Beginning the Conversation
Beginning the conversation can often be the most difficult aspect
of a discussion. Planners should make certain that the discussion
leader knows how many people will participate, has been briefed
on the physical layout of the site, the seating arrangement, and
any equipment available. The discussion leader should also be
familiar with the conversation
starters and resources
that may be used (including the suggestions in how to use conversation
starters), have questions ready to stimulate and facilitate discussion,
and be prepared to troubleshoot concerns that may arise.
To begin, a member of the planning group should welcome participants
and provide an overview of the plans for the conversation. This
may include the number of sessions planned, and readings or other
preparation expected of the participants. This is also a good
opportunity to introduce the planning group and/or the partner
organizations. Finally, the planner should introduce the discussion
leader to the participants. This introduction should include a
brief biographical sketch.
The discussion leader should open the conversation by welcoming
the participants and facilitating a brief exercise to introduce
participants to one another. This should be followed by a brief
review of the ground rules for interactions
throughout the conversation. Most importantly, the discussion
leader must establish a comfortable atmosphere in which people
are willing to share their thoughts.
The conversation should be launched by a conversation starter.
If text, it might be distributed to people as they arrive. The
starter should be brief so that it can be easily read before the
discussion starts.
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