Last updated on Jul 22, 2024

A workshop participant dominates the discussion. How can you ensure everyone has a chance to participate?

When you're facilitating a workshop, it's crucial to manage the dynamics of group discussions. Sometimes, a single participant may begin to dominate the conversation, which can stifle the participation of others and skew the workshop's outcomes. It's your task to ensure that all voices are heard and that the environment remains collaborative and inclusive. By employing effective facilitation techniques, you can guide the discussion back to a balanced state where everyone feels comfortable contributing their thoughts and ideas.

1 Set Ground Rules

At the start of the workshop, it's important to establish ground rules that encourage equitable participation. Explain that while all contributions are valuable, it's also necessary to share the floor and listen actively to others. Ground rules might include limiting the time each person speaks, agreeing to raise hands before talking, or using a talking stick or object that grants the holder the right to speak. This sets a precedent for respectful and balanced communication throughout the session.

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Priyanka Jain

Working towards making learning accessible, targetted interventions and CPD.
Set, agree and revisit the ground rules. Politely mention, I appreciate your enthusiasm to share but for the success of this session we need to hear more perspectives.
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Michael Neubert

Workshopmoderation. Einfach.
Nach meiner Erfahrung ist es wichtig, dass die Teilnehmenden (TN) den Zweck der Regeln kennen und mittragen. Im Idealfall - wenn ausreichend Zeit ist - lasse ich die TN die Regeln selbst aufstellen - basierend auf bisherigen negativen Workshoperfahrungen, die sie dieses Mal vermeiden wollen. Dass schafft Verbindlichkeit. Wichtig: Als Moderator bin ich verantwortlich für die Durchsetzung aller Regeln gegenüber jede*r TN. Sonst entsteht schnell der Eindruck von Willkür. Beispielformulierungen, mit denen ich gute Erfahrungen gesammelt habe: - [xx] Sekunden Redezeit - Nur ein Gedanke pro Wortbeitrag - Kurz fassen - ausreden lassen - Nur eine*r spricht - Nur das Wichtige sagen - das Unwichtige weglassen

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2 Use Direct Invites

If one participant is still dominating after ground rules are set, use direct invitations to engage quieter members. Politely interject and say something like, "Thank you for your input. Let's hear from someone who hasn't spoken yet." You can also pose a question to the group and then call on someone by name who has been less vocal. This method signals that you value everyone's participation and helps to redistribute the conversation.

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Lorena Fikes

Creating new growth for companies 🚀 | GTM Innovator | Saving executives time & money @Multifamily Innovation Council 💡 | Solving problems through high-level technology 💻
Set up a feedback loop goal and collaborative rules up front. Then utilize the group by seeking out answers and highlighting specific people. Mention nicely we want well rounded perspectives from everyone to ensure a fair discussion.
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3 Implement Breakouts

To ensure everyone has the opportunity to speak, consider breaking the group into smaller breakout sessions. In these smaller groups, participants may feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts without the pressure of the larger audience. Assign specific discussion points or questions for each group to address, which can then be shared with the larger group, ensuring diverse perspectives are heard.

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4 Encourage Reflection

Encouraging participants to reflect before responding can create a more thoughtful dialogue and prevent snap reactions that often lead to one person taking over. Introduce a "pause for thought" after a question is asked or a topic is introduced. This gives everyone time to gather their thoughts and contributes to a more measured and inclusive discussion.

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Michael Neubert

Workshopmoderation. Einfach.
Die geschickte Wahl der Moderationsmethode hilft bei erwarteten dominanten Teilnehmenden (TN) sehr. In diesem Fall würde viel für schriftliche Methoden sprechen, zum Beispiel die Kartenabfrage. Hierbei - gilt wieder die Regel: Nur ein Gedanke pro Karten - reduziere ich gern die Anzahl der Karten pro Person, um einen ausgwogenen Sprechanteil beim Vorstellen der Karten zu erzielen.

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5 Leverage Technology

Incorporate technology such as digital polling or brainstorming apps that allow participants to contribute ideas anonymously or without having to speak up. This can be particularly helpful for introverted participants or those who may not feel comfortable challenging a more dominant speaker directly. The collected responses can then be discussed collectively, ensuring all opinions are considered.

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6 Address Dominance

When necessary, address the issue of dominance directly but respectfully. Acknowledge the participant's enthusiasm and contributions, then gently remind them of the ground rules and the importance of hearing from all participants. If needed, speak to them privately during a break to discuss the impact of their behavior on the group's dynamic and to encourage self-moderation.

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Michael Neubert

Workshopmoderation. Einfach.
Egal, wann ich dominante Teilnehmende (TN) anspreche, versuche ich immer daran zu denken, sie nicht nur für den Enthusiasmus zu loben und die Kompetenz herauszustellen, sondern klar zu zeigen, dass ich sie verstanden habe (aktives Zuhören). Auch dominante TN verdienen Wertschätzung. Oft ist es genau das Gefühl des Nicht-Verstanden-Werdens, dass TN zu dominanten TNs macht.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Dr. Shawne Duperon

Producing Experts Who Deliver High-Pressure Communication
Acknowledge the enthusiastic participant... and set a boundary, such as... "Kevin, your engagement is infectious.. my goal is to have as many people as possible share their thougthts.. so let me pick others that haven't shared yet." Then move on to others..
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A workshop participant dominates the discussion. How can you ensure everyone has a chance to participate?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Set Ground Rules

2 Use Direct Invites

3 Implement Breakouts

4 Encourage Reflection

5 Leverage Technology

6 Address Dominance

7 Here’s what else to consider

Facilitation

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A workshop participant dominates the discussion. How can you ensure everyone has a chance to participate?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Set Ground Rules

2 Use Direct Invites

3 Implement Breakouts

4 Encourage Reflection

5 Leverage Technology

6 Address Dominance

7 Here’s what else to consider

Facilitation

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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