RSS
Participants Do's and Don’ts
Do…
Don’t…
Do…
- Remain neutral
- Make sure that the conversation stays focused and on track
- Guide the discussion through key aspects of the question as reflected in the opening question
- Point the group back to the conversation question or the program title wherever possible
- Encourage direct exchanges between participants and guest speakers
- The conversation shouldn’t feel rushed, but should stay on topic and flow smoothly, exploring all aspects of the topic in the allotted time.
- Protect differing points of view. It is important that people feel comfortable to share their opinions, however much they differ from the group as a whole.
- Encourage all participants to share their opinions. We want everyone participating to be heard.
Don’t…
- Don’t give up on any participant.
- Don’t encourage the group to reach a consensus. The purpose of this discussion is to share opinions and experiences, not to persuade people to change their mind or compromise.
- Don’t let any person or any point of view dominate the discussion.
- Don’t sit back and let the discussion take its course. The moderator is responsible for making sure that the different perspectives presented in the discussion guide are addressed and that any potential strategies are discussed thoroughly.
- Don’t over-manage the discussion and don’t talk too much.
- Don’t read straight from presentation materials and avoid Power Point displays.
- Don’t allow a conversation to develop based on factually incorrect information. Refer participants back to facts, research or offer to follow up at a later date online with research materials or start a Forum online if people are unsure of the facts.
Comments
Hide comments
