Cutting Off, Drawing Out and Other Exercises

Cutting Off, Drawing Out and Other Exercises

According to Jacobs (et al. 2012), one of the uncomfortable truths is that a good group leader can and must cut people off at times to ensure that the group discussion develops in a productive manner. When group members are "boring, long-winded, or inappropriate" this is necessary even though group leaders are worried that they will hurt the feelings of the speaker (Jacobs 2012: 157). Of course 'cutting off' must be done respectfully. The group leader should use a tone that is not negative but is firm: remember 'cutting off' is not punishment, but is rather designed to close down some aspect of the dialogue that is not helpful. The leader should be conscious of his or her body language so it does not communicate anger. Sometimes clarifying and articulating why the topic is being shut down can quell anxieties on the part of the speaking group member (Jacobs 2012: 157). Cutting off yet staying with the person and redirecting the conversation may be necessary if the topic is still relevant.

As well as cutting off certain group members, drawing out others can be necessary. Drawing out involves specifically asking group members to speak about issues on which they are not currently offering information. Also, some members of the group may be naturally reticent in general and the leader wants them to volunteer data. One way to do this is pairing off the group into dyads, or twosomes which may create a less threatening dynamic for the member. Or the group leader can specifically pair him or herself up with the silent member. "By talking with this member, the leader can often encourage him to share with the larger group, or, at the least, the leader can find out why the member has been silent" (Jacobs 2012: 179). Another technique to draw out group members is the use of a 'round' in which every group member is sequentially asked to volunteer information without commenting on the previous individual's words. This ensures that every member of the group has to participate but makes the experience far less threatening since everyone is speaking and the reluctant member can be less worried about negative feedback, since participation takes place in a non-judgmental context.

Not all exercises and techniques to draw out group members need to be so formalized, of course. Simply using friendly eye contact can make group members feel more welcomed and eager to participate. Activities that can be useful for all members can have the added benefit of drawing out group members. For example, having group members interview one another on the first day and 'present' their interview subject when the group reconvenes is one way to encourage all participants to feel comfortable speaking from day one and also takes the focus of the group members off of themselves onto another person. Giving group members 'homework' or writing assignments and allowing them to read selections aloud at the beginning of the next session can relieve some of the challenges people experience speaking spontaneously.