Public Speaking Handbook

435

Appendix A

Speaking in Small

Groups

Groups are an integral part of our lives. Work groups, family groups, therapy

groups, committees, and class-project groups are just a few of the groups in

which we may participate at one time or another. Chances are that you have had

considerable experience in communicating in small groups.

Why learn about group communication in a public-speaking class? More

than two thousand years ago, Aristotle identified the link between public

speaking and group discussion when he wrote, “Rhetoric is the counterpart of

dialectic.” He meant that our efforts to persuade are closely linked to our group

efforts to search for truth.

In Aristotle’s time, people gathered to discuss and decide public issues in a

democratic manner. Today, we still turn to a committee, jury, or task force to get

facts and make recommendations. We still “search for truth” in groups. And as

in ancient Athens, once we believe we have found the truth, we present the mes-

sage to others in speeches and lectures.

In this appendix, you will learn key communication principles and skills

to help you work as a productive member of a small group. Specifically, you

will discover what small group communication is, learn ways to improve group

problem solving, enhance your leadership skills, and become an effective group

participant or group leader.^1

Understanding Small Group

Communication

Small group communication is interaction among three to twelve people who

share a common purpose, feel a sense of belonging to the group, and influence

one another. Communication in groups larger than twelve people usually re-

sembles public speaking more than small group communication.

A team is a special kind of group. It is a coordinated small group of people

organized to work together with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, ex-

plicitly stated rules for operation, and well-defined goals.^2 All teams are groups,

but not all groups are teams. A team, as our definition suggests, coordinates its

A.1

Z01_BEEB3981_05_SE_APPA_435-444.indd 435 11/13/14 5:31 PM