Discussion Leaders play a vital role in the success of the Texchange event. Each Discussion Leader is carefully chosen based upon their experience and relevance to the topic discussions.

Texchange relies on the Discussion Leaders to not only facilitate the small breakout sessions following the speaker at each dinner event, but also to provide valuable insights and real world stories of their own experiences and how it might relate to the participants’ businesses.

Event Facilitation Guidelines for Discussion Leaders

In order to conduct a successful small group discussion:

• Begin by introducing yourself to the group, explaining who you are and what you do.
• Follow that by allowing each member of the group to provide their own introductions.
• Open the table for discussion of the event topic.
• Facilitate the discussion to stay focused, discuss different viewpoints and reach ultimate conclusions about the event topic.
• Share any key insights your group had once the speaker begins the Q & A portion of the evening.
• Be sure to participate by contributing ideas, information and analysis.
• Try to be objective.   Do not initially state a strong position on the issue, which can cause other participants to shut down.
• Encourage quiet participants to add their input.
• Listen, listen, listen!
• Ask questions for clarification.
• Do not play Devil’s Advocate. Remember, you are looking for sincerity and insight to build relationships.
• Do not interrupt a speaker unless he or she is dominating the discussion.
• Ask participants to give you a business card so you can generate a roster of your group’s contact information and email it to them after the meeting.

Learn more about leading an effective table discussion. Table Leaders Discussion Guide

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