This article was co-authored by Klare Heston, LCSW. Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).
How.com.vn marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 15 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.
This article has been viewed 455,375 times.
Group discussions are a great way to get things done. You can explore a topic, come up with a plan of action, or solve an issue, just to name a few.[1] Not sure how to get your own group discussion started? Don’t worry. We’re here to help you along every step of the way, like making good contributions, creating a positive atmosphere, and leading the group effectively.
Steps
Expert Q&A
- QuestionWhat are the skills required for group discussion?Klare Heston, LCSWKlare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).
Licensed Social WorkerClear speech and communication. Good pacing—watch to see if the others are following you and staying with you. Elicit others' feedback to your ideas (you can ask "What do you think?"). - QuestionHow can I prepare for group discussion?Klare Heston, LCSWKlare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).
Licensed Social WorkerYou can come prepared for the topic. Bring some ideas and do a little research. During the discussion, keep notes on topics that are discussed. Be willing to state your ideas in a tactful way. - QuestionHow can I be successful in a group discussion?Klare Heston, LCSWKlare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).
Licensed Social WorkerYou can be successful by being a good listener. Clarify when/as needed. You can build on what others say; you can also ask a question when you want to learn more about someone's idea. Above all, be tactful, and don't criticize or put down any ideas.
Tips
- Stay impartial if you are leading the discussion.Thanks
- Don't interrupt. Wait for others to finishThanks
- If the group gets bogged down, keep the flow going by asking a question or changing directions.Thanks
References
- ↑ http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/group-facilitation/group-discussions/main
- ↑ http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/group-facilitation/group-discussions/main
- ↑ http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/group-facilitation/group-discussions/main
- ↑ https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/teaching-resources/teaching-tips/tips-students/being-part-team/teamwork-skills-being-effective-group-member
- ↑ http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/group-facilitation/group-discussions/main
- ↑ https://www.cmu.edu/teaching/designteach/design/instructionalstrategies/discussions.html
- ↑ http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/group-facilitation/group-discussions/main
- ↑ https://uwaterloo.ca/centre-for-teaching-excellence/teaching-resources/teaching-tips/tips-students/being-part-team/teamwork-skills-being-effective-group-member
- ↑ http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/group-facilitation/group-discussions/main
About This Article
If you want to be good at group discussions, prepare in advance by doing any assigned or recommended reading and researching the topic that will be discussed. As you read, take notes so you will have things to bring up. During the meeting, listen to what others have to say and ask for clarification, if you need it. Speak up when you have an opinion. To lead a group discussion, ask the group open-ended questions and try to ensure that everyone has a chance to speak. For strategies from our Social Worker reviewer on contributing to a positive atmosphere, keep reading.
Reader Success Stories
- "I joined a book club recently. I needed a guideline to prepare for discussions. These articles have helped me to refocus on a different style of writing notes to be prepared for our meeting. At 86 years old, I found the information a valuable review."..." more
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.