You may think that once you have a group of people together -- either at a business meeting or at home with family and friends -- that interaction within that group is pretty much a sure thing. Right?

Wrong.

Just as there are no two snowflakes alike (blatant seasonal reference), every group contains different people with different styles and comfort levels of interaction. It is the role of the facilitator to assist the group both in beginning interaction and keeping it going during the group's time together.

Here are some effective methods for starting group participation:

At the beginning:

• Introductions -- If the group is small, have everyone give their name and other information pertinent to the discussion.
• Ice Breakers -- Ask the group a question -- usually lighthearted in tone -- and have everyone respond individually. Play a game. Give out a door prize.
• Meeting Goals Chart -- For work-related meetings, the facilitator builds a chart containing a list of goals for that meeting

Here are some ways to keep the interaction flowing as the meeting or gathering progresses:

• Ask a question of the group
• Ask an individual a question, or go around the room
• Break into smaller groups to accomplish tasks

In a business situation, these steps can be formalized through the use of slides or flipcharts. But the same techniques are effective in an informal gathering with family and friends, too. Try it over the holidays!