This document discusses cutting off and drawing out skills for group leaders. It describes cutting off as interrupting a member who is dominating discussion to involve others. Important aspects of cutting off include notifying members, timing it early, using a respectful voice and body language. Drawing out gets quiet members to participate more through direct questions, exercises in pairs or rounds, and creating a welcoming environment. Mastering cutting off and drawing out is essential for effective group leadership.

1. Chapter 8
Cutting Off and Drawing Out
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2. Copyright
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2012
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division
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Learning,
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CuttingOff
o One of the most important (if not the most
important skill when leading groups) is being able
to cut off members.
o Other terms used for cutting off are blocking or
intervening.
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3. Copyright
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2012
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a
division
of
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Learning,
Inc.
Important
Points
Regarding
CuttingOff
 Tell members you are going to be doing this
 Timing—do it early
 Use ofVoice—should not be critical
 Nonverbal Signals—eyes and hands
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4. Copyright
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2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Cutting
Off a
Member
Who Has
the Focus
of the
Group
 Cutting and Staying with the Person
 The Leader asks clarifying questions
 MembersAsk the person clarifying questions
 Ask the person do a focused activity
 Ask the members give the person feedback
 Ask one or more members to role play the person
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5. Copyright
©
2012
Brooks/Cole,
a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Cutting
Off a
Member
Who Has
the Focus
of the
Group
continued
Cut and StayWith theTopic
--take the topic back to the
entire group
--cut and move to another
person on the same topic
Cut and Leave the Person
andTopic
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©2016.
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Learning.
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rights
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6. Copyright
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2012
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a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Other
Situations
Calling for
Cutting
OffSkills
 When a member’s comments conflict with the
group’s purpose
 When a member is saying something hurtful
 When a member is saying something
inaccurate
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7. Copyright
©
2012
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a
division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Other
Situations
Calling for
Cutting
OffSkills
continued
 When the leader wants to shift the focus
 When it is near the end of the session
 When members are arguing
 When members are “rescuing” another
member from dealing with his pain
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8. Copyright
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2012
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division
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Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
DrawingOut
 Gets members more involved
 Helps members who are shy
 Getting members to go deeper is a form of
drawing out in support and therapy groups
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9. Copyright
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2012
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division
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Learning,
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Reasons for
Silent
Members
 Fear/Anxiety
 Thinking or processing
 Quiet by nature
 Not mentally present
 Not prepared
 Confused
 Lack of trust
 Intimidated by dominant member or leader
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10. Copyright
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2012
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Methods for
DrawingOut
 Directly
 Ask the member a question
 Ask if the member would like to talk
 Delicately
 Use of voice is key
 Leader’s attitude
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11. Copyright
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Learning,
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Techniques
for Drawing
Out
 Use of Dyads
 Use of Rounds
 Use ofWritten Exercises
 Use of Eyes
 Use of Movement Exercises
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12. Copyright
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2012
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division
of
Cengage
Learning,
Inc.
Concluding
Comments
o Cutting off and drawing out are absolutely two of
the most important skills in group leading.
o The leader’s voice and attitude are very important
with each of these skills.
©2016.
Cengage
Learning.
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rights
reserved.