Page 229 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

212 Chapter 8

5. Bring the discussion to a definite close.
This should be done no later than the scheduled ending time for the meeting,
unless all members consent to extending the time. Briefly summarize the
progress the group has made and the assignments given to members. Many
leaders thank the group, ask for a brief evaluation of the meeting (“How well did
this meeting accomplish what you wanted to accomplish today?”), and remind
members of the next meeting.

Equalizing Opportunity to Participate Each member needs a fair share of “air time”
in the group. It’s up to you to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to speak, with
no member stage hogging or withdrawing. There are several things you can do to
encourage such equity:
1. Address your comments and questions to the group rather than to individuals.
Unless you ask for a specific item of information or respond directly to what a
member has said, speak to the group as a whole. Make regular eye contact with
everyone, especially with less talkative members.
2. Make sure all members have an opportunity to speak.
Gatekeeper You may have to act as gatekeeper, regulating who will speak next so that
Any group member everyone has a fair, equal chance. Eye contact with less talkative members
who controls who shows them you expect them to speak, whereas looking at talkative members
speaks during a encourages them to talk more. We suggest you make a visual survey of the entire
discussion and who group every minute or so. If you see a nonverbal sign that a silent member has
helps others gain something to say, help that person get the floor: “Pieta, did you want to
the floor. comment on John’s proposal?” or “Pieta, you seem concerned about John’s
proposal. Would you share your concerns with us?” That opens the gate to Pieta
without putting her on the spot if she has nothing to say. Sometimes reticent
members can be assigned roles that require their participation. For instance,
someone might be asked to investigate an issue and report to the group. If you
know a member is well informed but has not spoken out, try encouraging
participation without forcing: “Selim, I think you studied that issue. Could you
give us any information about it?”
Controlling long-winded members is often harder than encouraging quiet
members, but it must be done for the sake of the group. The following
techniques range from the most subtle to the most direct:
a. When feasible, seat talkative members where you can seem to overlook them
naturally, and try not to make eye contact when you ask a question of the
group.
b. When a windbag has finished one point, cut in with a tactful comment, such
as “How do the rest of you feel about that issue?” to suggest that someone
else speak.
c. Suggest a group rule that each person make one point only, then give up the
floor to others, or that each person’s comments be held to one minute. You
can be lighthearted about this—some groups have used squirt guns, tossed
nerf balls, or passed a penny around to remind members when it’s time to
yield the floor.

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