Tracking In many discussions, there are a number of ideas being discussed at once. This is because there are many aspects to each issue. However, people often focus only on the particular issue that interests them. Tracking lets the whole group see the different aspects of the topic being discussed and treats each with equal validity. Tracking has three steps: • The facilitator indicates that they are going to step back from the conversation and summarize it. • The facilitator summarises the different conversations. For example: “It seems one conversation is about food distribution points, another about the committee and another about the food packages.” • The facilitator asks for clarification. For example: “Are these the three items being discussed?” Encouraging Creating an opening in a discussion without putting any one individual on the spot is part of the technique of encouraging. Often during a meeting, one or more people may not appear to be engaged by the discussion. With a little encouragement, they often discover an aspect of the topic that holds meaning for them. This is especially relevant when facilitating diverse groups. Encouraging is especially important at the early stages of a discussion. Listening for common ground When group members become polarised on disagreements, the situation becomes difficult. However, most disputes contain elements of agreement. This technique validates the group’s areas of disagreement and focuses on their areas of common ground. Listening for common ground has four steps: • Indicate that you are going to summarise the group’s differences and similarities. For example: “Let me summarise what I am hearing from each of you. I am hearing a lot of differences but also a lot of similarities.” • Summarise the differences. For example: “It sounds like one group wants to put the food delivery at the edge of the community, while the other group wants to locate it in the centre of the community.” • Note the areas of common ground. For example: “You both seem to agree that you want the marginalised families to have easy access to the food delivery.” • Check for accuracy. For example: “Have I got it right?” Balancing The direction of a discussion often follows the lead set by the first few people who speak. Using the technique of balancing, a facilitator helps the group to round out its discussion by asking for other viewpoints that may be present but unexpressed. Balancing not only assists individual members who need a little support for their ideas, it also has a strong positive effect on the norms of the group as a whole by sending the message: “It is acceptable here for people to speak their mind, no matter what opinions they hold.” Try using phrases such as: • “Now we know where two people stand. Does anyone else have a different position?” • “Are there other ways of looking at this?” • “Does everyone agree with this?” APF HRCLD Guide 72