Please read over the following guidelines and discuss them.  Modify them in any way we need to in order to fit the needs of our group.  Good response cannot happen without both parties, (those responding and those whose work is under discussion) playing their part well.  It is as important to be good at receiving response well as it is to give it.

When your work is under discussion:

 -Ask for the specific feedback you would like.

 -Make notes on your copy as people talk--even if you don't immediately agree with what they have to say.

 -tell us what stage of the writing process you are in, but without saying how bad, trivial or unworthy your work is.

 -don't explain why you wrote it; this should become evident.

 -remain silent and listen as people respond to your work.  Try to really hear what they are saying without defending your piece or trying to explain.
 

When responding to someone else's work:
 -Try to see the potential of each piece.  Try to build on what is working rather than pointing out what isn't-- this is much more useful for the writer, and more difficult to do.

 -express your response in terms of the piece's effect on you, the reader-- avoid sweeping judgments and generalizations.

 -articulate your response as clearly as you can.  it is not enough to simply feel something.  Good response depends on your making conscious and articulating your responses.

 -tell the writer what you remember most clearly.

 -tell the writer where you lost attention or were confused.

 -tell the writer what you liked, what moved you, what you can still see or feel-- be as specific as you can.

 -be respectful of the writer.  Do not criticize in a belittling way.

 -Keep the focus on the piece you are discussing.  Avoid telling stories of your own experience. this is not about you.

 -Refer to the "I" character as "the speaker" or "the narrator" rather than "you".  Even though this may be personal writing, the writer has, in effect, presented him or herself as a character in the piece and should be referred to in this way.  Also, we are here to discuss the writing and not the writer.

 -allow the writer to retain ownership.  Do not try to make major changes or rewrite the piece for the author.  Your job is not to impose your own view, but to help the writer convey his or her view more powerfully.
 
 

Additional suggestions:

 Each group should have a time-keeper who gives a one-minute warning and tells the group when the time to discuss a particular piece has elapsed.  This job should be rotated.  Each group should also contain a facilitator who reminds group members of established rules, "Refer to 'I' as 'the narrator'."  or "Keep the focus on the piece."  At the beginning of each meeting, divide the time up realistically.  If necessary, split into smaller groups so that everyone can get  response if they want or need it. Do not allow extra time.  It may seem necessary, but most often it is not.
 Go around the circle with each person speaking in turn. This is the best way to insure equal participation and to be sure to hear everyone's response. Do not repeat what has been said before, just express your agreement and pass. Allow everyone to speak before discussion ensues.
 The writer should be allowed to not respond, but listen.  In order to help this to happen, direct questions should not be addressed to the writer in this initial phase. He or she will learn more from listening to the rest of you discuss something you are not clear on than from clarifying it for you.  The writer may respond briefly when the formal response is over.
 Allow five minutes, or whatever seems necessary at the end of each session to evaluate it. Again, each person should speak in turn.  Decide on the facilitator for the next meeting so that that person can take notes about what worked well and what needs to be improved.