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ideas_for_writing_exercises.docx | |
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In advance:
During Discussions:
NOTE 1: This technique usually breaks the ice (silence in response to a moderator’s question), or the logjam (respondents who keep repeating discussion-squashing comments such as "I hate to say anything but ... "). Getting responses first in writing may also help to get the discussion started on an awkward or difficult subject.
o Make each participant responsible for sharing what they write down before the discussion time is up.
o Ask them to write down something that's "hard to admit" or "hard to say" -- whatever is your best guess about what is / might contribute to keeping people from talking / contributing to the discussion.
NOTE 2: If you use this writing technique on a sensitive or confidential subject, decide whether to (1) ask participants to tear up their papers before they leave (ensures confidentiality) or (2) reassure them you will honor confidentiality by not using any names.
- PLACE writing materials (a pen / pencil and a pad) at each place at the table. -- OR --
- KEEP a stack of note cards and a bunch of pens (rubber-band them together) in your workshop bag, and pull them out to distribute when you need them.
- Keep your clock and stopwatch / timer out of the sight.
During Discussions:
- Ask participants to "WRITE DOWN" their response to questions / sentence completions on a sheet of paper or single note card.
- Instruct them to use a single sheet / card for each issue.
- Make sure what you give them to do makes them write fast, or a lot. Move them on to the next thing quickly. This is not an exercise in thinking!
NOTE 1: This technique usually breaks the ice (silence in response to a moderator’s question), or the logjam (respondents who keep repeating discussion-squashing comments such as "I hate to say anything but ... "). Getting responses first in writing may also help to get the discussion started on an awkward or difficult subject.
o Make each participant responsible for sharing what they write down before the discussion time is up.
o Ask them to write down something that's "hard to admit" or "hard to say" -- whatever is your best guess about what is / might contribute to keeping people from talking / contributing to the discussion.
NOTE 2: If you use this writing technique on a sensitive or confidential subject, decide whether to (1) ask participants to tear up their papers before they leave (ensures confidentiality) or (2) reassure them you will honor confidentiality by not using any names.