HOW TO GUIDE A CONVERSATION

When engaging in the conversation you have several options at any given time

1. Pose a new question

2. Bridge the conversation

3. Provide your own insight

POSING A NEW QUESTION

This is the most straightforward option as you already have a list of questions and can choose the one that makes the most sense to share next. Try to relate it back to the previous discussion when asking

You can say something like:

I know we were just talking about X, that makes me wonder [insert question here]

BRIDGE THE CONVERSATION

This is one of the most valuable tools you have when it comes to developing relationships between members. The act of bridging involves asking one member about another or referencing one members experience when asking another's about theirs.

To ask one member about another say something like:

Victoria, have you've ever had the same experience as Erin?

Victoria, I know you've had a similar experience to what Erin was describing. How did you overcome it?

Victoria, does Erin's experience remind you at all about your own with [topic Erin was talking about]

To involve more members, say something like:

Victoria, does Erin's experience remind you at all or anything anyone else in the group has shared?

PROVIDE YOUR OWN INSIGHT

Being vulnerable with your group is crucial to getting them to open up. As the host, you must model transparency and honesty. If something the group is talking about reminds you of something in your own life and there is an appropriate moment, feel free to share it. You don't need to end what you say with another question, but you could

HOW TO HANDLE SILENCE

One skill you will learn as a leader is how to decide when silence is valuable and when it should be filled.

If you come to a moment in the conversation where there is silence, slowly count in your head to 5. If no one speaks in that time or goes off mute if you are meeting virtually, then you can either pose a new question or provide your own insight.

YOUR ROLE

Your Role as the host is to make members feel welcome and heard. You will be provided with questions that you can use to prompt the conversation. While you are encouraged to participate in the conversation, make sure to leave sufficient space for others to voice their thoughts.

You are a representative and ambassador of Holdette within your Community. Our hope is that you will make your members feel valued and cared for. Should a member have a need you are not equipped to meet, let us know! We want to be an environment where members feel like they can turn to us with any problem and we'll do what we can to solve it.

We ask that you be engaged enough on Slack to answer member questions within 24 hours.

NOT YOUR ROLE

Your role is not to be a therapist or counselor. You have a right to not engage if you feel uncomfortable or like a problem is not within your purview to solve. You need to take care of yourself to take care of others!

GOALS FOR MEMBERS IN A GROUP

1. Find a sense of belonging in a broader community

2. Build 1:1 friendships

3. Find practical solutions to real problems new grads experience