Be prepared
The leader does not need to be an expert (or even
the most knowledgeable person in the group) on the topic being discussed, but should be
the best prepared for the discussion. This means understanding the goals of the study
circle, familiarity with the subject, thinking ahead of time about the directions in which
the discussion might go, and preparation of discussion questions to aid the group in
considering the subject. Solid preparation will enable you to give your full attention to
group dynamics and to what individuals in the group are saying.
Set a relaxed and open tone
 | Welcome everyone and create a friendly and relaxed
atmosphere.
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| Well-placed humor is always welcome, and helps
people focus differences on ideas rather than on personalities.
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Establish clear ground rules
At the beginning of the study circle, establish the
ground rules and ask participants if they agree to them or want to add anything:
| All group members are encouraged to express and
reflect on their honest opinions; all views should be respected.
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| Though disagreement and conflict about ideas can
be useful, disagreements should not be personalized. Put-downs, name-calling, labeling, or
personal attacks will not be tolerated.
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| It is important to hear from everyone. People who
tend to speak a lot in groups should make special efforts to allow others the opportunity
to speak.
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| The role of the leader is to remain neutral and to
guide conversation according to the ground rules.
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Stay aware of and assist the group process
| Always use your "third eye": you are not
only helping to keep the group focused on the content of the discussion, but you will be
monitoring how well the participants are communicating with each other C who has
spoken, who hasn't spoken, and whose points haven't yet received a fair hearing.
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| Consider splitting up into smaller groups to
examine a variety of viewpoints or to give people a chance to talk more easily about their
personal connection to the issue.
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| When wrestling with when to intervene, err on the
side of non-intervention.
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| Don't talk after each comment or answer every
question; allow participants to respond directly to each other. The most effective leaders
often say little, but are constantly thinking about how to move the group toward its
goals.
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| Don't be afraid of silence. It will sometimes take
a while for someone to offer an answer to a question you pose.
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| Don't let anyone dominate; try to involve
everyone.
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| Remember: a study circle is not a debate but a
group dialogue. If participants forget this, don't hesitate to ask the group to help
re-establish the ground rules.
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Help the group grapple with the content
| Make sure the group considers a wide range of
views. Ask the group to think about the advantages and disadvantages of different ways of
looking at an issue or solving a problem. In this way, the tradeoffs involved in making
tough choices become apparent.
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| Ask participants to think about the concerns and
values that underlie their beliefs.
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| Don't allow the group to focus on or be overly
influenced by one particular personal experience or anecdote.
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| Either summarize the discussion occasionally or
encourage group members to do so.
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| Remain neutral about content and be cautious about
expressing your own values.
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| Help participants to identify "common
ground," but don't try to force consensus.
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Use questions to help make the discussion more
productive
Some useful discussion questions:
| What seems to be the key point here?
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| What is the crux of your disagreement?
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| Does anyone want to add to (or support, or
challenge) that point?
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| Could you give an example or describe a personal
experience to illustrate that point?
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| Could you help us understand the reasons behind
your opinion?
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| What experiences or beliefs might lead decent and
caring people to support that point of view?
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| What do you think people who hold that opinion
care deeply about?
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| What would be a strong case against what you just
said?
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| What do you find most persuasive about that point
of view?
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| What is it about that position that you just
cannot live with?
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| Are there any points on which most of us would
agree?
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Reserve adequate time for closing the discussion
| Ask the group for last comments and thoughts about
the subject.
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| You may wish to ask participants to share any new
ideas or thoughts they've had as a result of the discussion.
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| If you will be meeting again, remind the group of
the readings and subject for the next session.
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| Thank everyone for their contributions.
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| Provide some time for the group to evaluate the
group process, either through sharing aloud or through a brief written evaluation.
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