Speaking in Small Groups

Objectives:

Course Objective: Demonstrate effective communication

Lesson Objectives:1.Explain the characteristics of decision

making2.Describe ethics of group decision making3.Describe roles4.Explain group tension5.Name the common formats

What are your experiences in working in small groups?

Decision Making Group

Definition: a collection of there or more individual who share some problem and common goal.

Critical Elements:•Size of group (3-10)•Mutual influence (affect & influence each

other)•Goal orientation (common need)

Groups are everywhere.

Name groups that you have been involved with.

Need for Small Groups

1. Groups provide more resources than individuals

2. Groups can control errors better than individuals

3. Quality is superior to individuals

Ethics of Decision Making Groups1. Do your best2. Behave rationally3. Play fair4. Listen carefully5. Participate fully

Leadership

•Helps indentify & understand problem•Keeps team on tasks•Guide members•Communicate & provide ideas

Participation

Individually – on pages 210-211, •Name three of the roles that you have

done in a group. •Describe how you performed the role

Teams of three:•Discuss your results (similar or different)•How the different roles aid in decision

making

Roles (group task)•Initiator-controller•Information seeker•Information giver•Opinion seeker•Opinion giver•Elaborator-clarifier

•Coordinator•Diagnostician•Orienter-

summarizer•Energizer•Procedure

developer•Secretary•Evaluator-critic

Roles (social leadership)

•Supporter-encourager•Harmonizer•Tension reliever•Compromiser•Gatekeeper•Feeling expresser•Standard setter•Follower

Counterproductive Roles

•Blocker•Aggressor•Deserter•Dominator•Recognition seeker•Confessor•Playboy•Special interest pleader

How do you know when the group is breaking down & members are

not satisfied?

Problems with member satisfactionThree factors to consider:•Perceived progress toward group goal•Perceived freedom to participate•Status consensus

What to do with conflict…

1. Stay in the present (search for solutions – NO blaming)

2. Separate the problem from the person3. Talk about yourself, not another person4. Look for solution in small steps5. Work for an agreement

Groupthink

How to avoid:•Assign a critical evaluator•Leaders wait to give preferences•Establish trust (to disagree)•Invite outsiders•Assign a devil’s advocate•Set aside time to evaluate if groupthink is

happening

Questions to ask for decision making1. Does everyone agree with the nature of

the problem?2. What would be the ideal solution?3. Which conditions could be changed to

achieve the ideal solution?4. Of the available solutions, which one is

the closest to the ideal solution?

Presenting a Group’s Findings

•State purpose early •Preview main points•Present analysis of the problem & criteria

for solution•Describe the solution (support with

evidence)•Summarize•Ask for acceptance

Formats for Groups

•Round table•Symposium•Panel discussion•Forum•Colloquium•Whole-house

For your information

•Persuasive essay – due Dec 8•Critical Thinking Portfolio – due Dec 8•Extra credit – due Dec 10

FINAL is Dec 15 from 10-12

Oral Communication

•Explain the importance of an audience-centered speech

•Name the purposes of a speech•Develop an effective presentation

Speechmaking Process

Consider the

Audience

Consider the Audience

Think about the audience throughout your speech!

Step 1: select & narrow your topic

Questions to consider:•Who is the audience?•What is the occasion?•What are my interests, talents & experiences?

•What are the parameters of the assignment?

Step 2: Determine Your Purpose

Step 3: Develop your central idea

Topic:General purpose:Specific purpose:Central idea:

Questions:1.Does the central idea have logical divisions?2.Can you support the central idea?3.Can you provide reasons (examples) for the

central idea?

Step 4: Generate main ideas

After you have the Central Idea – generate Key Points.

Questions:1.Does the central idea have logical

divisions?2.Can you support the central idea?3.Can you provide reasons (examples) for

the central idea?

Step 5: Gather supporting materials•Facts•Examples•Definitions•Quotations•Personal stories•Descriptions •Visuals

Step 6: Organize Your speech

Topic:General purpose:Specific purpose:Central idea:• Introduction (capture audience, preview

main points, & tell audience what to expect)•Body (major idea & supporting idea with

supporting items)•Conclusion (summarize & restate central

idea)

Step 7: Rehearse Your Speech

•Practice, Practice, Practice•Eye contact•Volume•Style•Mannerisms

Step 8: Deliver Your speechYour FINAL is an individual speech•3 minutes using PowerPoint•Present what you have learned in UI100

May include: reasons for choosing SE; major: value of a liberal education; FOCUS; career planning; academic planning; reflection essays; personality; learning style; critical thinking; written communication; oral communication; strengths & future endeavorsRelate what you have learned in class!!!

For your information

•Extra credit – due Dec 10

FINAL is Dec 15 from 10-12