1. GROUP DISCUSSION ADVANTAGES 1. Creates New Ideas.
2. Gives new ways to look at a Problem – Perspective.
3. It’s career Preparation.
4. It calls for Research to support Opinions = Credibility

2. CHARACTERISTICS CONVERSATION GROUP DISCUSSION
1. You & 2 to 3 other people. 2. Functioning rules – Basic Etiquette 3. Goal – Share information most of the time 4. Generally, lacks an audience. 5. Benefits – reinforces friendships; increases knowledge; provides support; etc.
1. Uses 5 to 8 people (odd #’s are the best) 2. Uses Parliamentary Procedure to function 3. Goal – Develop a solution to a problem 4. Audience may attend – Use of Open Forum. 5. Benefits – a. Adds new perspective on ideas. b. Introduces diversity to a group

3. PEOPLE are more willing to support a SOLUTION if they had a PART in it’s creation.

4. What is Group discussion?
It’s a cooperative exchange of information, opinions, and ideas. 1. Members should be open-minded. 2. Not a debate 3. Dynamic – all members should be heard 4. Requires patience 5. Democratic system is used – share responsibility to listen, think, & reason 6. Not Perfect

5. Discussion Formats
Lecture – Discussion: speaker provides information, followed by a Q & A by audience.
2. Panel: Informal & before an audience. Three or 4 members speaking to each other after a speech on public issues of concern to an audience.
a. Open forum: Q & A of members
b. Round Table: Small group participation about a topic of common concern (business & govt.)
3. Symposium: Formal, with a leader introducing speakers of opposing viewpoints; followed by Q & A.
4. Town Hall Meeting: Small community comes together to solve a problem (early American colonies).

6. SUCCESS FACTORS Sitting arrangement a. Circle b. Face each other
Size: 5 to 8 the best
3. COHESION: All members are pulling together in the same direction.

7. Types Based on Topics Factual – discussing currents issues and facts.
Example: The pros and cons of a college student having a credit card.
2. Controversial and Argumentative
Example: The pros and cons of a female president.
3. Abstract – not easily defined or formulated.
Example: Political Correctness
4. Case Studies – a problem that needs a solution
Example: How to make money with recycling?

8. Hey, Is this a Group Discussion?