The Basics of Speech

Chapter 8: Forms of Group Discussion

Overview

Group members discuss, share ideas, and reach conclusions by communicating in discussion formats such as committees, panel discussions, and symposiums. A committee is formed to study or manage a specific task. During a panel discussion, group members explore a subject in front of an audience. A symposium is a discussion during which members give short speeches to an audience. If the audience participates in a panel discussion or symposium, the discussion is called a forum. When speakers in a forum have used only a portion of their allotted time, audience members are sometimes asked to get into small groups called buzz groups. Each buzz group is expected to discuss the ideas presented by the speakers and decide on some solution to the problem. Large groups often use a set of rules called parliamentary procedure to govern their meetings. Parliamentary procedure, based on Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, helps keep order in large group meetings. This procedure has a specific set of principles and a definite process. When parliamentary procedure is used, each officer of the group performs certain duties.