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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Create an Agenda for Group Meetings