Hi Group Leaders,

Last week we talked about helping people open up. This week, let’s get practical about what to do when one or two voices dominate. The goal isn’t to shut anyone down, but to shepherd the whole room so every person is seen, heard, and discipled.

1) Set expectations up front

How you set up and start your group matters. The opening minutes set the tone for the gathering and model how the semester will work. Be proactive: clarify the purpose, the flow, and what participation looks like before you dive in.

• Share “how we talk” norms at the start: brief answers, one voice at a time, and space for everyone to contribute.
• Name a Time Keeper who helps you honor time and keep things moving. This also helps provide leadership opportunities for the group. I have seen some groups even set an alarm on their phone, it sounds funny but it can be incredibly helpful.

Sample script: “To make space for everyone, let’s keep answers to about a minute. I’ll invite quieter folks in too.”

2) Use facilitation moves that naturally balance airtime

These structures do the work for you. By designing turns and time windows, you lower the social cost for quieter members and keep eager talkers meaningfully engaged without overextending their airtime.

• Round-robin: “Let’s hear one thought from each person before we open it up.”
• Pair-and-share: 2 minutes in pairs, then each person summarizes their partner’s idea with the group.
• Break into triads: Quieter members often share more in 2–3s before returning to the full group.

3) Affirm, then redirect

This is about preserving dignity while guiding the group. You’re thanking the person for contributing and then intentionally widening the circle so the group’s learning isn’t limited to a few voices.

• Gently interrupt with gratitude and a turn: “Thank you for that insight. I want to hear from some others who haven’t shared yet.”
• Sit next to a monopolizer to reduce power and eye contact, and step in kindly if needed. Don’t underestimate the power of sitting next to the monopolizer, it is a simple practice that has a tremendous impact.

4) Park off-topic or deep dives

A small, visible “parking lot” preserves valuable ideas without letting them derail the main aim of the night. It communicates honor to contributors and protects the group’s momentum and closing prayer time.

• Create a “parking lot” for good but off-topic thoughts you’ll revisit later or after the meeting.
• Remind the group of limited time and the desire to finish with prayer and next steps.