Near the end of any paired or small group activity, say, “Take
another minute or two to wrap up your conversation.” Then,
when time is up say, “Say goodbye to your partner and come
back to the group.” Wait 20 or 30 seconds and say, “Say
thanks to your partner.” You may have to repeat that again if
people are really involved (which, of course, is what you
want!). Don’t expect people to end their conversations the
moment you speak. Be pleased if it takes them a minute or
so to switch gears – that means they were really involved in
their conversations. You might say the phrases given above
several different times over the course of a minute or so.
Slowly but surely, people will redirect their attention away
from their partners and back to you.
• Be aware that sometimes not all of you