It takes a good facilitator to deliver a conversation that is resourceful and entertaining. However, this will not come naturally. There are dialogue facilitation techniques that will help you gain control of the discussion and make it interesting. These techniques can be used when a few people are involved and when you have a crowd to facilitate.
Take the approach of a traffic controller at an airport instead of acting like a pilot. Traffic controllers direct planes through gestures and signals. This means that every plane will follow the directions and find its resting place. This is different from a pilot who is in charge as a professional. Allow panelists to express their ideas and opinions even though you have some opinions of your own. Do not turn the discussion into a one man show.
Establish norms that will guide your discussion. The role of a facilitator is to ensure that there is order and everyone has a chance to make contribution. This will only happen if there is order. Establish norms like the order in which people speak, how the responses should be made, expectations from those in attendance and language mannerisms, among others. It is these ground rules that make your discussion civil and productive.
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 panelists should not feel forced to make contribution. Turn it into a conversation where everyone wants to jump in and also listen to the opinions of other people. Choose words that are easy and that encourage an open discussion. Allow people to share openly. Watch their subtle motions, facial expressions and eye contact to know who wants to jump in and who has a different opinion. Tactfully tame panelists who want to dominate.
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.
Take the approach of a traffic controller at an airport instead of acting like a pilot. Traffic controllers direct planes through gestures and signals. This means that every plane will follow the directions and find its resting place. This is different from a pilot who is in charge as a professional. Allow panelists to express their ideas and opinions even though you have some opinions of your own. Do not turn the discussion into a one man show.
Establish norms that will guide your discussion. The role of a facilitator is to ensure that there is order and everyone has a chance to make contribution. This will only happen if there is order. Establish norms like the order in which people speak, how the responses should be made, expectations from those in attendance and language mannerisms, among others. It is these ground rules that make your discussion civil and productive.
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 panelists should not feel forced to make contribution. Turn it into a conversation where everyone wants to jump in and also listen to the opinions of other people. Choose words that are easy and that encourage an open discussion. Allow people to share openly. Watch their subtle motions, facial expressions and eye contact to know who wants to jump in and who has a different opinion. Tactfully tame panelists who want to dominate.
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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