It is always a good idea to have a list of eight to ten broad questions ready to facilitate the
discussion. Try and anticipate all the directions the discussion will turn and have questions ready to
deal with the situation. Discussion group is neither a forum to trap people nor is it an argument.
The questions you frame should aim at furthering the debate and encourage participation. Closed
ended questions that can be answered by ’yes’ and ‘no’, scuttle the debate so they are best
avoided.
There will be some awkward gaps of silence during the discussion. Don’t always rush to fill them up.
Wait for a response - people need time to think. Listen carefully to every response. Frame new
questions based on the new ‘input’ to supplement your main questions. It helps to express your
responses in a general way to encourage more people to participate in the discussion.
If you have framed eight to ten questions, it does not mean that all of them have to be introduced
into the discussion. Be flexible about your list of questions. If the discussion is going well, go with
the flow. Be quick to bring it back to relevance if it wanders away from the topic, or becomes
pointless.
discussion. Try and anticipate all the directions the discussion will turn and have questions ready to
deal with the situation. Discussion group is neither a forum to trap people nor is it an argument.
The questions you frame should aim at furthering the debate and encourage participation. Closed
ended questions that can be answered by ’yes’ and ‘no’, scuttle the debate so they are best
avoided.
There will be some awkward gaps of silence during the discussion. Don’t always rush to fill them up.
Wait for a response - people need time to think. Listen carefully to every response. Frame new
questions based on the new ‘input’ to supplement your main questions. It helps to express your
responses in a general way to encourage more people to participate in the discussion.
If you have framed eight to ten questions, it does not mean that all of them have to be introduced
into the discussion. Be flexible about your list of questions. If the discussion is going well, go with
the flow. Be quick to bring it back to relevance if it wanders away from the topic, or becomes
pointless.
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employee2owner
Leading a Discussion
There will be times when you will be asked to take responsibility for generating, leading and
facilitating discussion about a particular topic. Many people including experienced teachers and
speakers consider leading a small-group discussion more difficult and more challenging than
lecturing hundreds of people in a room. That is perhaps because a teacher or a speaker has near
complete control over what happens in the classroom, while the discussion leader has to share
control and direction with other participants. The best-laid plans can go haywire, as the outcome of
a discussion is often unpredictable. It depends a lot on the enthusiasm of the participants, their
preparedness, and the general dynamics of the group. So you need to acquire basic understanding
of group dynamics and how you can contribute effectively in a discussion not only as a leader but
also as an active participant. Group discussions ‘do not just happen’. They need to be carefully
planned.
Chairing a Group Discussion
Seating arrangement
When chairing or leading a group discussion make sure you pay enough attention to seating
arrangement. Spectacular success is always preceded by dull and boring preparation. Seating
arrangements is the boring part but is very important. People should ideally have eye contact with
each other. If you are responsible for leading the discussion ask other members of your team to
disperse themselves amongst other participants. Their task is to be part of the discussion and not
to dominate it.
arrangement. Spectacular success is always preceded by dull and boring preparation. Seating
arrangements is the boring part but is very important. People should ideally have eye contact with
each other. If you are responsible for leading the discussion ask other members of your team to
disperse themselves amongst other participants. Their task is to be part of the discussion and not
to dominate it.
Attitude is everything
You need to acquire the right attitude to lead group discussion. You need to make all effort to
relate with the participants. Show patience, concern and understanding. Attitude is everything.
Assume that they are fascinated by the topic. That will show in your posture and create enthusiasm
in the group, which will lead to lively discussion. You will set the tone of the discussion. People will
participate more enthusiastically if you make them feel that their contributions are welcome and
valued.
relate with the participants. Show patience, concern and understanding. Attitude is everything.
Assume that they are fascinated by the topic. That will show in your posture and create enthusiasm
in the group, which will lead to lively discussion. You will set the tone of the discussion. People will
participate more enthusiastically if you make them feel that their contributions are welcome and
valued.
Introductory Remarks
Your initial remarks, while not taking too much time, must outline the aims and objectives of the
discussion. People need to know what the point of the discussion is. You need to give 'direction' to
the discussion by indicating where you expect the discussion to lead the group. Is it an open-ended
discussion or is it going to be more structured. Is the group looking for a solution to a problem
under discussion or is the aim of the discussion to disseminate information.
discussion. People need to know what the point of the discussion is. You need to give 'direction' to
the discussion by indicating where you expect the discussion to lead the group. Is it an open-ended
discussion or is it going to be more structured. Is the group looking for a solution to a problem
under discussion or is the aim of the discussion to disseminate information.
Be ready with your Questions
Discussion not argument
Remember as the person, leading the discussion you are the one who will set the tone of the
discussion. Others will take the cue from you and follow the standard of etiquette you set. Be
respectful and appreciative at all time. This does not mean that you can’t be firm and cannot
disagree with some comment or proposal. At the same time, avoid getting into an argument with a
participant. Be ready to ask, "What do other people think about this?"
discussion. Others will take the cue from you and follow the standard of etiquette you set. Be
respectful and appreciative at all time. This does not mean that you can’t be firm and cannot
disagree with some comment or proposal. At the same time, avoid getting into an argument with a
participant. Be ready to ask, "What do other people think about this?"
Concluding the Session
Make some notes during the discussion, so that you can summarise the discussion at the
end of the session
end of the session
When not leading the discussion
Finally when it is someone else's turn to lead the group discussion, participate enthusiastically.
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