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[[image - drawing of an officer with tight-lipped expression and another officer shouting]]

CLASSIFY TYPES

(4) Simulating and guiding the discussion is the most important job of the leader during the actual meeting. He should guide almost entirely by asking questions, by briefly citing a specific case followed by a question, or by summarizing. His questions should ask for reasons and causes (why?), for facts (what?), for circumstances under which certain things may be true (when?), for expression of opinion (what do you think?), and for common ground upon which some agreement may be reached. The leader should avoid rhetorical questions and any question so obvious that it can be answered simply by "yes" or "no." These usually block discussion.

[[image - drawing of a train derailing]]

KEEP ON THE TRACK

Very occasionally a question requiring "yes" or "no" for an answer, however, can be used effectively. A leader for example will state briefly a definite position that can be taken with respect to an issue. He will then ask a member whom he points out: "Do you agree with that or don't you?" The member's

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