Constant Reader discussion

Have you ever joyfully found one of your nominated books selected for a group read, and then gotten that deer in the headlights look when you realize you have to actually kick off and lead the discussion?

There's nothing worse than wanting to share thoughts with others about a read you have opinions about, and hearing crickets after your kick-off post sits by its lonesome.

So, what are some tips that people have about inspiring others to engage in a discussion (specifically, thinking about group reads here, though I imagine it would apply to discussions in general)?

One specific thing I always wonder about is how many discussion questions to ask. Better to ask a lot, hoping people will treat it like a smorgasbord & answer the ones that they are interested in? Or do people get overwhelmed with that, so that it’s better to give them just a few really good questions to dig into?

Throughout my life in general, I tend to stumble over the Paradox of Choice, so I’ve come to err on the side of providing fewer questions—but being careful about which questions I choose, and how I word them. What do you all think, though—better to be spoiled for choice, or to have a brief, clear list of things to focus on?

I find too many questions at the beginning of a discussion to be a little overwhelming. Sometimes a few is all you’ll need because the discussion will take off on its own. But it’s good to have a few more questions up your sleeve in case the discussion needs a prod.

Ruth wrote: "I find too many questions at the beginning of a discussion to be a little overwhelming. Sometimes a few is all you’ll need because the discussion will take off on its own. But it’s good to have a f..."

I agree with Ruth. I think the discussion will progress more organically if there are a few broad questions instead of a laundry list. I tend to get overwhelmed by a lot of questions and then I just drop out.

If there are more than a few questions, presenting them as a numbered list can be helpful - so you can pick the ones you want to discuss and reference them by number/point. Seeing them as a list, instead of a long paragraph is easier for me to absorb and choose what to act upon. But I will say that the questions, when presented in a bunch, should be short and sweet.

Lynn wrote: "Ruth wrote: "I find too many questions at the beginning of a discussion to be a little overwhelming. Sometimes a few is all you’ll need because the discussion will take off on its own. But it’s goo..."

What's an example of a broad question?

The few times I've lead a discussion, I've posted one question every few days, rather than posting a list of questions at the beginning.