“Together everyone achieves more” is a quote befitting the Parliament. If you’ve seen their debates and discussions, you know it’s no less than a fish market, but, the Bill gets passed, doesn’t it?
Navigating a group discussion is an art in itself – from starting the conversation, to grabbing chances and giving them, right up to wrapping it up. Whether it’s a family decision being made, or deciding where to go on that road trip, or brainstorming the best way to cut costs in a project – discussions are held at all walks of life.
Since I’ve already shared some tips on how to infuse professionalism in conversations, let’s dive deep into mastering group conversations.
Prep, Prep, and Prep
In order to set the tone for what’s to come, we need to arm ourselves with facts and figures, and maybe some quotes here and there. You’ll seem confident right off the bat, and there’s no hesitation from then on. Regularly reading or watching the news helps out with general knowledge. If you’re an expert on the topic of conversation, my advice is to still brush up with that extra bit of knowledge.
Initiate
No red carpets here, I’m afraid. Break the ice and start the discussion. Some useful phrases could be – “Let’s get started on today’s topic of…” or “Good day, friends, today’s interesting topic of conversation is…” There will be a sigh of relief in the group when you take the stage and initiate, and you’ll be looked at as a leader!
Opinionate
State your perspective clearly. Make sure you’re loud enough for everyone to hear. Keep an even tone of voice, look at everyone while speaking, and be concise with your opinions. Think of the conversation from here on like a boxing match. Step in, speak, and step out, giving others the chance to put forth their ideas too. Encourage others if no one chimes in.
Navigate
Remember, everyone in the group is your friend, so we treat them with respect by listening actively. Wait for a natural pause in the conversation, and speak again. Make your move smoothly, as if you were never quiet. Acknowledge the points previously made and add to them, or disagree respectfully. When you’re listening, your points are also getting constructed most effectively.
Reiterate
To ensure that everyone leaves on the same page, recap the main points and highlights of the conversation. This demonstrates that you’ve indeed valued everyone’s contributions and understood them. While ending the discussion, repeat the topic and the conclusion you’ve reached. This was a team effort, so thank everyone for participating. Encouraging a follow-up discussion also keeps people thinking on what could be discussed next time.
With the above conversation toolkit, you’re ready to finesse your way into any group discussion. Moreover, as I very recently read in this article by Harvard Business Review, great group discussions help to use collective intelligence when there is a complex challenge to overcome. Listen, share and collaborate, and use these strategies in all scenarios of life.
Cheers to meaningful exchanges!
