10 ways to Avoid Awkward Silence in Your Small Group

www.pastoralized.com/2014/03/10/10-ways-to-avoid-the-awkward-silence-in-your-small-group/

Here are the main points.  If you want to read more about each one check the blog.

1. Come to your small group prepared to share.
2. Provide a “break the ice” time.
3. When you hit an awkward silence moment, wait…
4. Follow the ground rules for asking questions in a group discussion. 
5. Deflect questions from the group back to the group.
6. Ask if people disagree.
7. Model vulnerability. 
8. Just once, call on a shy person by name to share what they are thinking.
9. Politely ask the talkative people to let others weigh in.
10. Encourage discussion on the interpretation of the passage.