Group Discussion

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Group Discussion

• 1. Discussiion Formats
• 2. Characteristics of an effective group
• 3. What a group leader needs to know
• 4. Positive Contribution to a group discussion
• 5. Negative Contribution to a group discussion

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Discussion Format - Panel

• Relatively Informal
• 3 4 in number
• In front of an audience
• Agreeing on topic

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Round Table

• Usually used in a business.
• 3 8 members
• No Audience

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Discussion Format Symposium

• Formal Presentation
• Presents opposite sides
• Faces the Audience

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Discussion Format Town Hall
Meeting

• Use to be how Government was run
• Every one participated and voted
• Replaced by representative Government
• Some issues voted on by legal voters using
  technology

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Characteristics of an Effective Group

• A. The atmosphere tends to be informal,
• comfortable and relaxed.
• B. During the discussion everyone
• participates and discussion remains
• pertinent to the topic
• C. The objective is well understood
• D. When action is taken each member
• accepts a responsibility

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Characteristics continued.

• E. Group Size 5 7 members
• F. Seating arrangement
• G. Cohesion (Social Glue)

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What a group leader should know

• Membership Demographics
• How to run a meeting
• Formal (Roberts Rules of Order)
• Informal (Types)
• Get the meeting started
• Keep the discussion going
• Set an example
• Close the discussion
• Know the issue

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Positive Contributions to a Group Discussion

• Responsibilities (Page 156)
• Actively Listen
• Prepare for discussion
• Physically
• Mentally
• Constructive Conflict
• Disagreement is necessary in order to really have
  a discussion. IF we all think alike then there
  is really no discussion.
• Constructive Conflict occurs when members use
  their differences to discover the best ideas

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Negative Contributions to a Group Discussion
(Disruptive Conflict)

• Disruptive Conflict can destroy a group by
  polarizing them into competing sides that refuse
  to compromise.

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Type 1 - Nitpickers

• Want everything spelled out for them
• Will quibble over every detail
• Solve
• Let the person talk but insist they keep the
  comments brief.

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Type 2 - Eager Beaver

• Want to offer a solution whether or not they have
  given it any thought.
• Usually try to distract the groups attention
  from ideas that have been more carefully
  condisered
• Solve
• If the group can help funnel the eager beavers
  enthusiasm then the person usually becomes a
  valuable member.

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Type 3 - Fence Sitter

• Wont take a position until the key people say
  what they think.\
• Solve
• Ask for opinions early on

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Type 4 - Wisecrackers

• Group Clowns
• Want attention
• More often in groups that members are bored and
  looking for a diversion
• Solve
• Pick up the pace of the discussion to decrease
  the boredom.

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Type 5 - Superior Beings

• This person looks down at the other members
  usually because they do not want to be there in
  the first place.
• Solve
• Show to this person that you value their opinion.
  Make them feel good.

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Type 6 - Dominators

• Wont be quiet
• Solve
• Make them the recorder (secretary).
• Usually once this person realizes that others are
  not being heard they tend to be quiet.
• Can be valuable with contribution when channeled
  correctly.