Common challenges in moderating a dialogue meeting (Mini lecture, role play and discussion) This section is designed to introduce the participants to the common challenges in a dialogue meeting and to provide them with some basic skills that can assist them to overcome these challenges. Objectives • To identify the common challenges; and • To introduce the skills required to overcome these challenges. Identifying the common challenges in dialogue groups Exercise / ‘Dialogue challenges’ STEP 1: Ask the participants to divide themselves up into their respective moderating pairs. STEP 2: Using the chart provided (see Table 8), ask each moderating pair to complete the chart by identifying the possible reasons for each of the common challenges and by identifying the skill(s) that could possibly be used to overcome the respective challenges. STEP 3: Ask each pair to present their results to the group. STEP 4: The facilitator, with the assistance of the other participants, should critique the different presentations and provide guidance and clarity based on the theoretical input provided below. Table 8: Common challenges in sustained dialogue, reasons for the challenges and potential skill/s to use COMMON CHALLENGES IN SUSTAINED DIALOGUE Common challenge Reasons for the challenge Potential skill(s) to use Participants are not willing to speak Participants become angry with one another or display various emotions that may be difficult to deal with The conversation moves off the topic Some participants are not able to follow the topic being discussed Participants challenge your credibility Participants are impatient and want to move straight to action Module 3: Dialogue in community healing 61 3