Prepare for the discussion.

• Be sure to discuss things relevant to the topic.

• Prepare to ask questions.

• Avoid asking questions that can be answered with a yes or a no. Open ended questions prompt discussion and richer answers. Ask a question that has an answer and challenges your group.

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Ask follow up questions.

• A follow up question is about listening to the speaker and asking the speaker to develop their answer. A follow up question could be about clarification or consequences or implications of what the speaker said.

• Watch this video for additional help on formulating follow up questions.

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Give everyone a voice.

• Make sure everyone has an opportunity to speak and be heard.

• Model your behaviour. Since you are the leader, be sure that you are demonstrating the type of behaviour you expect from others. For example, make eye contact, do not laugh unless the speaker expects it, and do not look at your cellphone. As the leader, you set the tone of the discussion through your verbal and nonverbal cues.

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Create a safe environment.

• Encourage discussion by using safe language.

• Recognize when someone is speaking by actively listening and nodding when you are in agreement.

• Also, use positive language to follow up after someone has spoken with signpost language such as: “That’s interesting.” or “I like how you…” In creating a safe environment, more people will feel more comfortable speaking. Use people’s names when you reference something they said.