These tips will help you be an effective facilitator:
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Ask questions
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Define or clarify roles in the group
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Poll for consensus
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Summarize discussions/agreements/disagreements
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Refocus on agenda items
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Ask for individual opinions or ideas
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Validate persons or statements
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Read non-verbal messages
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Help keep the group on track
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Bring discussions to a close
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Remind group of goal or task
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Call attention to operating guidelines/norms
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Paraphrasing
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Intervene if multiple conversations ensue
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As questions to focus or redirect groupÃs energies
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Suggest alternative methods or procedures
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Encourage participation by all
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Help the group reach consensus
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Reflect feelings and questions back to the group
