When you are participating in a group discussion, it is important to avoid problems that will stop the group from achieving its goals. If you are the leader or planner, there are a number of things you will want to pay attention to.



It is important to make sure the topics are relevant. Being able to make a connection with the topic you are discussing on a personal level will allow you to reduce the times were members get off topic. If you are the leader, you may want to ask the members questions if you feel that they are starting to get off topic.

It is also important to make sure the members understand the assignments that they have been given. The members of the group should know exactly what is expected of them. In addition to this, they should also be aware of the goals that the group intends to reach. To make sure the members understand the assignments, they can write statements or make a list. It is important for the leader to make sure a schedule is set for the completion of specific projects. Depending on the assignment that is being given to the members, they may need resources that can help them. The head of the group will want to provide members with worksheets that can allow them to write down ideas or solutions.

Writing should be an important part of any group discussion, and can help you avoid problems. It will keep the members focused, and will give them a basic way to retain information that is presented. No group discussion should be held if the members don't have notepads that can allow them to write down important information. Newspapers, markers, tape, and other items can allow the leaders to get their presentations ready for the meeting. It is also important for the leader to make a connection with the group. They should encourage the members and allow them to ask questions which are related to the topic. However, the leader should not enter the group or convey their own thoughts, as it may not be necessary to influence the members.

Time management is an issue that the group will need to keep in mind. It is important for leaders to let the group know that they have a set period of time to go over a specific topic. Once the time is up, bring the discussion to a close. To be polite to the members, it is always a good idea to give a one or two minute warning. This will give the members time to raise any points or questions that they would address. If the members need to present reports to the group, it is important for the leader to make sure they are given enough time. When a member gives a presentation, they should never feel rushed. The presentation of reports is especially important in small groups.

It is also important for both members and leader to use affirmation. When a contribution is made to a discussion, it should be affirmed. There will be times when the group may not grasp a point, and leaders will want affirm the presentation. If you don't show the members that you appreciate the contributions they are making to the discussion, that will make them feel like they are not a valuable part of the group, and this could cause problems. Communication is important as well. All the members of the group must effectively communicate with each other, especially when they are working on group assignments.

Conflict is something that must be avoided at all costs. In any group discussion, some members will have opinions that will differ from others. While there is nothing wrong with this, the way in which they voice their opinions is important.



No one should be allowed the ridicule the comments or ideas of another. If one member disagrees with a statement that is made by another member, they should voice it in mature, respectful way. When this is done, conflicts will be reduced, and the discussion will be able to progress without problems. Everyone should be allowed to participate in the discussion, and this includes people who are normally quiet or shy.

Posted in Labels: How To Avoid Problems During Group Discussions