Discussions - How to Lead One
I can't take it anymore! I am at my wits end!
For the past two weeks, in one of my classes, we have been assigned a book to read. The assignment also includes being prepared for discussion, along with answering the following questions: what was the main take away for you; and how does this book contribute to the emergence worship conversation?
The problem is no one knows how to have a conversation! The "discussions" have turned into mini-book reports with comments from people who have obviously not read to material.
Mike Stavlund, my professor for a class on Emergence, gave our class the following suggestions and tips for leading a discussion. Please read them, and if you plan to be part of an educated discussion consider using what Mike offered to us.
- Ask good questions - open-ended questions invite further discussion, think about answering the question you are asking - a discussion is not a survey of the book!
- Know your audience - understand what people react to and how they react - know your group's language and baggage
- Prepare to succeed - use everything at your disposal; be part of the GROUP
- Be aware of people who knowingly or unknowingly attempt to derail the conversation - adapt to changes and interruptions
- Silence is not a bad thing
- Be prepared to RESPOND to questions and criticism in order to keep the discussion on track
So there you go. Now you have no excuse for not knowing the difference between a book discussion and a book report.