Ideas for Generating or
Stimulating Discussion

When a group is trying to reach consensus on a solution, it is important that all the participants engage in discussion. Participants must feel comfortable and confident that their contributions will be heard. Facilitating a meeting in which participants have the confidence to contribute is challenging. Understanding the following techniques will help you lead the group in an atmosphere of free exchange and will maximize participant discussion.

1.  Ask participants what they think. One particularly effective technique used to generate discussions is to ask members of the group to share their feelings or opinions about a particular topic. Questions such as, “What is your thinking on…?” or “What made you come to that conclusion…?” or “Would you tell me more about your thinking on…?” will all get participants involved in the discussion.

2.  Ask for more explanation. When you don’t understand a participant’s contribution or you realize that members of the group aren’t clear on an issue, ask for clarification. For example, “John, I’m not sure I fully understood your last comment. Could you explain it again for us?” or “Joan, this looks like it’s confusing you. Would it help if Mike explained it again?”

3.  Paraphrase participants’ contributions.

When your goal is understanding, paraphrase participants’ responses. Questions such as, “If I understand it correctly, are you saying that…?” or “Mary, could you restate what you just said so that we can make sure we understand?” or “John is suggesting…” will all help the group focus on what is being said.

4.  Ask for a review of progress made. When many ideas have been presented, it is a good idea for you to summarize the information that has been presented, or ask a member of the group to do so. For example, “We’ve heard a lot of good ideas in the past hour. Would someone volunteer to summarize what we have come to agreement on?” or “Jack, you don’t seem to be in agreement on this point. Would you please summarize your major objections?”

5.  Support and encourage participants. When it becomes apparent that someone is not contributing, you might say, “Let’s give Mary a chance to tell us her thinking on…” or “We understand your suggestions, Dale. Now, let’s ask for Tom’s thoughts on…” or “Before we go to the next point, I’d like to get Betty’s opinion on this.”

6.  Refocus the group’s attention. Periodically, when the group seems to be straying off task, to help them refocus, ask, “Are we on the right track here?” or “Is this one of the goals we identified?” or “Are we limiting our thinking? Are their other ways to get this done?”

7.  Address differences of opinion. When it becomes apparent that a group member is not in agreement, address the participant specifically. Failure to acknowledge disagreement now may cause problems in the future. “Paul, I’m sensing that you are not in agreement with this proposed solution. Could you tell us why you don’t agree?” “Elaine, I think you have a differing opinion. Please tell us your thoughts on this topic.”

8.  Check for group consensus. Checking for group consensus can be done periodically throughout the meeting. This helps the group come to closure on items already discussed and focus on items still under discussion. “We’ve covered five items this morning. Let’s check to see if we’re in agreement on…” “Before we take our break, let’s check to see if we agree on…” “Is this solution one that we can all accept?”

Meetings are inevitable. How you lead meetings is up to you. Following the tips provided in this chapter will help you confidently lead involving, productive meetings, meetings in which participants leave saying, “Wow! We accomplished a lot in that meeting!”