Instructions

Set Up: Prepare for the Activity

Organize participants into pairs or small groups (3-4 ppl).

Begin by introducing the learning goals of this activity.

Step One: Generate a List of Obstacles (5 min)

In small groups or pairs, invite participants to generate a list of possible reasons why people do not speak up in group settings (like in the classroom, workplace, or at social events, or gatherings).

Some examples might include:

• Shyness

• A sense that your ideas may sound foolish

• Being intimidated by others

• Discouraged by the tone of the discussion

Be sure to prompt both individual/internal as well group/external factors.

Step Two: Brainstorm Strategies (10 min)

In the same group, invite participants to identify their top 10 obstacles and generate possible strategies for overcoming these obstacles, for example:

• Think about why you were invited to the discussion. When you realize that you have a perspective that others are interested in, that may help boost your confidence.

• Prepare ideas you want to share in advance of the discussion. You may have information or data that others will find interesting.

• During the discussion, take notes to keep tuned into the discussion. A good way to do this is to place the person’s initials along with a brief recap of what the person said (i.e. JT: “need a rationale that anyone understands”)

Step Three: Individually Craft Discussion Goals and Share (20 min)

Using the previous discussion as a springboard, invite participants to individually reflect on 1-3 discussion goals that they would like to set for themselves. Ask them to take a few moments to write these down and then share them with the group.

Possible prompts for the group:

• In general, what insights do you want to share with others in collaborative discussions?

• What insights would you like to gain from others?

• What perceptions do you want to create in the minds of others about your contributions?

• What contributions do you want to make to the tone and effectiveness of the discussion?

• How do you want others to articulate about the ways you contributed to the conversation?

Participants are invited to revise their goals after the deeper discussion.

Step Four: Generate Discussion Phrases as a Full Group (10 min)

Come back together as a full group and share that it is hard sometimes to figure out how best to enter a discussion. Sometimes it is helpful to develop comfort with phrases designed to help you enter a discussion, such as:

• “I would like to build on what (name) said”

• “I have information that may be helpful”

• “I have another perspective that may be helpful”

• “May I share an idea? I’d love to hear your reaction”

• “Here is what I’m hearing”

These phrases offer non-threatening entry points into most discussions.

Take a few moments and ask participants to generate additional phrases with the full group. Record on a board or flipchart.

If time permits, generate an additional list that addresses body language. For example:

• Lean-in

• Sit or stand with hands folded

• Eye-contact

• Nod or don’t nod head

Step Five: Debrief as a Full Group (5 min)

• What were some obstacles and strategies your group generated?

• Where do we see commonality?

• Take a look at your personal goals. How might you revise or change these goals after this activity?

• What can you all do to commit to your discussion goals? How can you support one another?