Readers' Groups Made Simple
A few things that could go wrong
- Dominant speakers. This is the most likely problem to arise. Often other group members will eventually stop their flow. But if it's really problematic, you may need to speak to the individual outside a meeting. Ask them to be aware that everyone wants an opportunity to say something and sometimes their valuable contributions are taking up too much of the available space. Sometimes people just need their "moment in the spotlight" early in the meeting and then will relax and listen to others. Other group members will learn to recognise this.
- People stop attending. Usually worth dropping them an email or making a phone call just to check nothing specific has upset them or put them off attending. Happy group members will usually let you know if they are going to stop coming to meetings
- People don't read the books. This is a tricky one. Will need a discussion about why people aren't reading them. Are they too long? Could you adjust the frequency of meetings? Or are they not happy with what is being chosen, in which case you need to review your method? If people just want to socialise rather than discuss reading, then they need a different sort of group. Can you offer this?
- Too much argument. Perhaps you just have a very opinionated group. Heated debate is a sign that people are engaged in the discussion. But if it is putting some people off or making the atmosphere unpleasant, it needs to be dealt with. Set some ground rules at the start of the next meeting. Ask people to accept and respect other viewpoints (as long as they aren't overtly aggressive, racist, homophobic etc) and present their counter-arguments calmly. Reading is about discovering other viewpoints, which don't have to be agreed with, but their existence needs to be aired and acknowledged
- People interrupt or carry on their own conversations. Halt the meeting and ask for one conversation at a time. And again - remind people of ground rules at the start of the next meeting
- People who don't contribute. Remember this isn't school. Sometimes people like to be quiet and listen. If you feel someone has been silent through the meeting, a simple question at the end such as: Has everyone had a chance to say what they wanted? doesn't put people on the spot and may be all that is required for them to get a chance to speak if they want to. If someone is regularly silent, perhaps have a quiet word after a meeting and ask them if they would like to be formally asked a question to help them enter the discussion
