ROLE PLAY 2 | ENGAGING INTROVERTED PARTICIPANTS

Characters:

1. Albert (Age: 70) – A quiet, introverted man who has always been reserved in social situations. He often feels uncomfortable sharing his thoughts and emotions, especially in group settings. Albert values deep, one-on-one connections, but struggles with opening up in a larger group or during structured activities. He prefers to listen rather than actively participate.
2. Margaret (Age: 65) – A friendly and outgoing woman who enjoys socializing and encourages others to open up. Margaret is always trying to engage with everyone in the group, often acting as the icebreaker and motivator. She is supportive but sometimes unaware that not everyone feels comfortable with such an extroverted approach.
3. Daniel (Age: 50) – A therapist who facilitates the group session. Daniel is experienced in managing group dynamics and recognizes that not everyone is equally comfortable with sharing. He wants to help Eleanor feel included without pushing her too hard, and he tries to create a supportive environment where everyone can participate at their own pace.
4. Nina (Age: 55) – A compassionate and understanding participant who has experienced similar feelings of shyness in the past. She is more attuned to Eleanor’s discomfort and tries to gently encourage her to speak up without making her feel pressured. Nina believes in the importance of patience and creating a safe space for everyone to express themselves.

Scenario:

In the middle of a session focused on improving interpersonal relationships, the group discusses how they connect with others and share personal experiences. While the other participants engage in the conversation, Albert remains mostly silent, only offering brief comments or nods when prompted. He feels out of place in the larger group setting and struggles to contribute. Margaret, noticing Albert’s silence, encourages him to speak more, thinking that perhaps Albert just needs a little nudge. However, Albert becomes more reserved as he feels the spotlight on him, further retreating into his shell. What should the facilitator do to handle this situation?

Questions for guided discussion ROLE PLAY 2 | ENGAGING INTROVERTED PARTICIPANTS:

• What strategies did Daniel use to create a comfortable space for Helen to speak? Were they effective?
• How can facilitators balance the need to encourage quiet participants without pushing them too hard? What are the potential risks of pressuring someone to speak in a group setting?
• What could be done differently in future sessions to encourage participation from someone who is particularly shy or reserved?