Facilitator's Guide

Every LAVA meeting has a facilitator, or discussion leader, whose main tasks are to maintain a good atmosphere and keep the discussion flowing.  LAVA members understand that the facilitator doesn't have sole responsibility for these tasks and they are generally on the alert for opportunities to help.

Facilitators sometimes begin the session by introducing the book, but they are not expected to do so at great length.  We LAVA members prefer to discuss the book among ourselves rather than listen to a prepared talk.  The LAVA facilitator doesn't have the task of creating a discussion; that's the responsibility of the group.

Preparation for the Session

The facilitator should prepare a series of of open-ended questions, such as, "What is your opinion of the such-and-such episode," that can be asked in case the discussion begins to falter.  They should be considered as insurance to be used only if needed.

Creative ideas for the session are welcome.  For the discussion of a book of Calvin & Hobbes cartoons, Garrett brought color slides of several cartoons and displayed them for discussion. For the discussion of Katharine Graham's autobiography, Rachel brought a recording of the author reading a key passage from the book.

The Session Atmosphere

LAVA discussions do not center on the facilitator or any other single person.  A diagram of the flow of conversation in a LAVA meeting would resemble a spider web, with the conversation weaving itself back and forth across the circle.

Newcomers sometimes presume that a LAVA session is like a classroom discussion and focus their attention on the facilitator, who might appear to be the "teacher."  If you are the facilitator and someone addresses a question about the book to you, consider passing the question on to the entire group for discussion.

The Session Process

The meeting usually begins by going around the circle with everyone giving his or her name and overall impression of the book.  If the group is large, the facilitator should remind everyone to keep their introductory remarks brief. 

The facilitator should be the last person to make initial remarks about the book.  That provides the facilitator with an opportunity to remind the group of some of the key points that have been made so far, and that in turn almost always sparks a general discussion.  If not, the facilitator can begin the discussion period by asking one of the questions that were prepared in advance.  There is, of course, no rule that requires this format to be used in every meeting, and a thoughtful variation could be a welcome change.

Not everyone in the group has the same discussion style.  Some members enjoy the excitement that is generated when several people want to speak at the same time, while others prefer to signal their desire to speak and then wait their turn.  Our goal is for everyone to be fully heard regardless of discussion style.  All of us, especially the facilitator, should be watchful for those who have indicated a desire to speak but haven't been able to find a break in the discussion.

What should the facilitator do if the opposite occurs and there is a noticeable pause in the discussion?  Perhaps nothing at all, at least not immediately.  Sometimes people need a little time to gather their thoughts.  But an extended silence would be a problem, and that's why facilitators bring questions to ask if the discussion falters or begins to stray from the book.

A good discussion will not necessarily focus entirely on the book.  It naturally leads to related stories and even to witty remarks that aren't necessarily related to the book at all.  But discussions do need to focus mainly on the book, and that, frankly, is hard work, especially on a Friday night.  It is satisfying work, however, and a primary reason that people come to LAVA.  Anything the facilitator can do to keep the discussion mostly on track is helpful.  Again, interjecting a question about the book is a good technique for refocusing the discussion.

Our discussions generally last for about an hour and a half, although they occasionally go for up to two hours if there is an unusually large group or if the discussion is especially vigorous.