Public Speaking Handbook

leading small Groups A.4 441

and evaluate evidence.^11 Ineffective groups are more likely to reach decisions

quickly without considering the validity of evidence (or sometimes without any

evidence at all). Such groups usually reach flawed conclusions.

Help to Summarize the Group’s Progress

Because it is easy for groups to get off the subject, group members need to sum-

marize frequently what has been achieved and point the group toward the goal

or task at hand. One research study suggests that periodic overviews of the

discussion’s progress can help the group stay on target.^12 Ask questions about

the discussion process rather than about the topic under consideration: “Where

are we now?” “Could someone summarize what we have accomplished?” and

“Aren’t we getting off the subject?”

Listen and Respond Courteously to Others

Chapter 5’s suggestions for improving listening skills are useful when you work

in groups, but understanding what others say is not enough. You also need to

respect their points of view. Even if you disagree with someone’s ideas, keep

your emotions in check and respond courteously. Being closed-minded and de-

fensive usually breeds group conflict.

Help Manage Conflict

In the course of exchanging ideas and opinions about controversial issues, dis-

agreements are bound to occur.^13 You can help prevent conflicts from derailing

the problem-solving process by doing the following:

•   Keep the discussion focused on issues, not on personalities.

•   Rely on facts rather than on personal opinions for evidence.

•   Seek ways to compromise; don’t assume that there must be a winner and a loser.

•   Try to clarify misunderstandings in meaning.

•   Be descriptive rather than evaluative and judgmental.

•   Keep emotions in check.

If you can apply these basic principles, you can help make your group an

effective problem-solving team.

Leading Small Groups

Rudyard Kipling wrote, “For the strength of the pack is the wolf, and the

strength of the wolf is the pack.” Group members typically need a leader to help

the group collaborate effectively and efficiently, and a leader needs followers in

order to lead. In essence, leadership is the process of influencing other people

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