Got Problems
One person wants to "hog" the discussion and won't give others a chance to add their thoughts:
- Try saying something like "Mary, hold that thought and we'll get back with you." Then moving on say, "Cindy, what do you think?" You'll hopefully get someone else a chance to voice their thoughts.
- Or if you find some of your members like to talk on and on, use a timer and set it to the time agreed on by members. When it goes off they are finished talking!
- Or discuss with the book group the rules of behavior everyone should know i.e. listen, take turns, share. Talk about how this will make the meetings much more interesting and fun, too, if everyone gets a chance to voice their opinions. If the offender doesn't get it, have a private conversation with them to let them know what they are doing. It won't be easy but it's necessary to keep your group together and having an enjoyable time.
- More formal groups may want to develop guidelines such as the www.greatbooks.org/programs-for-all-ages/gb/gbphilosophy/sidrules.html uses. In their "shared inquiry" program, participants may only discuss what they have read in the book. And they should be prepared to find it in the book if challenged!
Only a few members have read the book:
- It does put pressure on those who have read it to carry the discussion. Sometimes groups don't mind it though. It's all up to what your group decides in your ground rules. (One book group member told me only two members read their last selection. No one minded though as the ones who hadn't read the book got to hear what it was all about!) So it's your call.
- You could set up a message board and send and receive news about interesting passages, chapters, reviews, synopses and other information for those who are not able to find time to read the selection. That way the book could be discussed more or less! Try www.freebielist.com/messageboards.htm.
Members are "no shows":
Use group email to send reminders of the date, time, and location of the meeting to all members plus remind them of the selection. If they continue to be absent, take a look at your ground rules to see if you've addressed this situation.
Refreshments Start the Discussion