Chap. 9

Participating in Group DiscussionsSpring, 2010

Advanced Oral CommunicationChen Yi-chen

A Success Group Discussion

• What is the purpose of having group discussions?– Two head are better than one.– Not to mention “many heads”!!

• What is the goal of group discussions? – Solve problems.– Brainstorm, exchange, and evaluate ideas and info.

• Why do group discussions sometimes become “not productive”? – Active and dynamic aura.– Participants wander aimlessly from point to point without

a plan

Path to Successful Problem Solving for Group Discussion

• Step 1: Identify a problem to solve• Step 2: Prove the problem exists• Step 3: Explain the cause of the problem• Step 4: Predict possible future effects of the problem. • Step 5: Present possible solutions to the problem.• Step 6: Select the best solutions.

Path to Being an Effective Group Leader

• Step 1: introduce the participants• Step 2: state the problem to be discussed• Step 3: make sure that the organizational plan is

followed• Step 4: encourage all group members to participate• Step 5: provide transitions btw each step• Step 6:bring the discussion to a close.• Step 7: Thank the participants

Path to Being a Responsible Group Member

• Step 1: be prepared with evidence• Step 2: make a sufficient number of contributions• Step 3: don’t monopolize the discussion• Step 4: be open-minded• Step 5: pay attention to other participants’

contributions• Step 6: refer to all participants by name

Activity

• Form a group of 6-7 people. • Choose a leader, a presenter, and an evaluator. • Choose one or two cultural values/assumptions that

interests all group members.• Brainstorm what problems you can foresee

Taiwanese encounter when being with American, or problems that American may face in their future. Explain the reasons. Find out solutions.

• Present the results to the class.• Give evaluation & comments.