GRC Discussion leaders

DISCUSSION LEADERS

Role of Discussion Leaders

Discussion leaders play an important role at Gordon Conferences. The format of the conference calls for a I :2 ratio between discussion and presentation times. The discussion time brings forward the intense interaction characteristic of a Gordon Conference and sets the stage for continuing interaction during the afternoons and meal times.
The discussion after a lecture will often proceed spontaneously and satisfactorily. If the discussion lags, the discussion leader should be prepared to raise points of view not previously identified, identify key questions, identify limitations of current work or arguments and attempt to provoke proposals for profitable research directions. Because of these responsibilities discussion leaders do not speak at their own sessions.
Discussion leaders don't just control traffic, they must lead and stimulate discussion. A brief introduction to the session can be helpful. This introduction should not be extensive or a talk in itself. If needed, the discussion leader can stimulate the discussion after the talk by introducing related ideas or results and discussion points from other sessions or the poster papers.
The discussion leader should be familiar with the microphone system available to the speaker, be able to arrange the use of the system by the speaker and direct the use of the auxiliary microphones by members of the audience. Discussion leaders will also have to remind the conferees to give their name and affiliation when asking a question. This is necessary so that conferees can identify each other for further discussion of a point of interest. It is also a courtesy to young people who have not yet met the leaders in their fields.
Speakers and discussion leaders reinforce each other. A good discussion leader cannot salvage a poor presentation, but a poorly prepared discus- sion leader can prevent a good talk from achieving its maximum value. The Gordon Conference format of carefully selected presentations and ample time for discussion requires that the speakers and discussion leaders work together to be effective.
The Gordon Conferences strongly encourages all participants (speakers, discussion leaders and conferees) to stay for the entire week of the Conference. It is GRC policy that support for conference leaders expenses is conditional on the leader staying an absolute minimum of 24 hours after his or her session (or until the end of the meeting). If a leader is leaving early, the Conferees should be advised of the limited time for informal discussions with the leader.

Suggestions for Discussion Leaders: Well before the start of the session, check the projection equipment for positioning and operation. Test the public address system for microphone positioning and volume amplification. Make a "dry run" yourself with both systems. Adjust and focus the projector for slides; test the public address system by listening to yourself. (see projectionist); Secure beforehand all necessary information from Speakers. Plan your introductions; make your introductions interesting, informative and brief.; Take pains to see that the Speakers (as well as you) use the microphone and public address system for the prepared presentation as well as for all interchanges of questions and commentary from the floor.; Request that participants from the floor identify themselves (name and affiliation) and use the microphone for their questions.; Lead and control the discussion at all times; maintain a reasonably-close schedule for each Speaker’s prepared material and the following discussion.; Monitor the discussion from the floor to avoid any monopolizing, redundancy or “blank spots.” If too few questions come from the floor, volunteer questions yourself to elicit further interesting information from the Speaker.; When necessary to do so, tactfully limit discussions to avoid grossly distorting a morning or evening session’s schedule. Call attention to the fact that afternoons are devoted to ad hoc free interchanges and suggest that the particular point of interest be explored further at this time.; In closing a session, thank the Speakers and participants and announce the topics and Discussion Leader for the next session.