Preparation is key, especially before your first meeting. Your guests may not open up if they are unfamiliar with the group, but intentionally prepared questions can help minimize excessive silence. Spend time carefully crafting 8-10 intentional questions before each meeting. Even if you don’t get to every question, having these questions on hand will help direct conversation when lulls in the conversation arise.

Open ended questions are an invitation to your guests to talk about whatever was most meaningful to them. Closed-ended questions will quickly limit the depth of your conversation. The discussion questions provided at the end of each chapter in (A)typical Woman are a great place to begin meaningful conversation.

Effective leaders know when to speak and when to listen. I am certain you have much to offer the group as a host, but your guests have much to offer too. Be quick to listen to the insights of those in the group and make it your goal to draw these insights out of your guests.

As a host, it’s your job to ensure all guests feel welcome and heard. No two group members are the same and it’s essential that you are attentive to the unique needs of every member. Invite a quiet guest into the conversation by asking them a question directly, or utilize a talkative guest’s enthusiasm for discussion by privately inviting them to help you draw out interactions from others.

As you facilitate discussion, don’t fear silence. Silence enables group members to process and craft their response. Extended pauses may also compel quieter group members to speak up when they otherwise may not.

It is a humbling thing to pray. Plan time to pray together and for one another as some topics may be sensitive for some women.