How to Lead a Book Group Meeting

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Plan before the meeting.

   Provide a comfortable setting for the discussion.
   
   Ensure there is room for everyone; both in the location and parking spaces.
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   Step 2: Host at Home: Arrange for a spouse or sitter to attend children.

   Pets:
   Keep pets away from the meeting area.
   
   Inquire if your guests have allergies or fears of animals. , Know how many are coming.
   
   Plan for at least 3 more guests than you expect.
   
   Know whether or not your group is looking for or introducing new members. , Make sure everyone else knows where the meeting is being held.
   
   Provide clear directions. , Check to ensure your guests do not have allergies to ingredients such as peanuts. , Place chairs in a circular fashion to equalize guest and promote discussion. ,,, You should be ready or arrive ten minutes before your guest to ensure everything is ready. , Make sure you read the correct book.
   
   If the book was hard to understand, research and make notes so that you understand the book and can explain it to others. , If you make notes inside the book, mark your pages to find them immediately.
   
   Know what you’re going to discuss before the meeting. , Make sure your questions/topics promote discussion.
   
   Do not ask “yes or no” questions.
   
   Focus on themes, plot, characters, morals, messages, etc.
   
   Stay away from “I like” or “I don’t like” as the center of the meeting. , Understand the guidelines of your group and select a book accordingly.
   
   Make sure the group has not read it previously.
   
   Research basic information about your selection.
   
   Write down the name of the author and book title with correct spelling. , It is your job to make everyone feel comfortable in the environment. , Where the bathroom is. , If it is not, show them where they can smoke. ,, This shows them that they are welcome to help themselves. , Guests will want to mingle after putting their things down. , Do so when everyone is seated.
   
   Allow the new member to say a few things about him or herself.
   
   Make the guest feel especially welcome and comfortable.
   
   Don’t be intrusive. , You should already have your book and discussion topics ready. , Control any outside conversation.
   
   Don’t let conversation stray away from discussion of the book. , If one of your guests has a question or topic that is not on your list, do not hesitate to let the group answer or discuss the topic. , Don’t rush other members.
   
   Let everyone take their turn speaking and presenting thoughts and opinions. , Decide who will host and what book to read. , Let them know you had a great time.
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   Step 3: Know the number of club members.

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   Step 4: Time and Place: Know where and when the meeting is held.

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   Step 5: Food: Provide food according to time of day (ex: coffee

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   Step 6: Danishes

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   Step 7: sliced fruit for morning-midday

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   Step 8: wine with cheese and crackers in the evening).

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   Step 9: Seating: Arrange enough seats for your guests to sit comfortably.

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    Step 10: Room temperature: Set thermostat to a comfortable temperature.

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    Step 11: Environment: Cleanse environment from bad smells

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    Step 12: or unsanitary details.

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    Step 13: Punctuality: Be on time.

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    Step 14: Read the book.

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    Step 15: Notes: Make notes about the book.

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    Step 16: Discussion topics: Decide 8 – 10 questions or discussion topics about the book.

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    Step 17: The Next Book: Know whether or not you’re selecting the book for the next meeting.

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    Step 18: Greet everyone with a smile and pleasant attitude.

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    Step 19: Show your guests: Where they can put their things.

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    Step 20: Inform guests whether or not the environment is non-smoking.

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    Step 21: Get everyone settled with something to eat or drink.

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    Step 22: Present refreshments in an obvious but not obtrusive spot.

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    Step 23: Don’t start immediately.

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    Step 24: Introduce any new members.

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    Step 25: Start the discussion.

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    Step 26: Allow conversation to flow freely.

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    Step 27: Let the others answer questions or discuss topics first.

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    Step 28: Wrap up the discussion.

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    Step 29: Plan the next meeting.

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    Step 30: Thank everyone for coming.

Detailed Guide

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