leo603•8d ago

Question about how I used to lead book club talks

For years in my club, I'd come in with a list of 10 questions I wrote myself and just go down the list, which felt flat. Last week, my friend in Denver said, 'You're not having a debate, you're just giving a quiz.' That hit me hard. How do you get a real argument going without just asking questions?

2 comments

2 Comments

finleythomas8d ago

What if you started with a strong opinion instead of a question? Throw out a debatable statement about a character's choice to spark immediate disagreement. That friction gets people talking much faster than a prepared list.

lilyfisher8d ago

Starting with a strong opinion can work, but it also shuts down quieter voices who might need a question to feel invited in. That friction you want might just become a fight between the loudest people. A good opening question actually builds a wider base for discussion. It lets more folks gather their thoughts before the debate really starts. You need that mix to get a real conversation, not just a shouting match.