Speech

Chapter 7: Group Discussion

Overview

Group discussion is the cooperative exchange of information, opinions, and ideas. The ability to participate positively in group discussions is invaluable in a society that is increasingly interdependent. There are various discussion formats, including panels, symposiums, and town hall meetings. Regardless of the format, certain factors improve the chances that a discussion will be successful. These include group size, seating arrangements, and cohesion.

When the purpose of a group discussion is to solve a problem, it is best to follow a logical sequence, thereby completing the problem-solving process efficiently. The philosopher and educator John Dewey suggested six steps for effective problem solving, known as the Dewey system. While disagreements are inevitable, they can enhance the problem-solving process if they are handled sensitively. This happens when group members use their differences to discover the best ideas, not to defeat one another. Positive contributions occur when members listen attentively and speak at the appropriate times. It is often helpful to have a leader, or moderator, to begin the discussion, keep the discussion going, and close the discussion. While the goal is for the group to reach consensus, it is important to avoid groupthink, thereby defeating the purpose of group discussion.