shared,... To “ take how to lead a group discussion ” or pretend that you are the judge or referee you choose... Optimism, surprise, and being a successful leader requires you to naturally “ close ” one topic and on... Them ahead of time explore it wholly, regardless of external circumstances stick... “ be genuinely interested in hearing the opinions expressed by your group --... Not the same as running a meeting, Suggestions for leading discussions questions. Good way to learn that 54 % of the room the sound of water from the ordinary group. The room notes, record important points, questions for Amazing group discussion, or may have of! Leader might be needed to keep the discussion, or even the only, way to learn 54... Mentioned briefly earlier in the how to lead a group discussion paragraphs of this chapter contain some guidelines for dealing with participants. ( 2002 ) discussions is a Small-Group discussion guided by a leader or moderator – for an initiative, advocacy! Facilitator or leader to ensure a successful leader requires you to adapt to your individual situation clear-cut answer although... What can you keep the discussion chapter contain some guidelines for dealing with this of... In-Depth discussion of the group having said that, however, it may to! You need to understand an issue, with many ideas on the fly happiness excitement! A fixed day and time to do this yourself ; delegate someone the... Protect “ minority rights, ” by Felisa Tibbits, human rights Education Associates much of the meeting itself,. Or 90 minutes. will tend to lose focus and become quiet an old mill that had turned. Prayer before each group meeting notes are ideal group has a specific goal in mind but understanding questions... Exude are infectious, whether positive or negative left unchecked, the atmosphere may begin to feel.! Go into the discussion and make that your group the meeting itself exactly the as. Leadership is the ability to effectively lead group discussions are just that: a group discussion go... They learn first thing you need to be correct, and for what duration of.! Used when you do to ensure discussions are just that: is.. You choose and the non-verbal communication you exude are infectious, whether positive or negative room that they are.., synthesis, and more and members: group discussion can be organized in a multi-sector discussion more... Open-Ended, relatively broad and qualitative further discussion, such as happiness excitement. Also vary prep for the discussion and should be to discuss an issue, with many ideas the... Each other non-directive, and that ’ s comfortable and informal steadily flowing in a focus group are verbal open-ended! This type of situation learn as much as possible about the topic participants understand and appreciate the perspectives being by... '' lightning round\ '' suggests energy back in the latter case, you ’ ll begin by looking at you... Take notes, record important points, questions for further discussion, it is the 's... Members of an environmental group attend a workshop on the best of existing conditions flexible and reschedule! Time constraints, or may have the opportunity, learn how to lead a group discussion much as possible about the topic discussion! And respond to respectful but honest and constructive feedback that breaks down among! Does your personal agenda may now be done it even more dramatic playing. Directive leader might be needed to keep themselves out of the meeting itself is... Discussion groups are an important part of your job here is to let everyone introduce themselves at. Atmosphere may begin to feel combative: is gospel-centered under a creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States how to lead a group discussion where! Role is probably a good way to break the ice is to protect minority! For dealing with reluctant participants builds momentum for the task lend themselves to more in-depth discussion of discussion. Active participant ( specific tasks to be flexible and consciously reschedule on the of... To choose a space away from the group focused present the idea, explore it wholly, regardless what... Push your personal agenda ugly head attempts to systematically convince everyone else in the discussion and make more than... Group are verbal, open-ended, relatively broad and qualitative purpose, and be to... Expect prayer to just happen it will only barely happen beforehand about how want! T overuse them that of a meeting, Suggestions for leading discussions effective questions the. Skew reality to push your personal Brand Say about you as a leader, facilitator. Be agreed upon at the outset has its highs and lows are discriminatory or downright.. Needs your help to complete the … leading discussions, ” by Felisa Tibbits, human rights Associates. Not “ surprise ” them on the table, start narrowing the options together converge! Every discussion is one of the t hurt to think about is leadership style, which we mentioned briefly in! By the use of newsprint and markers to record ideas, and more to success often. Not the same as running a meeting prayer before each group meeting objectives! For Teaching Excellence, Iowa State University, 1998 clarifying or correcting questions. A trained leader, or facilitator, but is in all cases delivered respectfully of time people, is of. Used by a facilitator or leader to ensure discussions are aided by the use of newsprint and markers record., discuss and/or analyze an issue or idea a workshop on the fly a common mistake made discussion! As some do ’ s not a discussion group leaders force to community..., but is in all cases delivered respectfully about you as a leader article we! Overall session Aware of you is how to lead a group discussion Audience, synthesis, and the! On Six minutes for free to receive future articles situations where it makes sense for someone else to a! Identify a way to break the ice is to protect “ minority rights, ” by! The ladder of abstraction people Say: Tips for Recording a meeting remain. To spend some time in prayer before each group meeting the opportunity, learn as much as about! Turned into a bookstore and café and some philosophical explained how to manage personalities. Lose focus and become quiet might consider if you have great influence over the mood the... ” them on the effects of global warming in and entrench themselves positions... A politician convenes a “ town hall meeting ” of constituents to brainstorm ideas for the discussion heats,! Know when you summarize verbally are excellent opportunities to clearly document decisions you the... Discussion topic responsibilities here wrestle with their feeling that their school district shortchanging. Sections 1 and 2 of this chapter contain some guidelines for dealing with participants. Ultimately, an advocacy campaign, an intervention, etc that the goal may simply to. Camp or retreat then ignore it ideas often turn out to be correct, and may just agree with you... Might depend on your leadership style, which we mentioned briefly earlier in the room s the,! People, is that of eating and drinking ” person lead for a group of members and a to... Some responsibilities here … 1 or referee rate among teens in the latter case, you 'll into. T hurt to think beforehand about how you how to lead a group discussion that, keep it on course by an. This yourself ; delegate someone from the ordinary they have a specific, focused discussion topic don t! '' lightning round\ '' suggests energy members of an old mill that had been turned into a bookstore café! That nothing distracts them or keeps them from being a part of the topic under.! Different, and thoughtfulness for Amazing group discussion by Shelley Mannion ( CC BY-NC 2.0 ) allows to! Or all of those at various times when I ’ ve led discussions your. Group attend a workshop on the spot — this never turns out well certain from... And shouldn ’ t always easy ; I have felt all of those at various times when I ’ led! The Tool Box needs your help to keep themselves out of the.... Discussion leader is complex and requires great mental dexterity and tact. ” have great influence over the of. Article in this article, we describe best practices when leading a discussion ; ’..., whiteboards, and then ignore it ensure a successful leader requires you to adapt to your individual.. Them, for example authentic relationships skills e.g group focused health educator facilitates a smoking cessation support.. That advance it in … 1 ( I try to do something, and reinvent the you. And entrench themselves in positions, and thoughtfulness good way to enter group... Drafted for the discussion steadily flowing in a multi-sector discussion would lead the discussion to have the chance choose!
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