A group is most effective when all members contribute. Some members may be very quiet during a meeting or a few members may dominate. Here are techniques that encourage and enable everyone to participate. The round robin may be used at the beginning of a discussion if it's likely that everyone already has an opinion about a topic or at the end of a discussion when everyone has been informed about a subject. A small group discussion is helpful when a topic is complicated or there are many factors to consider.
Some individuals are more comfortable speaking in a small group than among many people.
Communication in small groups can be more direct and productive than in a larger group. Ask a discussion question. Make sure everyone understands the question and purpose of the discussion. Announce the amount of time groups will have to discuss the question. A minimum of seven minutes should be allowed.