tips to Hosting a successful
START SMART DISCUSSION

Prepare

Remember you do not have to spend hours reading because your contribution, along with everyone else's, will add up to an enriching learning experience

Listening is a valuable part of being in this group
If you did not do your homework honor your group by quietly learning from their efforts

Share

All members will be given time to report their findings without interruption

Time limits may need to be applied to ensue everyone gets a chance to speak

Respect

Practice active listening
Determine best time for open discussion on the facts

Be respectful of contrary opinions

Overtime we have found that having the host in charge of determining the topic and setting the stage for the discussion has worked best.  Often some preliminary investigation needs to be done by the host to decide the best way to optimize research on the subject matter.  The climate change example shows an example of the host assigning tasks to members.  Looking at The International Monetary Fund (original email to group) the host suggested different areas to explore and had members choose what section they would research and share with the group. These are just two examples of how to organize  the group to have an effective discussion. 

Climate Change
Is it real or Not?

Scientific evidence on both sides of the debate​

For this discussion the host split the group in two. Half of the participants were tasked with finding evidence to support climate change the other to dispel it. Each member presented what they learned. If someone found evidence on the other side of the debate regrading a specific claim it was presented and discussed at the moment.  Afterwards, we talked about the subject in general.   You may find having a broader understanding of a subject may not change your original assessment but it does create a more thoughtful response in your summary,

Conducting a successful meeting is really a group effort. Everyone should prepare, share, and respect. Often, the host takes the lead in deciding who should start the discussion and the order of speakers to ensure everyone gets a chance to talk.  The discussions should focus on facts not opinions. In general, this lends to everyone feeling comfortable sharing their research. On occasion, a quieter member needs a little encouragement to join in. We have found having the host invite a member to share their research or thoughts on what has been discussed has been effective in getting them to join in.  However, remember a great discussion should not solely depend on the host. Often meetings are very fluid, and members decide on the flow of the discussion and naturally encourage each other on.

Start Smart Discussion members often have opinions on what they have learned and love to share them. We have found the best practice is to voice our conclusions after we have all had the opportunity to present our findings. This especially holds true for politically charged subjects which may lead to different conclusions. This was also why in the beginning we held off having adult beverages until after the discussion; realizing the effects of alcohol can complicate clear thinking and cause over emotional responses.

  • Choose a discussion date based on majority attendance.
  • In general two weeks prep time for research is best.
  • Seek out facts in your research not opinions.
  • It is best to not let the discussion exceed two hours.
  • Aim for eight Start Smart Discussions per year.
  • It's okay to remind host to choose a date and topic.