GUIDELINES TO NRDC feb 24 2014

Getting People to ContributeIntroductionSome participants will have a lot to say, and others will say nothing unlessasked. Here, your job is to--x Draw out the silent.x Curb the wanderers and long-winded.Draw out thesilentSome individuals hesitate to contribute, because they're shy or fearaggressive members. To draw out the silent and protect them fromintimidation--x Ask questions that tap their expertise.x Openly praise their good ideas.x Note their remarks, and let the group see you write them down.x Bring up their ideas again later in the meeting.Tip: To encourage full participation, call on the junior member first andsenior member last. If done in reverse, lower-ranking members may defer tothe rank and opinion of the senior member.Curb thewanderersand longwindedTo control those who wander off the subject or talk too much--x Look at your watch and say, "There's no time to talk about that now, howabout after the meeting?"x Point to the agenda and ask, "How does that relate to the topic?"x If the issue merits discussion, put it on a future agenda.x Tactfully interrupt and say, "That's interesting, but we've got to move on."InterruptWhile it's usually impolite to interrupt, sometimes it's necessary to promotedialogue or regain control if discussion gets out of hand. Interrupt to--x Signify to one who's been talking at length that you've been listening closely.x Rescue a speaker who gets confused--he'll be thankful for your interruption.x Get discussion back on track if people digress or all talk at once.x Call time out if the discussion gets heated.NRDC GRC – Staff Handbook 4-8