Chapter 18

Speaking in Small Groups

Small Group

A collection of 3 to 12 people who assemble for a specific purpose.

Problem-Solving Group

A small group formed to solve a particular problem.

Leadership

The ability to influence group members so as to help achieve the goals of the group.

Kinds of Group Leaders

Implied Leader

A group member to whom other members defer because of her or his rank, expertise, or other quality.

Emergent Leader

A group member who emerges as a leader during the group's deliberations.

Designated Leader

A person who is elected or appointed as leader when the group is formed.

Group Needs

Procedural Needs

Routine "housekeeping" actions necessary for the efficient conduct of business in a small group.

Task Needs

Substantive actions necessary to help a small group complete its assigned task.

Maintenance Needs

Communicative actions necessary to maintain interpersonal relations in a small group.

Responsibilities in a Small Group

Hidden Agenda

A set of unstated individual goals that may conflict with the goals of the group as a whole.

Reflective-Thinking Method

A five-step method for directing discussion in a problem-solving small group.

    Steps of the Reflective-Thinking Method

Question of Policy

A question about whether a specific course of action should or should not be taken.

Guidelines for Discussion Questions

Make the Question Clear and Specific

Phrase the Question to Allow for a Wide Range of Answers

Avoid Biased or Slanted Questions

Pose a Single Question

Consensus

A group decision that is acceptable to all members of the group.

Types of Group Presentations

Oral Report

A speech presenting the findings, conclusions, decisions, etc. of a small group.

Symposium

A public presentation in which several people present prepared speeches on different aspects of the same topic.

Panel Discussion

A structured conversation on a given topic among several people in front of an audience.