The Discussion Club is a less developed area, but it is gaining popularity in Russia. And, if for the participants the discussion is just a kind of playful way of leisure, then for the presenter it is quite a complicated process that requires strict control.
Instructions
Step 1
Explore discussion format TV programs. An example of this kind of programs can be the work of Alexander Gordon, who perfectly knows how to maintain the intensity of passions and the brightness of the conversation. His programs "Private Screening" and "Gordonquixote" are worth watching for any moderator and pay attention precisely to the techniques used to maintain controversy.
Step 2
Plan the course of the conversation. Undoubtedly, the main merit of the discussion is its organic development. The facilitator's job, however, is to keep the participants from getting too sidetracked and pushing them to the right topics. For example, speaking about a film, it is worth starting with general feelings (which are guaranteed to cause controversy if the picture deserves it), but it is worth stopping in time and switching the conversation to particulars - subtext, camera work, acting.
Step 3
Be impartial. You, as a presenter, deprive yourself of the main right - to express an opinion. When posing a problem, you should listen to other people, let them speak out and push them on to something, but not take one side or the other. If you still want to speak, then it is better to do this at the end of the debate, summing up the results - if you do this at the very beginning, then you will automatically influence the opinion of the participants in the discussion.
Step 4
Provoke. You are directly responsible for how emotional the conversation will be. The most difficult skill of a real facilitator is the ability to subtly provoke the parties to the dispute. For example, if you see that an accidentally thrown reply from one of the speakers causes a storm of emotions, then immediately demand to expand the statement, to argue the opinion. At the same time, the opposite skill is also an important skill - to reduce the intensity of passions, while not forcibly silencing anyone. The discussion will lose all meaning if you do not let the participants talk, but not letting them go too far is also important.
