4. Some participants are not able to follow the topic being discussed Possible reasons: • The discussion focuses on technical issues and jargon that some participants may not be familiar with • The issue being discussed involves a few of the participants • Some participants view other participants as unimportant to the discussion • Participants’ ability to use a specific language is limited. Skill(s) to use: • Reading body language to identify which participants are having trouble following the discussion • Using summarising to help participants understand what is being discussed • Asking probing questions to uncover the significance of the topic and to help participants involved in the discussion to better connect with those not following it. 5. Participants challenge the moderator’s credibility Possible reasons: • The moderator raises an issue that is a sensitive matter for participants • The moderator enforces the terms of engagement after a participant has violated such terms • Participants feel uncomfortable about the direction that the dialogue is taking. Skill(s) to use: • Reading body language to determine how all of the participants feel • Asking probing questions in order to understand why a participant is upset and to understand the overall feeling of the people present • Summarising the discussion and possibly the terms of engagement to explain how the dialogue reached the point it did • Reframing the issue if necessary so as to help determine a positive way forward. 6. Participants are impatient and want to move straight to action Possible reasons: • Participants believe that the challenges facing the community are too urgent to take the time to discuss them • Participants wish to avoid discussing sensitive issues • Participants believe that they already agree. Skill(s) to use: • Asking probing questions to understand why participants believe that discussion of the problems is a waste of time • Summarising the problems that have led to the initiation of the dialogue to show why further discussion is still necessary • Reframing participant responses to show why analysis is important prior to action. CREATING A SENSE OF DIRECTION FOR THE MEETING (Brainstorming and mini lecture) This section focuses on the important role that the moderator plays in creating a sense of direction for the dialogue group. Module 3: Dialogue in community healing 63 3