The meeting is yours - a chance for you to say what you think. Say it. Here, "everyone’s ideas are worth just as much as everyone elses." Remember; no one else has your background and experience.

If you don’t understand what it is going on, say so. Ask for example cases, illustrations, until you understand. Try to tie up what is being said with your own experiences and knowledge.

Don’ t be shy. Don’t wait until you are called upon to speak. You may forget your point or miss the best time to present it.

Fill your silence with thinking. When you find you are on the other side of the fence, say so, and tell why. But do it in a friendly way.

Make note of questions and points of disagreement that occur to you. If they still seem important, bring them to the next meeting.

Do not introduce ideas which are "way off the point."

Once you have given your idea to the group, it is group property. Don’t feel that you must defend it just because it was your idea.

Don’t talk for more than a minute or so at a time. Give others a chance. Make your point in a few words; then pass the ball to someone else. Don’ t make a speech.

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Syllabus  Written Assignments  Outside Lab Assignments  What is Leadership?  Self Concept   Parliamentary Procedure  Leadership Ideas  Win/Lose   Power  What is an Advisor?  What is a Program of Activities?  Effective Youth Organizations  Selecting/Electing Officers  Officer Guidelines

Send questions about this website to Denise Davies at ddavies@ag.arizona.edu.   For course information or questions not included in these pages contact Dr. James Knight. Copyright (c) 1998 Department of Agricultural Education, The University of Arizona.  Website version 1.2, last updated on Thursday, August 16, 2001.