TECHNIQUES FOR
ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATION IN MEETINGS
Consider what
you say, what you do, how you structure the meeting and the physical set up
of the room.
Verbal Techniques:
- Ask open-ended
questions
- Phrase requests
to encourage more responses
- Acknowledge and
positively respond to contributions made
- Ask for more specifics
or examples
- Redirect questions
or comments to parents
- Encourage nonvocal
parents
- Ask for and encourage
different points of view
- Paraphrase for
clarity and understanding
- Refer to contributions
parents have made
- As a facilitator
avoid stating your opinion or interjecting your ideas first
- Summarize and check
for confirmation on your interpretation
Nonverbal Techniques:
- Attentiveness
- Voice and facial
expressions
- Silence
- Movement and position
in the room
Share information
(before, during and after meetings)
Make sure roles are clear
Use a common vocabulary
Pathways: A Training and Resource Guide for Enhancing Skills in Early Intervention
Service Coordination