| There are a number of methods you can use to | | | | the ideas which have been developed will be |
| encourage those that participate in group discussions. | | | | organized and reviewed. The results will be shared |
| One technique is to ask a single question and make a | | | | with the entire group. Brainstorming plays an |
| request for all the members to discuss it. The | | | | important role in group discussions, and is excellent |
| members can read the question, and they can tell the | | | | for a situation where a group needs to come up with |
| other members what they think the question means. | | | | a solution to a complex problem. |
| It is best to use open-ended questions, because they | | | | When group discussion are held, it is important for |
| will allow the members to think about the topics. | | | | them to receive encouragement. This encouragement |
| Everyone should be allowed to give their thoughts on | | | | can come from the group leader, or it can come |
| the question. It is always important to make sure the | | | | from the other members. It will bring about results |
| group stays on topic. | | | | that are the exact opposite of what happens when |
| If you notice that members are getting off topic, | | | | the idea of a member is put-down by others in the |
| politely direct them back to the topic that is being | | | | group. The group that participates in discussions |
| discussed. It is also important for everyone to listen, | | | | should behave like a well oiled machine. Everyone |
| even the leader. They should understand the | | | | should be on the same page. The success of the |
| statements that are being made by members. If | | | | group, not the individuals, is the most important |
| they do not, they should ask the member to clarify | | | | factor. When members encourage each other, this |
| the point they are making. It is also important to | | | | will build a strong comraderie that will allow the group |
| make comments on statements that have been | | | | to function as one. The biggest problems in group |
| made by the other members. When your respond to | | | | discussions occur when members discourage each |
| a statement that has been made, this can create a | | | | other and promote their own ideas. |
| domino effect where other members will respond as | | | | Group discussion are successful when all the |
| well, and new ideas or solutions can be formulated. | | | | members respect each other. When someone comes |
| There are a number of guidelines that you will want | | | | up with a great idea, they should be thanked for |
| to follow at the conclusion of the discussion. You | | | | their participation. Members who are quiet should be |
| should always create a summary about the topic that | | | | allowed to convey their thoughts to the other |
| has been discussed. Ask the members to review the | | | | members, and the participants who are outspoken |
| things that have been discussed, as this will allow | | | | should spend more time listening to what the other |
| them to commit the various points to memory. It is | | | | members have to say. No one member should ever |
| important for the members of the group to keep | | | | be allowed to dominate the conversation in group |
| notepads handy where they can write down | | | | discussion. Every member of the group should be |
| important points that have been made. One of the | | | | given an equal amount of time to convey their own |
| common goals of group discussions is to brainstorm | | | | thoughts to the group. |
| ideas. When members of a group are brainstorming | | | | It is crucial for everyone to feel like they are |
| an idea, there are a number of things they will do. | | | | contributing to the discussion. Conflicts should be |
| First, the topic will be given to the group. Each | | | | avoided or reduced at all costs, as they can destroy |
| member will think about the topic for set period of | | | | the ability to the group to move forward and come |
| time, and will begin coming up with a number of | | | | up with good ideas or solutions. Encouragement will |
| different ideas. The other members of the group | | | | give members the confidence they need, and this will |
| should build on the ideas that have already been | | | | allow them to work hard to make sure the group |
| presented. After the idea creation period has ended, | | | | become successful. |