The participants in a formal, online, or personal discussion often feel shy or unprepared. They may not be willing or able to participate properly. A good facilitator may be able to help.

This does not mean that their silence is necessarily wrong. A good facilitator knows when silence is acceptable, and when to initiate a discussion.

Why is a facilitator necessary?

It may seem strange that a discussion facilitator is necessary, especially on a forum. After all, everybody joined the group in order to discuss an issue of mutual importance.

However, many people do not want to go first. Nobody wants to jump into the water, like Nachshon, before the others. Even after somebody does take the plunge, others may not be ready to be second or third. Not everybody likes to present differing points of view, and others are not curious enough to find out what others have to say about an issue. Many people are listeners or followers, and others simply feel shy in a group setting.

Although we do want people to speak up and discuss important issues, it may be difficult, unless a facilitator helps move the discussion along.

Confused? It may help to think of the facilitator as the person who starts things, and the moderator as the one who stops things. That's not quite accurate, but it may sort things out in your mind.