Being a CafeMom Conversationalist (from the Groups Resource Center)

[Cafe Elizabeth]

If you're a Group Owner, Admin or member interested in groups on CafeMom, please join us in the Groups Resource Center!

Being a CafeMom Conversationalist

Being a Group Owner or Admin on CafeMom is like wearing several different hats all at once. You're part leader, organizer, conductor, cheerleader, go-to person, motivator, therapist, conversationalist...and more (add more "hats" in the replies, please!!)

Conversationalists on CafeMom start, energize, and help keep conversations on topic. Group members can be conversationalists too. Conversationalists also look for ways to engage members in the discussion. When members feel like they're a part of the conversation, they're more likely to come back to the group. And, they're more likely to tell their friends about the group too.

Here are a few tips for welcoming, starting and carrying on conversations in a group:

1. Welcome new members. You can start an Introduce Yourself post, or just take notice when a new member posts for the first time. Posting or replying is second-nature to some members, while it's a big step for others. Acknowledge accomplishments of group members whenever possible.

2. Establish a welcoming environment. Your group should feel welcoming to both new and veteran members. It doesn't have to be all roses and ribbons...the "welcome" feeling should be consistent with the tone/feel of the group itself. Posts like Question of the Day, Thought for the Day, even something about today's weather help give the group a lived-in, thought-about feeling.

3. Express interest in what members are saying. If I'm talking to a friend in person, I might nod my head in approval of what she's saying, and make eye contact with her. The circumstances are different online (no real eye contact, no head nodding) so you need to find other ways to communicate with the member that you hear what she's saying. It doesn't have to be elaborate, just a simple sentence letting her know you're there. Sometimes a SweetPea can do the trick.

4. Ask questions. Open-ended questions are one way to keep a worthwhile conversation going. Phrases like "when did you realize...", or "at what point did you know...", or "how did that make you feel" can sometimes help that member feel encouraged to share, and other members feel like they'd like to share as well.

What do you do that makes you a CafeMom Conversationalist? Please share below...

Hope to see you in the GRC!

-- Cafe Elizabeth

[Lb128f]

Jul. 16, 2009 at 12:48 PM

Great ideas! Thanks for sharing. When in a group I think it's important to actually "Be There"...be active, take part...show that you like being in a group and want to participate!

[shell81]

Jul. 17, 2009 at 12:37 PM