GROUP DISCUSSIONTIPS & TRICKS

Social and Communication Skills group discussions

PUAN NURHAIDA BINTI ABDULLAH HADIHEAD OF GENERAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT POLITEKNIK TUANKU SULTANAH BAHIYAH haidahadi27@gmail.com

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GROUP DISCUSSION TIPS AND TRICKS

Share ideas and information in group discussions

Group Discussion is an important part of group communication. Group discussions are a creative and dynamic activity which promotes reflective thinking among the group members. A small number of persons will gather and exchange or share ideas freely or attempt to reach a conclusion.There are many skills involve such as reflective thinking skills, listening skills, comprehension skills, and drawing conclusion.

GROUP DISCUSSION

• Discussion is an important type of communication among people to generate ideas.
• In active discussions it is important for one to be able to:

1. Share ideas by making suggestions
2. Express opinion clearly and confidently
3. Respond appropriately
4. Think critically
5. Listen to people’s opinion

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UNDERSTANDING DISCUSSION TOPICS

• In order to participate in a discussion, it is very important to understand or have knowledge on the topic of discussion.
• How do you understand the topic? Ask yourself some questions about the topic.

1. What is the topic about?
2. What is the cause(s) of the issue?
3. What are the effect(s) that could happen or has happened?
4. What are the solution(s) to the issue?
5. What are the value(s) of the issue?

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"Group discussion is very valuable; group drafting is less productive."

Jon Postel

GIVING OPINIONS AND SUGGESTIONS

In discussion, it is essential for you to understand the topic of discussion and providing the appropriate ideas or suggestions.

Here are some of the most common expressions: •In my opinion/view, … •I would like to suggest, … •I suggest that,….. •I think we should,….. •We can/could,……. •I believe

Eating unhealthy food can give a bad effect to our health. Give your suggestion on avoiding unhealthy diet.

Agree and disagree to suggestions

The vital part of a group discussion is ensuring the continuation of the discussion. During this stage, you must take turns to initiate discussion in order to avoid long pauses or silence in your group discussions. •Practice to react to your friends view by stating agreement or disagreement. •AGREE- you correspond to your friends’ suggestion •DISAGREE- you oppose to the suggestion

To express strong agreement/disagreement

To express agreement/disagreement

To express partial agreement

Presenting your ideas in an organize way will increase the effectiveness of your delivering your points.

• Introduction:
• State your opinion/ suggestion
• Present main point.
• Explain your point, give reason: cause, effect, solution and example.

Ask for and make clarifications

In communication, clarification involves offering back to the speaker the essential meaning, as understood by the listener, of what they have just said. Clarifying can involve asking questions or occasionally summarising what the speaker has said.

Make interruptions

Why do we need to interrupt? •The speaker is talking too much or has gone off topic •To express our opinion •To make a suggestion

Make and respond to enquiries

Making and responding to queries is one of the basis communication among people.

Use polite expression

Know WHAT to ask

Begin with these expressions: * Can you......? *Could you .......? * Will you ........ ? * Would you mind ...... ?

WH QUESTIONS

Use gestures and facial expressions

• Non verbal communication is a huge part of the way we communicate with others
• Gestures are the movement of arms and hands carries as much meaning as our words do.
• Action speaks louder than words
• Gestures illustrate what we are thinking or feeling
• It can emphasize our point
• It can display the nature of our relationship with others
• Cannot assume a gesture means the same as they do in a another community

Tips on How to conclude the group discussion

Summarise all the points – The best way to conclude is to summarise all the points that you have discussed in brief and present your final take on the subject being discussed. Be concise – Make sure that you don’t drag your conclusion. Keep it as short as possible and try to mention the points clearly. Don’t mention any new point in the conclusion just support what have already spoken about. Closure argument – Make the closure around the main idea of the topic and be direct. Don’t beat around the bush. All your points should build up the conclusion.

• Non verbal communication is a huge part of the way we communicate with others
• Gestures are the movement of arms and hands carries as much meaning as our words do.
• Action speaks louder than words
• Gestures illustrate what we are thinking or feeling
• It can emphasize our point
• It can display the nature of our relationship with others
• Cannot assume a gesture means the same as they do in a another community

HOW TO DISCUSS ?

TIPS

Go to www.menti.com and use the code 9018 6045