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.
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.
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.
Make your questions open ended. The session should feel like a conversation and not a question and answer session. Among the tricks you can use to encourage conversation is Tell Me More, How So, What Followed and such other conversational phrases. This ensures that you are not getting one worded answers that would make the discussion boring to follow.
Construct a captivating conversations starter that will bring everyone on board into the same platform. Though there is the topic to be discussed, you do not jump straight into it. Find an easy discussion that will warm the floor and bring the minds of all participants into focus. The discussion can be general so that anyone can jump in in a fun and easy manner. Avoid topics that would be divisive or close out a section of the audience.
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.
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.
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.
Make your questions open ended. The session should feel like a conversation and not a question and answer session. Among the tricks you can use to encourage conversation is Tell Me More, How So, What Followed and such other conversational phrases. This ensures that you are not getting one worded answers that would make the discussion boring to follow.
Construct a captivating conversations starter that will bring everyone on board into the same platform. Though there is the topic to be discussed, you do not jump straight into it. Find an easy discussion that will warm the floor and bring the minds of all participants into focus. The discussion can be general so that anyone can jump in in a fun and easy manner. Avoid topics that would be divisive or close out a section of the audience.
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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