2. Effective Small Groups Mandy Buzzelli Speech 1700 March 26, 2011

3. What is a small group?  3-20 people working to accomplish a task (Floyd, 2011, p. 208)  “Everyone’s actions influence and are influenced by everyone else” (Floyd, p. 210).  Groups need task cohesion. They work to accomplish a common goal

4. Positive group climate  Social cohesion means that the group works well together. Respect each other’s viewpoints, even when one disagrees (Floyd, 2011, p. 211). Celebrate success. Diffuse stress. Value group members and their contributions (Floyd, 2011, p. 230). “The way a team plays as a whole determines its success. You may have the greatest bunch of individual stars in the world, but if they don't play together, the club won't be worth a dime.” -Babe Ruth

5. Effective listening  Listen effectively Research shows that people identify active listening as a key to a successful group (Hawkins & Fillion, 1996, p. 14).  Reduce noise, anything that distracts you from listening (Floyd, 2011, p. 137).  Listen to the views of others’ Don’t formulate your reply while they are still speaking  Do not interrupt

6. Advantages of small groups  Combined pool of tangible and intangible resources From money to skills, and equipment to time (Floyd, 2011, p. 223).  Synergy: producing a better result together than they could individually  Exposure to multiple perspectives allows for a better informed conclusion (Floyd, 2011, p. 224).  Fulfills the human need to belong.

7. Individual responsibilities Members of the group have formal and informal roles (Floyd, 2011, p. 213) Formal rolesInformal roles Formally assignedNot formally assigned For example, an elected presidentFor example, mediator or humorist Focus on accomplishing goalFocus on how well the group works together Important to group success

8. Informal Roles  A list of different informal roles Encourages all members join the discussion Praises the contribution of others Encourages conflicting members to reconcile Provides humor and tension relief Suggests breaks when energy begins to fade Initiates the discussion Summarizer (Vrchota, 2005).

9. Contributing to the group  Dr. Reineke gives her students the following tips: Incorporate prior knowledge into group discussion. Ask questions in an open-minded way. Build on the ideas of others. Volunteer ideas in a constructive manner. Identify missing information in the group answer (2011).

10. Norms and Rules  All small groups have norms and rules. Rules are stated behavioral expectations Norms are unwritten expectations (Hurner, 2004)

11. Prevent social loafing  Social loafing: when someone does not do their share of the work (Floyd, 2011, p. 225). The group goal needs to be specific and clear. Each individual knows what he/she needs to do. The group knows who is and who is not working. Group members know others are counting on them.

12. Conclusion  In effective small groups There are clear goals People listen actively Members have both formal and informal roles Everyone knows their responsibilities Everyone knows the rules and norms There is cohesion and synergy

13. Reference List Floyd, K. (2011). Communication Matters. New York: McGraw-Hill Companies. Hawkins, K., & Fillion, B. (1996). Perceived Communication Skill Needs for Small Work Groups [PDF format]. Retrieved from http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/ED399592.pdf Hurner, S. (2004). “Communication Experience” Available online: http://www.csus.edu/indiv/h/hurners/HTML%20Supports/COMS%205%20Spring%2 02004%20Syllabus%20for%20web.htm Reineke, M. (2011). “In class discussion” Available online: http://www.uni.edu/reineke Ruth, B. Available online: http://www.baseball-almanac.com/quotes/quoruth.shtml Vrchota, D. (2005). “Communication Skills: The Ways Informal Roles Influence Groups and Teams” Available online: http://www.ag.iastate.edu/centers/ftcsc/media/ways.pdf