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APPENDIX 1, HANDOUT 6 - FACILITATING DISCUSSIONS

Focus Discussion

Focus on discussion process rather than the detail of the content.
Use questioning strategies.
Restate the question if the group gets off track.
Summarize main points.
Transition between the conclusion of one issue and introduction of the next.

Practice Effective Discussion Skills

Refocus discussion by restating the issues at hand.
Ask probing questions to clarify ambiguous issues.
Promote listening, not analyzing, of members’ input.
When a particular topic is exhausted, direct discussion to the next topic.
Periodically summarize the group’s position on an issue.
Identify areas of agreement and disagreement.
At the end of every session, review highlights of the discussion.

Create a Positive Group Environment

Be accepting of other people’s viewpoints.
Focus on ideas, not people.
Don’t let disagreements become personal.
Discourage a win/lose approach to discussion.

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