You're leading a peer support workshop. How do you redirect a participant who constantly veers off topic?

2 Listen Actively

Active listening is a powerful tool in peer support. If a participant goes off topic, listen carefully to understand their perspective. Sometimes, what seems off-topic may have underlying relevance. By showing that you value their input, you create a supportive environment. If their point is indeed unrelated, use your active listening skills to guide them back by connecting their thoughts to the workshop's theme.

3 Set Guidelines

At the start of your workshop, establish clear guidelines about the scope of discussion. Explain that while tangents can be insightful, it's important to respect the workshop's focus. If a participant strays from the topic, remind them of these guidelines. This preemptive strategy can reduce off-topic meanderings and empower participants to self-regulate, keeping the workshop productive.

4 Empathize and Redirect

Empathy is at the core of peer support. If someone frequently goes off topic, privately address the issue with understanding and kindness. Say something like, "I appreciate your enthusiasm and insights, but I've noticed that some of your points are a bit off topic. Let's try to keep our discussions aligned with today's theme." This personal approach can help them feel heard while encouraging them to stay on track.

5 Involve the Group

In a peer support setting, group dynamics play a crucial role. If one participant often diverges from the topic, involve the rest of the group in bringing the conversation back. You might say, "Does anyone have thoughts on how this relates to our main topic?" This encourages collective responsibility for maintaining focus and allows for a collaborative learning environment.

6 Redirect with Questions

Questions are a subtle yet effective way to redirect a conversation. If a participant strays off topic, pose a question that ties their comment back to the core subject. For example, ask, "How does what you're saying connect to our discussion on X?" This prompts them to think about the relevance of their contribution and guides them back to the topic without confrontation.