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.
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.
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 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.
Ask questions that are open ended and that will provoke a discussion. This makes your discussion conversational instead of question and answer or interrogation session. Incite the panelists to keep going using such phrases are How So, Tell Me More and What Followed, among others. This helps you avoid the one word answers that make discussions boring.
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.
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.
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 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.
Ask questions that are open ended and that will provoke a discussion. This makes your discussion conversational instead of question and answer or interrogation session. Incite the panelists to keep going using such phrases are How So, Tell Me More and What Followed, among others. This helps you avoid the one word answers that make discussions boring.
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.
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.
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