When you will be working in a group, there will likely be times in your life.You may be responsible for leading a discussion in a work setting or you may have to do so as part of a school assignment.An effective group discussion will involve all participants, so make sure to draw out everyone's opinion by encouraging quiet sharing.Capture what is communicated on paper as you go to value each member's opinion and contributions.As new topics come up, be sure to direct the discussion to a conclusion.A great group discussion can be had with a little knowhow and foresight.
Step 1: Everyone should be allowed to introduce themselves.
To start a discussion, you want everyone to be comfortable.It's a good idea to let everyone introduce themselves.You can go into the discussion with everyone knowing each other a little bit.Everyone in the room can say their name.Each person should explain why they're participating in the discussion.An icebreaker activity may work well in a classroom.You could have everyone share their favorite ice cream flavor.
Step 2: There are some ground rules.
Everyone should know the rules of conduct before starting the discussion.You want the discussion to be respectful.Everyone should treat one another with respect.There should be no name-calling, personal attacks or profanity.You can argue with someone's opinion, but not on a personal level.Make sure people know not to interrupt.The discussion is about sharing equally.To make their points succinctly, remind everyone to be aware of time.To avoid becoming defensive if someone disagrees, encourage people to consider their comments seriously.
Step 3: Tell the topic.
A central topic is usually the focus of a group discussion.Before the discussion begins, give the participants a quick primer on the topic.Asking questions can introduce the topic.Say something like, "Why are we here?"If you're making plans for an uncertain event, this can be helpful.It is possible to quickly introduce the idea."As you know, today in class we're going to discuss gun control."
Step 4: Ask questions that are open-ended.
You don't want to ask questions with a simple "yes" or "no" answer.People will start the discussion if the opening questions don't have a right or wrong answer.People should be encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas.Questions can be hard to understand.Many participants may not know the answers right away.What is it about our culture that leads to gun violence?How can we reduce the problem?There are many possible answers to these questions.
Step 5: Push towards new ideas when necessary.
New ideas can help move the discussion forward.You can try to pick apart the idea if one party hits on an important point.If you linger on one topic, you should see what new ideas are being generated.You can encourage the group to discuss the new idea when you hear it.During the gun control debate, one student brought up the second amendment.The history and implications of that amendment have yet to be discussed.It's possible to say, "Hey, I think Bryce made a great point."What about the second amendment?What do you think about the relationship with guns in the United States?
Step 6: Ask participants questions.
People may give answers to questions.Encourage people to open up more if this is a problem.Ask a follow up question after someone shares.Questions should be vague.You can say something like, "Actually?"What makes you think that?How do you feel about that fact?Look at your tone.You want to be friendly and inquisitive.What makes you think that?It sounds like you disagree.You come off as curious to find new information when delivered in a light tone.
Step 7: Encourage everyone to participate.
If everyone shares, group discussions work well.Creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing is something that some participants may be hesitant to do.If you break up into small groups for a while, you can encourage more participation.The group can discuss the issue with the person next to them.You can ask everyone to share the discussions they had.Everyone's opinion matters.People can write their comments on a white board.Students should be encouraged to build on other people's comments.If a participant made a good point awhile ago, but has been silent for a while, return to his or her point to move the discussion forward.
Step 8: The discussion should be moved forward as needed.
You will usually have an agenda for the group discussion.You want participants to reach a conclusion.Work to move it towards a conclusion as the discussion continues.Ask questions throughout the discussion.Asking questions of the group that complicate the issue is another way to ask participants a question.How much does the second amendment matter to us?People interpret it in different ways.Does the cultural interpretation matter more than the meaning?Push participants for clarification.New ideas can be introduced by getting more insight out of an opinion.Can you tell me more about how you feel about banning automatic weapons?
Step 9: Continue the discussion.
When the discussion is over, you should review it.What has everyone learned?Did you reach any conclusions?Everyone needs to understand the key points.Half of you think we have the right to own guns for protection, while the other half think there should be more restrictions.The group should review the discussion from here.The group will reflect on what they learned when they ask open ended questions.Have your opinions on gun control changed?Do you think you'll discuss the issue in the future?
Step 10: Don't allow a group of people to dominate.
You get a mixed group.Some people are shy and others are not.You want to make sure everyone gets a chance to share, because the more outgoing members can sometimes dominate a discussion.If one group has been talking about the same thing for a long time, cut it off in a respectful way."I think those issues are important, but I want to make sure we give time to other factors surrounding this debate."Bring the discussion back to the people who are shy."Lucy made up an interesting point earlier."Maybe we could revisit that.
Step 11: Deal with a person who talks too much.
It can be a single person who is very assertive and dominates the conversation.It's important that you don't let a single person dominate even if this person is making good points.Try to get the person to act as an observer.John, you seem to have strong opinions.You should just observe for a few minutes.Take notes during the discussion.We can see how the discussion shaped your opinions when you share these later.The dominant person's input can be used to steer the conversation in a new direction.John has brought up conceal and carry laws several times.Let's discuss why people feel strongly about these laws.
Step 12: Over conflict, smooth it over.
People may get angry if you deal with a sensitive subject.If a conversation becomes tense, find ways to break it up.Ask people to use authority to back up their opinions.This will make the discussion more objective and less personal.People should be aware of differences in values.I feel like the two of you have different values.Can we talk about that?Both sides of the argument can be listed on the board.Encourage participants to debate the point in a respectful manner.Say something like, "I think we should talk about this, as we all feel strongly, but let's take turns examining each others' points respectfully."
Step 13: Help shy people share their opinions.
The most shy participants are the smartest.It's important that those who feel uncomfortable sharing do so.Everyone's thoughts are important.The shy participant can be asked directly."Why don't you tell us how you feel?"You can have everyone write down their answers and then share them.If a participant has their idea written down, they may be more comfortable sharing it.