CHAPTER 12
Overview of Group Speaking
Definition: Group speaking typically involves three to seven members
working toward a specific goal, such as solving a problem or presenting
information.
Optimal Size: Five members is considered the most productive size - large
enough for a diverse workload but small enough for maximum
participation.
Pros & Cons: The primary advantages are shared responsibility and
diverse expertise. The main disadvantages include scheduling difficulties
and the potential for interpersonal “squabbles” or misunderstandings.
Effective Group Preparation: To make a presentation stand out, the
text emphasizes three pillars: Content, Visual Aids, and Performance.
Content & Storyboarding: Groups should use storyboards (mapping out
slides/points like a comic book) to ensure the flow is logical. Members are
encouraged to use “sticky note” brainstorming to organize ideas before
outlining.
Visual Aids: PowerPoint is the standard choice. The text advises a “less is
more” approach with words and emphasizes consistency in fonts, colors,
and logos across all members’ slides.
Performance & Leadership: A group needs a coordinator/leader who acts
as a subject matter expert and manages the introduction, conclusion, and
transitions.
Media Tips: For recorded or broadcasted speeches, the text provides
specific advice on attire (avoiding white/hot colors), eye contact with the
camera, and minimizing “shiny” jewelry.
Group Speaking Formats
The text identifies three primary formats for public group interaction:
1. Symposium: A formal series of 2–10 minute individual speeches on
various aspects of a single topic.
2. Panel: An informal, organized discussion among experts in front of an
audience without set speeches.
3. Forum: An open session for audience participation. This often includes:
Q&A Forum: Rephrasing negative questions into positive ones and
managing time.
Buzz Group Forum: Dividing the audience into small groups (5-7 people) to
brainstorm and report back.
The Basic Problem-Solving Procedure
The chapter outlines a six-step process based on Dewey’s reflective
thinking sequence:
1. Identify the Problem: Define it factually and descriptively.
2. Analyze the Problem: Research and list all relevant information.
3. Establish Criteria: Set “must-have” and “want” guidelines for the
solution.
4. List Possible Solutions: Brainstorm without judgment (quantity over
quality at this stage).
5. Evaluate Solutions: Compare solutions against the established criteria.
6. Discuss Implementation: Plan how the solution will be put into practice.
Group Leadership & Roles
A group’s success depends heavily on how members balance work tasks
with social harmony.
Task Roles: These roles focus on the “job” (e.g., Information Seeker,
Opinion Giver, Energizer, Recorder).
Maintenance Roles: These focus on the group “feel” and relationships
(e.g., Harmonizer, Gatekeeper, Encourager).
Dysfunctional Roles: The text warns against behaviors like Blocking,
Recognition Seeking, or Dominating, which can derail progress.
Leadership Styles: Authoritarian: High control, good for emergencies but
can lower morale.
Democratic: Shared decision-making; usually leads to the highest
satisfaction.
Laissez-faire: Hands-off approach; only works with highly expert, self-
motivated teams.
Effective Participation
To be a “good” group member, the text suggests:
Commitment: Putting the group's goal above personal agendas.
Active Listening: Avoiding “pseudo-liítening” and actually engaging with
others’ ideas.
Preparation: Arriving with research and data ready to share.
Managing Group Conflict
Conflict is viewed as natural and even healthy if handled correctly.
Groupthink: A major danger where members agree just to avoid rocking
the boat, leading to poor decisions. The text suggests appointing a
“Devil’s Advocate” to prevent this.
Conflict Styles:
Avoiding: Ignoring the issue (low concern for self and others).
Accommodating: Giving in to others to keep the peace.
Competing: Trying to “win” at the expense of others.
Compromising: Finding a middle ground where everyone gives something
up.
Collaborating: The “win-win” approach where members work together to
find a solution that satisfies everyone.
Final Stages: Evaluation
The final pages emphasize the importance of Post-Presentation
Evaluation. Groups should reflect on:
- Did we meet our specific purpose?
- How was the audience's response?
- What could we improve in our verbal or visual delivery for next time?
1. Group Dynamics & Roles
A successful group is more than just a collection of individuals; it requires
a balance of specific roles to function:
Task Roles: Behaviors that help the group get the job done (e.g., Initiator,
Information Seeker, Recorder)
Maintenance Roles: Behaviors that maintain positive relationships and
morale (e.g., Harmonizer, Gatekeeper, Encourager)
Dysfunctional Roles: Individualistic behaviors that hinder the group, such
as Blocking (being needlessly negative) or Dominating (taking over the
conversation).
2. Leadership Styles
The text highlights three primary ways to lead a group:
Authoritarian: The leader makes decisions alone. Efficient for high-
stakes/emergency situations but can lower group morale.
Democratic: Decisions are shared. This generally results in the highest
member satisfaction and better long-term results.
Laissez-faire: A “hands-off” approach. This only works effectively when the
group is highly skilled and self-motivated.
3. Conflict & Groupthink
Conflict is natural, but the group must guard against Groupthink - a
dangerous state where members prioritize harmony over critical thinking,
leading to flawed decisions.
The Solution: Assign a “Devil’s Advocate” to challenge ideas and ensure
all angles are considered.
Conflict Resolution: The goal is usually Collaboration (a win-win), though
groups may sometimes use Compromise, Accommodation, or Avoidance.
4. Formats for Group Speaking
When it's time to present to an audience, groups typically choose one of
these formats:
Symposium: A series of short, formal speeches on different aspects of a
topic.
Panel: An informal, moderated conversation among experts.
Forum: A session focused on audience interaction (e.g., Q&A or “Buzz
Groups”).
5. The Problem-Solving Process
Groups often follow Dewey’s Reflective Thinking Sequence to reach a
decision:
1. Identify the problem.
2. Analyze the causes and effects.
3. Establish Criteria (the “must-haves” for a solution).
4. List Solutions (brainstorming).
5. Evaluate solutions against the criteria.
6. Implement the chosen plan.
Preparation is Key: Group members must be prepared not just with their
own parts, but with an understanding of how their segment fits into the
“big picture.”
Final Review: Before the presentation, the group should conduct a “dry
run” to check transitions, time their segments, and ensure visual aids are
consistent across the entire team.