You are sitting in class and the teacher asks a question. They tell you to talk with your table groups and share your answers. You glance around your table and it’s dead silent. Everyone exchanges awkward glances with one another, some don’t even look up; it’s a universal experience. Quiet table groups are the hardest to work with because there is very little to work off, so how do we fix this?
I have outlined a three-step process that you can use to be a productive member in your table groups, and to help others be as well.
- Share your own opinion.
- “I think that…”
- “I would say…”
- “I got (answer)”
Oftentimes, people are afraid to tell others how they feel because they are afraid that the group doesn’t think the same way that they do. Sharing your own opinion first is an excellent way to break the ice and initiate conversation with your table group.
- Ask others what they think.
- “What did you guys have in mind?”
- “Would you say that you agree with what I said?”
- “(name), what did you get?”
Inviting others to the conversation is the next step forward. Many people are still shy to join a conversation even after someone has spoken first, so it is helpful to create an environment where sharing your thoughts is not just a choice you can make, but a welcome contribution to the group.
- Question others’ answers.
- “Why do you feel that way?”
- “Can you explain your process to me?”
- “How did you arrive at your conclusion?”
While it seems counterintuitive to question people who were reluctant to speak to begin with, when done right, it a good tool for a stronger conversation. Especially when your answers differ, it is helpful to ask how and why others answered the question the way that they did. Questions like this set the stage for a group discussion where people feel like they can learn from sharing their ideas rather than get judged. If your answers were similar or identical to one another, this step may not be necessary.
The Skyline student body could use more conversational skills, and this is a great place to start. Try this process the next time your table group falls silent when the teacher asks you to share.
