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Help in Running a Hot, Flat and Crowded Discussion Session
Mary Lynn Pelican (right) and Margery Leonard smile for the camera.
“I am always in awe,” said AAUW Fremont branch member Martha Crowe in her introduction to Margery Leonard’s orientation to a discussion session, “and dazzled by how Margery runs a group discussion.”
In her guidelines on leading a book discussion at the library on October 12 Margery reminded anyone interested in orchestrating a discussion of some excellent guidelines.
Here are a few of Margery’s guidelines:
- Make eye contact with people in the audience and anyone who is speaking or anyone you’re speaking to.
- Be enthusiastic about the book. We chose it because it’s a great book and contains an important message – communicate that to the audience.
- Stick to ideas in the book and be certain not to shut anyone down. On the other hand do not let one person monopolize the conversation.
- Allow “wait” time after posing a question so that participants have time to gather their thoughts. Silence can be a good thing while people are thinking.
- Be prepared for people to offer criticism of the book; thank the person for his or her point of view and acknowledge that the book is controversial because there are many strong ideas in it. Then invite pros or cons but keep the focus on the selected text.
Margery then went through some of the questions for discussion suggested by the publisher and asked the audience their point of view.
Finally the Hot, Flat and Crowded team encourage all members to sign up to lead a discussion “I promise it will be a rewarding experience and I’m happy to help if someone has concerns or questions” concluded Margery.
Gene is AAUW Fremont Branch member Jo Szeto’s son. All those who attended this informative and interesting session know that Jo has much to be proud of. You could see her ear-to-ear grin when he accepted heartfelt applause.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN LEADING A DISCUSSION, GET IN TOUCH WITH
MARGERY LEONARD OR GENEVIEVE ANGELIDES!
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