The question from October was, "Darryl leads a new group and is having trouble drawing the group into conversation. Often when Darryl asks a question, the only response is blank faces. This seems to happen mostly at the beginning of a 'discussion.'" What should Darryl do?
Here's a response from Steven Reames.
Write the questions down on different note cards, giving each notecard to a different participent. Have them read the question (rather than Darryl always reading it).
Or Perhaps Darryl doesn't allow the group enough time to answer the question and think about it before s/he "answers" it for them. Heree are some suggestions for Darryl:
- Cover your mouth with your hand if necessary to keep it shut.
- Deep thinkers require more time to answer but come up with some real gems.
- Don't worry about the uncomfortablness of silence. It'll pass.
- If somebody else always talks before the silent type answers, talk to the person (who always talks) apart from the group, appealing to his "maturity" as a reason to allow others to answer before he always jumps in.
Steven Reames, Assistant Pastor, Pullman (Washington) Foursquare Church
sreames@pullman.com
