The Skillful Teacher

participants the stress of having to decide whether or not they will
try to jump in after another student has finished speaking.
After the initial circle of voices has been completed, and every-
one has had the uninterrupted chance to make their opening com-
ments, then the discussion opens up into a more free-flowing
format. As this happens a second ground rule comes into effect.
Participants are only allowed to talk about another person’s ideas
that have already been shared in the opening circle of voices. Par-
ticipants cannot jump into the conversation by expanding on their
own ideas; they can only talk about their reactions to what some-
one else has said in the opening round. The only exception to this
ground rule is if someone asks a group member directly to expand
on her ideas. This second ground rule prevents the tendency
toward grandstanding that sometimes afflicts a few articulate, con-
fident individuals.
Circular Response
The circular response exercise is a way to democratize discussion