A POCKET GUIDE TO PUBLIC SPEAKING 3rd Edition Section 35 Communicating in Groups

Group Communication Small groups consist of 3 to 6 people. Most work or school study groups, referred to as secondary or task-oriented, average 5 persons. Families are type of primary or socializing group. With advances in technology, you are also likely to be part of a virtual group.

Task Roles of Group Members Task roles help the group get things done. Some types of task roles are: Initiator – generates ideas and initiates group work Information giver – provides input and data to group Information seeker – asks for clarification and reminders Moderator – assists group in communicating Recorder – takes minutes of meeting discussions

Interpersonal Roles of Group Members Interpersonal roles help the group function as a team and build relationships between group members. Some types of interpersonal roles are: Harmonizer – acts as a peace-keeper Gatekeeper – keeps discussion on task and makes sure everyone has the opportunity to provide input Facilitator – monitors the group climate

Counterproductive Roles of Group Members Counterproductive roles harm the group’s cohesion. Group members tend to focus on individual needs versus group needs. Types of counterproductive roles are: Blocker – is negative about group ideas Distracter – gets the group off task Recognition seeker – calls attention to self instead of giving credit to group or other individual members Opinion giver – keeps other group members from sharing their ideas with the group

Group Cohesion Groups engage in productive conflict by challenging ideas in constructive ways, clarifying misunderstandings, and working together as a team. Groups who are cohesive do not take a “divide and conquer” approach to tasks, but provide assistance to each other. Effective group presentations reveal the cohesiveness of the group.

Groupthink Groupthink occurs when groups don’t take the time to explore other options. They tend to: Avoid conflict and pretend to agree Pressure members to conform to the majority Discourage detailed discussions on issues Go with the first idea that sounds good without exploring options Using the Dewey method can reduce groupthink

Process of Reflective Thinking (Dewey) STEP 1: Identify the problem. STEP 2: Conduct research and analysis. STEP 3: Establish guidelines and criteria for options. STEP 4: Brainstorm solutions. STEP 5: Select the best solution for the group. STEP 6: Evaluate solution to provide explanation for decision.

Leadership Leadership is the process of interpersonal influence. Good group leaders encourage group members to work on group tasks. Consists of four styles: Autocratic – leaders makes all decisions and tells group members what to do Consultative – leaders seek input from others before making decisions Participative – leaders make decisions with the group Delegative – leaders ask others to make decisions

Encouraging Participation Recognize member apprehension and directly ask members to contribute to the discussion. Redirect the group discussion when one person tries to dominate the meeting. Set a positive tone to make all members feel comfortable to participate. Encourage differences of opinions and exploration of multiple viewpoints before decisions are made.

Guidelines for Setting Group Goals Identify the task at hand. Set a performance goal. Find the resources needed to achieve the goal. Recognize problems that may occur. Obtain feedback from group members.

Create an Agenda for Group Meetings