1. Communicating in Groups and Question and Answer Sessions
Lecture 9

2. Working in groups Group members share a mission and responsibility
Companies that work in teams greatly raise the level of their work
5 people together are more likely to produce a better answer than 1 person

3. Different kinds of teams
Temporary specific problem focused
Long-term “committees” deal with more permanent problems
Virtual teams may involve workers from many countries putting their minds together

4. Challenges to working in teams
Groupthink- just doing what the group wants
-the first person who speaks is not the most right-express ideas freely
Free riders- people that don’t do the work
-common with different ability levels and interest levels
Scheduling- planning a time that works for everyone

5. Different Roles People Play in Teams
Bad
Controlling
Uncooperative
Attention Seeking
Focus Breaking
Good
Encouraging
Information Collecting
Conflict Relieving
Compromising
Idea Connecting

6. Different Roles People Play in Teams
Often not permanent
It is the job of the team to keep members in good roles

7. The ideal team Many different abilities and viewpoints
A great willingness to cooperate
-“team spirit”
Deals with conflict openly, constructively, and politely
Remains focused
Reaches decisions by consensus

8. Conflict Sources -competing for roles -disagreements about work
-misunderstanding
Uses
-comparing ideas against each other
Possible Harmful effects
-destroying “group spirit” and much more…

9. Dealing with Conflict Work for a “win-win” consensus
Avoid choosing sides
Be reasonable and respectful
Be understanding, empathize (表同情)
Fix any bad feelings

10. Team members should… Share opinions freely Divide the jobs:
A Few Possible Jobs
-leader-if needed to promote organization
-researcher
-note-taker
-lead presenter

11. Team members should… Be friendly good listeners
Take into account emotional needs of other members as well as facts and ideas
Place blame on situations not people
Be adaptable- if someone talks too fast talk a little faster yourself

12. Question and Answer Session

13. Question and Answers At the end of a speech or presentation
Or during, if that is the company culture or the presenter offers to take them
Should be seen as a chance to make argument clearer and stronger

14. Be ready for questions Think of what questions may be asked
Bring extra information or items to help answer questions
Consider other ideas than your own on a topic before Q and A

15. If you don’t know… Be honest- no one knows everything
Offer to get the answer later
Suggest another source for the answer
Ask experts in the room to handle questions that suit them

16. Kinds of Questions Difficult to Understand Questions
-ask asker to simplify and say the question back to be sure
“Questions” that make a point of their own
-do not get into an argument but consider expressing your opinions politely and continuing
Hostile Questions
-stay unemotional but do not completely ignore feelings

17. When trying to persuade…
Be especially thorough when planning for questions
Use answers as a way to strengthen your argument and overcome resistance
Be careful nodding your head or saying “right” when listening
- this looks like you agree

18. Remember that a presentation is about the whole audience
Don’t focus too much on single people
Be sure that everyone is learning and can ask questions
Some questions may just help a few people – limit time on them

19. When answering questions…
Repeat question to show that you understand it before answering
Usually relate answers to the main point of the presentation
Use supporting information that you could not put in your presentation
Give simple, direct answers if possible
Remember, a polite business-like way is as important as always