Every reading group will naturally have a few members who are always willing to share their opinions and feedback with the group, but there will also be those members who are more inclined to shy away from initiating any kind of conversation. Here are some tips for keeping the discussions flowing among all members of the group.
Purpose of the Book Club Discussion
Keep in mind when participating in a reading group discussion the following goals:
- Gain an understanding of the book from various viewpoints
- Learn about the world through the book and the characters
- Cultivate an appreciation of literature
How to Lead a Reading Group Discussion
Prior to the first meeting, there should be a clear understanding of who is going to lead this and subsequent discussions. For instance, some groups have one person who is the official book club conversation-starter, while other groups take turns among members who would like to get the conversation started. There is no right way for groups to handle the discussion leadership role, it comes down to what works best for a particular group.
Book Club Discussion Guidelines
Regardless of who leads the group discussion, there are some general rules which should be applied to all book clubs in order to get the most out of each meeting. Following these guidelines ensures a thought-provoking and engaging discussion:
- Be prepared. The person who is leading any given discussion should prepare themselves thoroughly for each meeting ahead of time. This includes reading the book, understanding the plot and characters, being able to summarize the book concisely and formulating compelling questions about the book.
- Have control. The discussion leader needs to maintain control over the group during the course of the meeting. This includes being able to stick to a time line, keep the discussion on track, ensure that all members have an opportunity to share their opinions and diffuse any discussions when they become too heated.
- Understand the group dynamics. A leader typically needs to have some fundamental understanding that the group is going to be comprised of people with different levels of education and learning styles/abilities. The leader needs to keep the discussion relegated a level that all members can follow and actively participate in. The leader should also be able to keep the balance between the overly-talkative members and the reserved members, to allow everyone to contribute something to the discussion.
The Role of Members in Book Club Discussions
Everyone in the group should play an active role in all discussions, this includes the person who is speaking to the group as well as those who are listening. To be an active listener, it is important to:
- Give the speaker undivided attention;
- Keep distractions minimized (turn off cell phones, refrain from chatting, etc.);
- Do not interrupt the speaker;
- Ask relevant questions when prompted
By understanding that all members have both an active and passive role in each reading group discussion, the club will be successful in being both productive and enjoyable.
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