Summer Reading Training Materials (Staff): Booktalk Rules

• Ask questions by creating new threads that get people thinking and talking.

• Don't ask closed-ended questions such as "Did you like the book?" Instead, word your question so respondents have to explain themselves. "What did you like most about the book?"

• Respect everyone's opinion. Quite often the most active book discussion participant didn't like the book or the author's general thesis and they say so in the book forum. Negative comments should be welcomed provided they are civil, respectful and constructive.

• Share your favorite passages or quotes and ask people for their favorites.

• Be a good listener and observer. Listen for quiet members and try to draw them into the discussion. Watch for someone anxious to get into the conversation and help them to find a gap in the conversation.

• We welcome all ideas for discussion.

• We speak our minds and we listen carefully when others do the same.

• We think- and talk - beyond the book.

• When we disagree, we stick to the point.

• We look at situations in books and topics in discussion from every angle.

• We look for evidence to back up our ideas and opinions.

• When we get angry, we stay quiet or leave the room until we cool off.

• Everyone is welcome, even if they haven't read the book.

Taken from "The Teen-Centered Book Club", 2006