Which strategy is effective for avoiding excessive participation in discussions?

The strategy of formulating direct questions is effective for avoiding excessive participation in discussions because it focuses the conversation and encourages concise, relevant responses from participants. By crafting targeted questions, a supervisor can guide the dialogue toward specific topics or points, which minimizes the potential for off-topic discussions and monopolization of conversation by any one individual. This approach also facilitates efficient communication, as participants are more likely to respond directly to the question posed, keeping the discussion relevant and manageable.

In contrast, using long explanations might contribute to excessive participation as it could encourage more elaboration and tangential discussions. Encouraging debate could lead to extended discourse among participants, with individuals potentially becoming overly engaged in their arguments. Establishing strict time limits can help manage discussion length, but may not inherently focus the discussion as effectively as direct questioning. Therefore, formulating direct questions is a strategic approach to maintaining a balanced and purposeful dialogue while ensuring that all voices can be heard without any one person dominating the conversation.