Leisure Reading 101

Lesson 6: Being The Backbone Of The Book Club

Master the pizazz in being a book club moderator

You are technically the star, believe it or not. You are the center core of the book club. You make the decisions on which way the club will go. You decide on the image and literary focus the club will present. Yes indeed, you are the star of the book club.

Now, how about putting some pizazz in your role of a book club moderator? This position, although it can be given to a particular member or change up each meeting, is mostly done by the leader or organizer of the book club. In order to have pizazz, you must learn to enjoy the experience of sharing with others. This applies to disagreeing or agreeing with the member about the author’s message.

Let's first start with attitude, then move on to the necessities of making the club exciting.

ATTITUDE

Everyone loves to be around a person who is approachable and funny. Learn to say things to club members that encourage them to ponder the author’s message. Acknowledge their viewpoints and ask pertinent questions to further both of your understanding of the author’s message.

Smile. Everybody loves a person that smiles. Smile even when you do not think you need to.

Always make eye contact with and support the club member that you are listening to by nodding your head in agreement. Or make a supporting statement that relates to the points being raised by the book club member.

Shake hands or make small talk with the club members before the meeting starts. Comment on their attire by stating what a lovely outfit they are wearing. These small gestures will loosen up the club member. Your relationship will be more than getting together to discuss a book. You are developing friends through an enriching life exercise.

Learn to recap effectively. Listen to the book club member's statements, then recap what he/she has said. This is vital when you really disagree. Instead of stating your points, honor the book club member's points first by recapping what he/she said and then proceed to explain why you disagree.

NECESSITIES THAT MAKE YOU STAND OUT

Food and drink. Need I say more? Everybody loves food, and a nice glass of wine is even better. Ok, sometimes beer. But the good stuff. Each meeting make sure you have good food and lots to drink. This will loosen up your members and potential members that dropped in to see what the club is like.

Select food that symbolizes the style you view your club. For example, if your club is into authors that only write about Mexican experiences then have Mexican food. The key is to enjoy the experience by indulging in the culture of the selected types of literature.

Make the meeting place cozy. Before or during play some jazz or anything that is soothing to the ear but not disturbing so you can hear others talk. A water fountain in the background is always the perfect choice of soothing sounds when in a literary circle.

Give away bookstore gift certificates by having a quiz about the author. It can be a $5.00 or 10.00 gift certificate. This will provide much joy and anticipation. Everyone loves competing for a prize.

Pick a particular meeting when the whole club has to dress up as a character from the book. This is so much fun. At the meeting, each person will have to recite a scene from the book. Judges could decide on the best costume and acting to win a particular prize.

Let's now proceed to the next exercise:

“Maintaining constructive and positive discussions.”

  1  2  3  4  5