A discussion will only be as sweet and fruitful as the facilitator makes it to be. Good facilitation enables guests to freely express themselves and exhaust the topic at hand. There are excellent dialogue facilitation techniques that have turned ordinary persons into pro hosts. Here is a look at some of these techniques and how they can be used.
Behave like a traffic controller and not the pilot. A pilot takes control because he or she is the expert. A controller on the other hand allows the discussion to takes it course. Though you might be knowledgeable on the subject or might have a different point of view, you must allow other people to express themselves. This ensures that the discussion is not a one man show.
Set the rules or norms to be observed before beginning your discussion. A facilitator is in charge of maintaining order on any forum. This is the only way a sober discussion will happen. Set expectations like time, language, tone and how to capture the attention of a facilitator. Everyone will have to stick to these rules if the discussion is to be meaningful.
Be concerned by the questions more than answers. You naturally have answers to the questions or an opinion, yet you cannot force it on everyone. Remain neutral as the facilitator to allow panelists to air their views. This turns the dialogue into a genuine one. Panelists also feel free to contribute freely.
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.
Prepare a captivating conversation starter. Though you have a topic to tackle, it must begin as an easy conversation to warm the place. In fact, it is recommended that you make remarks that are open ended and that allow everyone to jump in. Set the tone by starting the conversation using an interesting tactic. Ensure that this opener does not lock out some people because the intention is to make everyone feel at ease.
Use words that are invitational and not forceful. Let participation in the debate appear as though it is a natural invitation for all. This will be determined by the words or phrases you use. When it feels like an invitation, panelists find it easy to share openly. Observe the facial expressions, eye contacts and subtle motions that your panelists make. They will tell you when to allow someone to jump in and when the discussion is pinning out of hand. Participants who want to dominate must be tamed.
The dialogue must remain relevant regardless of how long it takes. There is always the point where new ideas emerge and almost derail your conversation. Do not put people on the spot to the extent of embarrassment, when someone wants to safe face, you must provide the opportunity. End the discussion in a memorable and distinct manner.
Behave like a traffic controller and not the pilot. A pilot takes control because he or she is the expert. A controller on the other hand allows the discussion to takes it course. Though you might be knowledgeable on the subject or might have a different point of view, you must allow other people to express themselves. This ensures that the discussion is not a one man show.
Set the rules or norms to be observed before beginning your discussion. A facilitator is in charge of maintaining order on any forum. This is the only way a sober discussion will happen. Set expectations like time, language, tone and how to capture the attention of a facilitator. Everyone will have to stick to these rules if the discussion is to be meaningful.
Be concerned by the questions more than answers. You naturally have answers to the questions or an opinion, yet you cannot force it on everyone. Remain neutral as the facilitator to allow panelists to air their views. This turns the dialogue into a genuine one. Panelists also feel free to contribute freely.
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.
Prepare a captivating conversation starter. Though you have a topic to tackle, it must begin as an easy conversation to warm the place. In fact, it is recommended that you make remarks that are open ended and that allow everyone to jump in. Set the tone by starting the conversation using an interesting tactic. Ensure that this opener does not lock out some people because the intention is to make everyone feel at ease.
Use words that are invitational and not forceful. Let participation in the debate appear as though it is a natural invitation for all. This will be determined by the words or phrases you use. When it feels like an invitation, panelists find it easy to share openly. Observe the facial expressions, eye contacts and subtle motions that your panelists make. They will tell you when to allow someone to jump in and when the discussion is pinning out of hand. Participants who want to dominate must be tamed.
The dialogue must remain relevant regardless of how long it takes. There is always the point where new ideas emerge and almost derail your conversation. Do not put people on the spot to the extent of embarrassment, when someone wants to safe face, you must provide the opportunity. End the discussion in a memorable and distinct manner.
About the Author:
When you are searching for information about dialogue facilitation, come to our web pages today. More details are available at http://www.dialogues.cc now.
No comments:
Post a Comment