What is one of the most difficult skills for new small group leaders to learn and do? It’s allowing awkward silence to remain in the middle of a discussion.
Why is this?
Awkward Silence: Why Small Group Leaders Need to Get Used to It
Silence Is Awkward
Silence during a conversation becomes awkward in a matter of seconds. The number of seconds varies by culture, but the awkwardness kicks in at about four seconds or less in the United States.
We are social, and being in a group when the interaction suddenly stops can bring up uncomfortable emotions like anxiety and lack of confidence.
But for the small group leader, the use of silence is a powerful skill. While some people find it uncomfortable, it can provide benefits like encouraging participation from ones who don’t readily jump into the conversation.
What are some ways a new (or not-so-new) small group leader can use to get comfortable exercising silence as a tool during discussions?
