How to Be Good at Group Discussion

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Group discussions are a great way to get things done. You can explore a topic, come up with a plan of action, or solve an issue, just to name a few. [1] Not sure how to get your own group discussion started? Don’t worry. We’re here to help you along every step of the way, like making good contributions, creating a positive atmosphere, and leading the group effectively.

1

Arrive prepared.

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  1. Read any materials that have been distributed. Do any reading that was assigned. If you just have a general idea of the topic, spend some time researching the topic.
    • In fact, it's a good idea to bring some notes with you, so you have something to refer back to in the discussion, particularly if you have evidence you want to discuss.
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2

Get clarification about things you don't understand.

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  1. Sometimes, people may not express themselves as well as they want, or you simply may not hear all of what they say. It's fine to ask for clarification, particularly if you want to provide a counterpoint.
3

Learn from others' experiences.

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  1. One of the benefits of group discussion is it gives you a chance to interact with people you might not normally have a conversation with. That means you have a chance to learn something new and expand your horizons. [2]
    • When someone presents an idea that takes you aback, think a moment before responding. Try to put yourself in the other person's shoes to see where they're coming from.
    • If you don't understand something, ask a follow-up question. The other person will likely appreciate that you are interested in what they have to say.
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4

Speak up when you have an opinion.

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  1. When you have an opinion or a fact that's relevant to what's being said, jump in and voice what you have to say. [3]
    • If you're a little shy, try getting the leader's attention so you have a chance to speak.
    • You can also ask questions to encourage discussion.
5

Back up what you have to say.

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  1. With this in mind, make sure you have evidence or research to back up what you say. Of course, that evidence could be your experience, but you do need to be able to explain why you are presenting a certain side.
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6

Stay on task.

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  1. In fact, it can be a lot of fun. However, try to stay focused on the discussion at hand, so you and others will get the full benefit of the discussion.
7

Listen to what others have to say.

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  1. It's also about listening to other members in the group. While what you have to say is important, it's also important to let others have their say, as well. [4]
    • To listen well, don't just be thinking about what you want to say next. Actually hear what the other members are saying.
    • Try jotting down short notes on what others are saying, so you have them to refer back to.
    • If you have a good idea, hold onto it until the moment is right to share. Don't cut people off while they're sharing their ideas. It can help to jot down a few words to help remind yourself to share your idea once it's your turn to speak.
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8

Disagree on ideas instead of making personal attacks.

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  1. When a discussion starts getting heated, it can be tempting to start attacking the person. However, you need to stick to discussing ideas to keep the conversation civil. [5]
    • For instance, you might be tempted to say, "Well, you're stupid for thinking that." However, that will only cause the conversation to spiral downward.
    • Try, "Can you explain to me why you think that? I disagree, but I'd like to hear more about your side." This sentence will help dialogue continue to flow, and they may make a point that will win you over.
9

Pay attention to your language.

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  1. When making a point, include everyone with your language. Don't use sexist or racist language when speaking up, as it may make others feel excluded.
    • For instance, try using "Chairperson" instead of "Chairman."
    • Say "Can I get everyone's attention?" instead of "Ladies and gentlemen, can I get your attention?"
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10

Ask questions to initiate discussion.

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  1. These are ones that require more than a "yes" or "no" answer . [6]
    • You can ask exploring questions to get a dialogue going, such as "What do you think was meant by 'objectivity versus subjectivity'?"
    • Challenge questions can get a debate going, such as "What assumptions is the author making? Do you think they're valid assumptions?"
    • You can also ask questions about relationships, such as "What are the similarities between these two ideas? What are the differences?" Diagnostic questions can be helpful as well, such as "What do you think the author's motive was for this scene?"
11

Encourage each member to speak.

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  1. Some members will be shyer than others, which means you need to create a space for them to speak. For instance, you could go around the group and have each person say what they think, so everyone has a chance to speak. [7]
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12

Maintain an awareness of individual emotions.

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  1. Instead, pay attention to how each member is reacting to what's being said. That includes paying attention to their nonverbal reactions. They may be saying a great deal with their body language. [8]
    • Take steps to address issues as you notice them.
    • For instance, if one person gets consistently cut off by another member, you may notice they cross their arms and glare at the other person. Try to mediate the problem by asking what that person thinks, as well as encouraging members to let others finish their thoughts before speaking up.
13

Steer the group away from personal attacks.

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  1. As the leader, try to make sure everyone stays on point. They should be discussing ideas, not diving into attacks on other people, whether they're attacking people in the group or not. [9]
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14

Keep track of what's being said.

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  1. It's best if you can take notes somewhere where everyone can see, such as on a projection screen or whiteboard. This can also serve as a record of what happened in the group.
    • If you prefer, you can ask a volunteer to do the note-taking.
15

Get out of the way of a functioning group.

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  1. If the group is functioning on its own, try not to interrupt the flow. If the discussion is on task and clipping along at a good speed, try not to stop the flow by interrupting the conversation.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What are the skills required for group discussion?
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Expert Answer
    Clear speech and communication. Good pacing—watch to see if the others are following you and staying with you. Elicit others' feedback to your ideas (you can ask "What do you think?").
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  • Question
    How can I prepare for group discussion?
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Expert Answer
    You can come prepared for the topic. Bring some ideas and do a little research. During the discussion, keep notes on topics that are discussed. Be willing to state your ideas in a tactful way.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5
  • Question
    How can I be successful in a group discussion?
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Expert Answer
    You can be successful by being a good listener. Clarify when/as needed. You can build on what others say; you can also ask a question when you want to learn more about someone's idea. Above all, be tactful, and don't criticize or put down any ideas.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/group-facilitation/group-discussions/main
      2. ↑ http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/group-facilitation/group-discussions/main
      3. ↑ http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/group-facilitation/group-discussions/main
      4. ↑ https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/teaching-resources/teaching-tips/tips-students/being-part-team/teamwork-skills-being-effective-group-member
      5. ↑ http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/group-facilitation/group-discussions/main
      6. ↑ https://www.cmu.edu/teaching/designteach/design/instructionalstrategies/discussions.html
      7. ↑ http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/group-facilitation/group-discussions/main
      8. ↑ https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/teaching-resources/teaching-tips/tips-students/being-part-team/teamwork-skills-being-effective-group-member
      9. ↑ http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/group-facilitation/group-discussions/main

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you want to be good at group discussions, prepare in advance by doing any assigned or recommended reading and researching the topic that will be discussed. As you read, take notes so you will have things to bring up. During the meeting, listen to what others have to say and ask for clarification, if you need it. Speak up when you have an opinion. To lead a group discussion, ask the group open-ended questions and try to ensure that everyone has a chance to speak. For strategies from our Social Worker reviewer on contributing to a positive atmosphere, keep reading.

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