You must be able to create a friendly atmosphere of cooperation and trust where participants are comfortable sharing their opinions and ideas. Be prepared Be the best prepared person in the room. This means understanding the goals of the study circle, being familiar with the subject, thinking ahead of time about the directions in which the discussion might go, and preparing discussion questions to help the group in considering the subject. Solid preparation will enable you to give your full attention to group dynamics and to what individuals in the group are saying. Set a relaxed and open tone Welcome everyone and create an atmosphere where each participant feels at ease expressing ideas and responding to those of others.
Refreshments help people to relax.
Well-placed humour is always welcome, and helps people focus on differences in ideas rather than on personalities. Establish clear ground rules At the beginning of the study circle ask the participants to help you lay out the ground rules on a flip chart and ask if they agree to them or want to add anything. Keep the list and post it for each meeting as a reminder. Allow everyone to be heard - no one person should dominate the discussion. All views will be respected - everyone's input is valuable.