Updated 31-July-23-RL
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Introducing a Topic:
At the July 2023 meeting agreed that we would each take it in turns to choose a topic from our Topic List, and introduce this to our group at a future agreed date.We stressed that "Being the introducer" should not result in a feeling of terror or fear at the prospect!
“This month, as you know, I have chosen as the main topic, China’s Geopolitical plans and concerns.
We all know something about this, and it Is such a huge subject that I don’t know where to begin, so I’m opening the discussion right away. Over to the Chair!”
i.e. you have chosen a topic and introduced it. That is all that is required! We all agreed that this is absolutely in order. No-one should feel any pressure to do more than this. The above paragraph would work as a model for any of the topics.
Anyone whose turn it is, has the freedom if they wish and have the confidence to introduce the topic by saying more. Perhaps
In this case, you might say:
“This month, as you know, I have chosen as the main topic, China’s Geopolitical plans and concerns. I sent out to you a few themes to research in advance, so I’d like us to start with hearing from anyone who has looked into any of these. I’m opening the discussion right away. Over to the Chair!”
or perhaps, if you are confident in leading a discussion.....
This month, as you know, I have chosen as the main topic, China’s Geopolitical plans and concerns. I have thought through this, and would like us to think first about China's needs that lead to their plans. I'd like us to spend 5 minutes thinking about China's most pressing needs first. My first thought is their dependance on marine imports of energy and food supplies. What other pressing needs do you think China has? .... (and keep going, opening up into discussion when you wish)
So in summary: Have no fear. “Choose a topic and introduce it” can be as simple or advanced as you want to make it, and Rik in the chair will support at whichever level you feel is right for you. Just prepare to be amazed with how much you will pick up as we learn from each other!
Return to main Geopolitics Page
Return to main Geopolitics Page
Introducing a Topic:
At the July 2023 meeting agreed that we would each take it in turns to choose a topic from our Topic List, and introduce this to our group at a future agreed date.We stressed that "Being the introducer" should not result in a feeling of terror or fear at the prospect!
- At least a month before, you will choose a topic from our list, and let Rik know what you have chosen.
- On the day you might wish to say as little as possible. For example:
“This month, as you know, I have chosen as the main topic, China’s Geopolitical plans and concerns.
We all know something about this, and it Is such a huge subject that I don’t know where to begin, so I’m opening the discussion right away. Over to the Chair!”
i.e. you have chosen a topic and introduced it. That is all that is required! We all agreed that this is absolutely in order. No-one should feel any pressure to do more than this. The above paragraph would work as a model for any of the topics.
Anyone whose turn it is, has the freedom if they wish and have the confidence to introduce the topic by saying more. Perhaps
- what you know or have recently found out, and found interesting
- Suggest a small number of main headings about the topic that may be useful to cover during the discussion.
- It would also be perfectly in order to send me a few ideas in advance that I send out to the group to guide anyone who would like to research a topic before we meet.
- It you want, Rik will produce for you a short briefing paper that will give you an idea of the sorts of things that may be researched or discussed. Use this paper to lead more than just the introduction, if you wish to. Rik will be producing a paper anyhow, so that he can proactively chair and suggest ideas in the unlikely event that we run out of steam!
In this case, you might say:
“This month, as you know, I have chosen as the main topic, China’s Geopolitical plans and concerns. I sent out to you a few themes to research in advance, so I’d like us to start with hearing from anyone who has looked into any of these. I’m opening the discussion right away. Over to the Chair!”
or perhaps, if you are confident in leading a discussion.....
This month, as you know, I have chosen as the main topic, China’s Geopolitical plans and concerns. I have thought through this, and would like us to think first about China's needs that lead to their plans. I'd like us to spend 5 minutes thinking about China's most pressing needs first. My first thought is their dependance on marine imports of energy and food supplies. What other pressing needs do you think China has? .... (and keep going, opening up into discussion when you wish)
So in summary: Have no fear. “Choose a topic and introduce it” can be as simple or advanced as you want to make it, and Rik in the chair will support at whichever level you feel is right for you. Just prepare to be amazed with how much you will pick up as we learn from each other!
Return to main Geopolitics Page
Think you might be interested in joining this group?
If interested, click on Contact Us: The email will go direct to the Webmaster. That’s me, Rik, the Webmaster. I'm happy to be the leader / co-leader, or in time give way to any other member who would like to lead.
If interested, click on Contact Us: The email will go direct to the Webmaster. That’s me, Rik, the Webmaster. I'm happy to be the leader / co-leader, or in time give way to any other member who would like to lead.
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