The method used to facilitated a discussion determines how well the guests express themselves and whether they will connect with the topic at hand. Excellent hosts have learnt the best dialogue facilitation techniques that make discussions fruitful and interesting. Here are some of these techniques and areas where they can be used effectively.
Become a traffic controller instead of behaving like a pilot. The pilot takes charge of the plane because he is the expert. A controller acts differently because his focus is ensuring that each plane finds its own place within the airport. Your role should be such that you direct the discussion and not acting like the main contributor. Allow people to express different points of view without allowing your opinion to override the discussion. It is not a one man show.
Lay down the rules that will be used to guide the discussion. This is the only way you will have order in the conversations. There should be an understanding of who speaks first and how the signals are issued. Language must be defined and mannerisms that help maintain civility. With ground rules set, you have a very productive and civil discussion.
Be interested in asking questions and not providing or directing answers. It is natural that you will have an opinion about the subject under discussion. However, allow the panelists to provide the answers. This encourages genuine discussion and allows participants to contribute extensively. Do not abdicate your role as a facilitator and act like a guest.
Ask questions that are open ended and that incite dialogue. Such questions cause people to feel the urge to respond and contribute. The tricks that can be used to draw more answers or responses include What Follow, How So, Tell Me More and such conversation extending phrases. This approach is also effective in reducing one-worded answers that can make your discussion very taxing.
Conversation starters will define the warmth of your discussion. The best facilitators do not jump into the discussion straightaway. Rather, they have an easy moment that will warm the floor before the heavy and hard hitting opinions come. This discussion should be related to the larger topic. It gives an easy platform for all to discuss the issues at hand. The opener should not close out some people. In fact, a free for all discussion is welcome.
The discussion should feel like an invitation and not a situation where people are forced. This will be determined by the words you use. Words used should reflect an easy environment where participants can discuss and share openly. Facial expressions, subtle motions and eye contacts will tell you who is ready to take up the discussion. Find a tactic to tame the people who want to take over without putting them down.
Keep the discussion relevant even when other issues emerge. Every discussion has the potential of spinning out of control as new ideas emerge. When people are put on their defense, be ready to allow them redeem their image. Find an interesting ending that is also captivating and memorable.
Become a traffic controller instead of behaving like a pilot. The pilot takes charge of the plane because he is the expert. A controller acts differently because his focus is ensuring that each plane finds its own place within the airport. Your role should be such that you direct the discussion and not acting like the main contributor. Allow people to express different points of view without allowing your opinion to override the discussion. It is not a one man show.
Lay down the rules that will be used to guide the discussion. This is the only way you will have order in the conversations. There should be an understanding of who speaks first and how the signals are issued. Language must be defined and mannerisms that help maintain civility. With ground rules set, you have a very productive and civil discussion.
Be interested in asking questions and not providing or directing answers. It is natural that you will have an opinion about the subject under discussion. However, allow the panelists to provide the answers. This encourages genuine discussion and allows participants to contribute extensively. Do not abdicate your role as a facilitator and act like a guest.
Ask questions that are open ended and that incite dialogue. Such questions cause people to feel the urge to respond and contribute. The tricks that can be used to draw more answers or responses include What Follow, How So, Tell Me More and such conversation extending phrases. This approach is also effective in reducing one-worded answers that can make your discussion very taxing.
Conversation starters will define the warmth of your discussion. The best facilitators do not jump into the discussion straightaway. Rather, they have an easy moment that will warm the floor before the heavy and hard hitting opinions come. This discussion should be related to the larger topic. It gives an easy platform for all to discuss the issues at hand. The opener should not close out some people. In fact, a free for all discussion is welcome.
The discussion should feel like an invitation and not a situation where people are forced. This will be determined by the words you use. Words used should reflect an easy environment where participants can discuss and share openly. Facial expressions, subtle motions and eye contacts will tell you who is ready to take up the discussion. Find a tactic to tame the people who want to take over without putting them down.
Keep the discussion relevant even when other issues emerge. Every discussion has the potential of spinning out of control as new ideas emerge. When people are put on their defense, be ready to allow them redeem their image. Find an interesting ending that is also captivating and memorable.
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