What is an effective group discussion? ___An effective group discussion is one in which the group is able to accomplish its purpose or to establish a basis either for ongoing discussion or for further contact and collaboration among its members. You understand the elements of an effective group discussion: ___All members of the group have a chance to speak, expressing their own ideas and feelings freely, and to pursue and finish out their thoughts ___All members of the group can hear others’ ideas and feelings stated openly ___Group members can safely test out ideas that are not yet fully formed ___Group members can receive and respond to respectful but honest and constructive feedback ___A variety of points of view are put forward and discussed ___The discussion is not dominated by any one person ___Arguments, while they may be spirited, are based on the content of ideas and opinions, not on personalities ___Even in disagreement, there’s an understanding that the group is working together to resolve a dispute, solve a problem, create a plan, make a decision, find a precept or set of precepts all can agree on, or come to a conclusion You understand the possible uses for a group discussion: ___Create a new situation – form a coalition, start an initiative, etc. ___Explore cooperative or collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations ___Discuss and/or analyze an issue ___Create a strategic plan – for an initiative, an advocacy campaign, an intervention, etc. ___Discuss policy and policy change ___Air concerns and differences among individuals or groups ___Hold public hearings on proposed laws or regulations, development, etc. ___Decide on an action ___Provide mutual support ___Solve a problem ___Resolve a conflict ___Plan the work or an event Why would you lead a group discussion? ___A group discussion gives everyone involved a voice ___A group discussion allows for a variety of ideas to be expressed and discussed ___Group discussion is generally a democratic, egalitarian process ___A group discussion leads to group ownership of whatever conclusions, plans, or action the group decides upon ___An effective group discussion encourages those who might normally be reluctant to speak their minds ___Group discussions can often open communication channels among people who might not communicate in any other way ___In some cases, a group discussion is simply the obvious, or even the only, way to proceed You might lead a group discussion because: ___It’s part of your job ___You’ve been asked to ___A discussion is necessary, and you have the skills to lead it ___It was your idea in the first place Some people who might find themselves leading a group discussion: ___Directors of organizations ___Public officials ___Coalition coordinators ___Professionals with group-leading skills ___Teachers ___Health professionals and health educators ___Respected community members ___Community activists When might you lead a group discussion? ___At the start of something new ___When an issue can no longer be ignored ___When groups need to be brought together ___When an existing group is considering its next step or seeking to address an issue of importance to it How do you lead a group discussion? ___Choose the space ___Provide food and drink ___Bring materials to help the discussion along ___Become familiar with the purpose and content of the discussion ___Make sure everyone gets any necessary information, readings, or other material in plenty of time to study it well beforehand General guidelines: ___Think about leadership style ___Put people at ease ___Help the group develop ground rules ___Generate an agenda or goals for the discussion ___Lead the discussion Set the topic Foster the open process Involve all participants Ask questions or provide information to move the discussion Summarize and/or clarify important points and conclusions Wrap up the session ___Follow up if necessary. Do’s for discussion leaders: ___Model the behavior and attitudes you want group members to employ ___Use encouraging body language and tone of voice, as well as words ___Give positive feedback for joining the discussion ___Be aware of people’s reactions and feelings, and try to respond appropriately ___Ask open-ended questions ___Control your own biases ___Encourage disagreement, and help the group use it creatively ___Be a recorder if necessary ___Keep your mouth shut as much as possible Don’ts for discussion leaders: ___Don’t let one or a small group of individuals dominate the discussion ___Don’t let one point of view override others ___Don’t assume that anyone holds particular opinions or positions because of his culture, background, race, personal style, etc. ___By the same token, don’t assume that someone from a particular culture, race, or background speaks for everyone else from that situation ___Don’t be the font of all wisdom
