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So, you want to have a Round Table? Read first

Michael Kreisle

Contributing Member
I got this from another association I belong to.

Hope it helps...

Get That Discussion Going: Tips on Roundtable Participation
05/ 12/ 2006
If you attend an association convention, forum, summit or meeting, there's a good chance you'll encounter an increasingly popular convention activity: the roundtable discussion.
Unlike traditional lectures or seminars, roundtables offer you the opportunity to freely share experiences, ask questions of other participants, and offer new ideas and information for discussion.
To make the most of these active and stimulating discussions, you've got to prepare. The following are the ABC's of roundtable discussions:


What Is a Roundtable?


If you've never been to a roundtable meeting before, here's what it's all about:
· Format: Roundtables are informal, and literally take place around a table. They are led by "facilitators" or "conveners," but unlike traditional seminar leaders, their primary role is to stimulate and guide discussion.
· Purpose: A roundtable is focused on a specific topic, such as "Last Year's Technological Advances" or "Morale-Building Tips for the Workplace."
· Location: Roundtables are often offered at national and regional conventions, or during local trade shows and meetings as well.

A - Aims. Before you walk into the roundtable session, set a few aims for yourself -- information you want to obtain or solutions to problems, for example.
B - Breaks. Because roundtable discussions are brief -- often 45 minutes or an hour -- they may not contain breaks. But when you do receive a break, use it to meet new people and make contacts.
C - Cases. Be ready to discuss at least one real-life case study that demonstrates creativity or innovation on your part. And bring along one real-life problem that perplexes you.
D - Discussion. Keep the discussion going after the roundtable ends. Make an appointment with one or more provocative speakers. Or continue your discussion through correspondence or e-mail.
E - Enthusiasm. Share it!
F - Focus. Stick to the topic at hand. Don't let your comments ramble or sidetrack the group.
G - Gestures. Use body language or gestures -- like a nod of the head or an intent gaze -- to show speakers that you're interested in their comments. And don't interrupt another speaker, either verbally or through harsh gestures.
H - Habits. Observe the professional habits of the most successful roundtable participants. Note their interpersonal talents, manner of speech and dress, and discussion skills.
I - Issues. Identify the emerging issues in your field by listening carefully to the most vigorous and experienced roundtable participants.
J - Jottings. Bring along a small notebook and jot down the points that make an impression on you. Better yet, make notes on index cards or sticky note paper and transfer them to your files when you get back to the office. Or tape the discussion if other participants don't mind.
K - Knowledge. Prepare to share, as briefly and succinctly as possible, insights that you've gained about the topic over the years. Sprinkle your comments with relevant statistics, anecdotes and examples.
L - Leadership. Your roundtable will have a leader, responsible for guiding discussion. Listen carefully for her comments about the roundtable format. If you're unsure whether your remarks are appropriate, ask.
M - Materials. If you're planning to share information during the roundtable, bring along some simple audio-visual materials or printed handouts that illustrate your points.
N - Names. As people introduce themselves during your roundtable, note their names and use them during the discussion.
O - Organization. Before coming to the roundtable, read your agenda and preparatory materials carefully. Ponder the issues you'll be discussing, and organize your thoughts.
P - Probe. Unsure about the meaning of another participant's statement? A reference you believe a speaker is making "between the lines?" Ask for clarification.
Q - Questions. One of the great benefits of roundtables is information sharing. Ask highly-focused questions and you'll often receive valuable information as a result.
R - Reference. When you hear someone else in the group mention an especially helpful reference -- a book, an audio cassette, the name of an expert -- jot it down.
S - Structure. Discussion time is limited during a roundtable, so carefully structure your comments. Compare two ideas, for example. Or classify solutions to a problem. Or demonstrate the cause-and-effect relationships between certain actions and their consequences. These simple conversational structures make your remarks easy to understand and remember.
T - Time. Don't walk in late to a roundtable. Be on time, and ready to participate in the discussion from its start. And of course, enjoy the time you spend there!
U – Understanding. If you feel you don't understand what’s being discussed, ask for clarification. Chances are you won't be the only one to benefit from your question.
V – Vacation. Conventions, summits and roundtable meetings are fairly often held in cities outside your own. Take an extra day at the beginning or end of your meetings to see the sights. Who knows when you'll be back there again?
W – Wisdom. You never know who’s going to be at the roundtable—you could learn a lot from people with expertise in your same field. Listen to what others have learned over the years and see how you can apply it to your own business.
X – eXamine. When you get home, dig through your notes and examine what you learned again. If necessary, rewrite or type up your notes to make them more legible.
Y – You. Make sure you walk away from the roundtable with something meaningful. By participating, listening, asking questions and making the most of your time, you will be the one to benefit the most.
Z – Zest. Be energetic. The more enthusiastic and active you are at the roundtable, the likely you are to engage others as well.

National Federation of Independent Business
 
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