Summarizing

In meetings with large groups, or lengthy discussions, it is easy to lose track of ideas. Because groups often work sequentially, processing one idea at a time, they can lose the larger perspective. Summarizing steps back from the details and reviews a larger portion of the conversation. Often it can be helpful to state general themes or agreements up to a certain point.

To effectively summarize a facilitator needs to do three things. The first is to state that you are going to step back for a moment and summarize. Then the facilitator states the different conversations or issues that have been discussed. Lastly, the facilitator checks for accuracy with the group. If participants want to clarify their issues, or don’t agree with how it has been summarized, the facilitator should be supportive. In summarizing the exact wording may not be as important as restating the theme.

Adapted from Process Consultation Revisited, by Edgar Schein, and Facilitator’s Guide to Participatory Decision-Making by Sam Kaner.

c) 2005 Cheshire Mediation. All rights reserved. You are free to use material from the Great Meetings Monday eZine in whole or part as long as you include complete attribution, including live web site link and e-mail link. Please notify Cheshire Mediation when and where the material will appear.

__________________________________________

Please feel free to pass Great Meetings Monday along to any associate you feel may benefit form this information.