Recommended reading for learning how to lead a group?

You know how it is when you meet strangers and become the center of attention, have alot of influence on where the group goes, etc.
Stuff want to learn about
- how strangers meet and then you become the leader somehow (the observed?)
- how many people is too much to do introductions for/when to do introductions
- example discussion topics
- how to transition if new people come/leave
- how to transition if discussions change/how to snip threads
- involving everyone so that people don't drift away too much

There are as far as I know, no good books on it...

The best is to observe people in field who are good at it and try it out yourself.

Or watch movies with alphamales in it... I used to watch a lot of movies, like Top Gun, Star Wars and even Dr. Cox from Scrubs...

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I'm not trying to be a dick Ezo, but you're being a Pick Up Snob in my opinion.

bbardot: you just reminded me about porn

Yeah, I've also looked for clips though its mainly hit or miss (clooney pitt spikeSpiegel Cox) First clip I see of Cox is him being impatient and sticking a finger in his nose, and I know I'm not watching the right parts.

Anyway there must be bits and pieces of advice on these specific things scattered around the web. What are your thoughts?

- how many people is too much to do introductions for/when to do introductions
- how to transition if new people come/leave
- how to transition if discussions change/how to snip threads
- involving everyone so that people don't drift away too much

When people enter the group I just introduce them to the ones who are paying attention. And that is only if I remember their names, I start by introducing them to the ones I know the names of and then I let them say their own name which means that I will hear it too. Then I introduce them to people until I get bored or think that everyone have heard the name from like the others.

If someone enters or leaves I just say hello and introduce or hug them or shake their hand and say good bye and carry on the discussion. Maybe just say something that is between the two of you or make plans for the next time.

The discussion is supposed to end and I just drop the thread if it happens. This is called multiple threading, it is a good thing. The more things you talk about the more things you can come back to. And it feels like you have more to talk about.

I throw in examples from stuff that has happened to me and someone in the group if I fell them driffting away. Or just keep the discussion so interesting that nobody drifts away. Be sure to look everybody in the eye and include them that way.

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I'm not trying to be a dick Ezo, but you're being a Pick Up Snob in my opinion.

bbardot: you just reminded me about porn

Thanks. Of course I'll also look out for people leading conversations and watch how they do it.

Yes, that is important. As far as I know most people tend to know most of the others or at least appear to so build a strong connection to them...

_________________
I'm not trying to be a dick Ezo, but you're being a Pick Up Snob in my opinion.

bbardot: you just reminded me about porn