SWOL is a good means to discuss an issue in detail within a group and to prepare the group to discuss with outsiders. SWOL can promote group creativeness. Strengths' and 'weaknesses' tend to be more discriptive and easier for respondents to identify. Sensitive topics and differences of opinion may arise during the discussion. Some group members may attempt to dominate the discussion.
Facilitator needs good synthesizing skills.
It may be used to develop simple theater sketches as entry points for involving a bigger audience in a discussion of social roles and communication behaviors. Allow each sub-group to prepare a performance. The groups together discuss what can be done to improve communication in the setting that has been acted. Strengths Role-playing is a powerful tool for identifying and acquiring communication skills. Exchanging roles in the exercise allows participants to experiment and realize the interactive nature of communication processes.