Chapter 20 Review

“Several heads are better than one.”

An effective group discussion requires skillful leadership and constructive participation. The leader must manage key elements of group dynamics, including the flow of the discussion. She or he has to ensure that all perspectives receive consideration, encourage participation, keep the group on task, and minimize interpersonal conflict. In terms of group members, the most effective focus on task- and maintenance-oriented roles and avoid self-oriented ones. They actively share their ideas, consider one another’s viewpoints, constructively participate, and help the group reach a sound decision—perhaps through the five-step reflective-thinking process.

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Groups may present their findings in a symposium, during which each member presents part of the group’s message. At other times, the group may use a panel discussion format, in which there is less formal structure and more give-and-take among members. In either case, thorough preparation will allow each member to know who will present which topics.

If you’re called on to deliver a presentation for your entire group, preparation will again help ensure that you’re accurately reflecting the group’s decisions, opinions, or findings. Be sure to get input from other group members while preparing the presentation, and acknowledge other members’ viewpoints as you’re giving the speech.

Key Terms

small group 610

group dynamics 610

designated leader 612

implied leader 612

emergent leader 612

groupthink 617

heterogeneity 621

homogeneity 621

reflective-thinking process 628

symposium 630

panel discussion 631

moderator 631

panelist 631

Review Questions

1. Question

   Name and describe three types of leaders and the ways they are selected.

2. Question

   What are the two main roles of the group leader?

3. Question

   What are the three main types of member roles in a group?

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   Question

   What six strategies should group members employ to participate in a small group effectively?

5. Question

   Explain the five steps of the reflective-thinking process.

   Explain the five steps of the reflective-thinking process.

6. Question

   Describe the three common approaches to group presentations identified in the chapter.

Critical Thinking Questions

1. Question

   In what ways do the public speaking skills you have developed in this course increase your ability to participate effectively in groups? Offer specific examples.

2. Question

   If you are participating in a group for this speech course, are you performing task-oriented roles, maintenance-oriented roles, or self-oriented roles? Do your roles change depending on the nature and circumstances of the group you are in?

   If you are participating in a group for this speech course, are you performing task-oriented roles, maintenance-oriented roles, or self-oriented roles? Do your roles change depending on the nature and circumstances of the group you are in?

3. Question

   How might the reflective-thinking process for groups help you make better decisions on an individual basis?

   How might the reflective-thinking process for groups help you make better decisions on an individual basis?

Activities

1. Question

   Watch a television reality competition that involves group projects (such as Survivor or The Apprentice). Write a brief report that provides five examples of how the individuals in these competitions conform to the group leader and member roles described in the chapter. Then provide one example of how the group dynamic affects their outcomes on a specific task.

   Chapter 20 - Activity Question 1

2. Question

   Make a list of individuals with whom you share a group identity—for example, your classmates in a study group. Is there a leader among you? How did this person come to be the leader? In different circumstances (for example, if all of you volunteered to help with a grassroots political campaign), do you think the leader and group roles would be the same?

   Chapter 20 - Activity Question 2

3. Question

   Have you ever been part of a group that came to a bad decision? Having read the chapter, explain how you would modify your behavior to produce a better outcome if given the chance to redo it.

   Chapter 20 - Activity Question 3