This whole blog is much about group dialogue practice and this is more on that same theme. Dialogue of this sort is often called social dialogue. Social dialogue has been called a pillar of social resiliance and cohesion. It makes our co-operation more powerfully effective. It may be that which makes human and humane co-operation possible. Using language is a marvel of humanity. By the time you have read a dozen of these little essays, you will have provided yourself the ability to recognize a successful dialogue group and know much of the reasons why it is successful.
Hints:
~In the very beginning it helps to have at least 6 or 7 interested persons committed to three or four consecutive meetings. This could be called your pilot group. Forty practicants is too many for most well working groups.
~ During practice one person addresses the group as a whole and avoids directing her words to only a few persons at a time.
~ The practice is mostly a listening practice with one person speaking and the rest listening. Even so, all intened to make sure that every one has an equal opportunity to speak.
~ Remember that the speaker is most likely doing his best to be honest and to make his words understood.
~ Avoid interrupting another. You will have your chance to speak and other times to listen. The dialogue continues so that there is more oppertunity to understand and to be understood. If a speaker is interrupted several listeners may be interrupted and so the effectiveness of the practice may be damaged.
~ Keep expenses to a minimum. Everyone helps take care of necessary expenses, Do your part as you are able to.
~ Listen well to that which the speaker is saying. Improved understanding is an aimof your group.
~ Practice listening wel and gain more powerful listening and understanding skills.
~ Encourage each and every one to use their opportunity to say something at each meeting. Their words and yours are gifts to each of us.
~ Usually limit speaking to one or two minutes. It is great to have time to speak more than once at a meeting.
~ Rememvber that focusing dialogue on the topic and on personal experience is good practice.
The hints offered here can be useful for keeping the practice pleasant and effective, but are far from all inclusive or comprehensive. There is much more offered in other posts on this blog. Consider beginning a practice group of your own, if you have not already done so.
Thank you for your visit and for reading.
rcs
