Group Discussion

Language Expressions
Express opinion
Share ideas
Respond appropriately
Think critically
Listen to other peoples ideas
Identify solutions to a particular problem
Make decisions
Why should you discuss?
Each group discussion takes approximately 20 -
30 minutes.

The outline should be as followed;
Introduction by the moderator
Discussion by all members (including the
moderator)
Conclusion by the moderator
Do`s in Group Discussion
Appropriate to the issue
Listen to the other participants actively and
carefully
Whatever you say must be with a logical flow
and validate it with an example as far as
possible
Make only accurate statements
Be considerate to the feelings of the others
Try to get your turn
Be an active and dynamic participant by
listening
Talk with confidence and self-assurance

Do`s in Group Discussion
Donts during group discussion
Being shy /nervous / keeping isolated from G.D
Interrupting another participant before his arguments
are over
Dont make fun of any participant even if his
arguments are funny
Dont engage yourself in sub-group conversation
Worrying about making some grammatical mistakes,
for your interest the matter you put across are more
important

Giving and asking opinions
Expressing agreement and disagreement
Expressing reservations
Emphasizing a point
Stating priorities
Asking questions

Managing a Discussion Moderator
Organise the discussion:
Get others talking and interacting amongst themselves
Ensure all issues are covered
Change the direction of the discussion when a point is felt
to have been sufficiently covered
Managing a Discussion Moderator
Three types of participant who will need to be controlled:
The Monopolist:
the participant who wants to do all the talking. The moderator must
allow him/her a say, but ensure that he/she is quietened when others
wish to express an opinion.
The Silent Shy:
The participant who cannot bring himself to participate. Direct
questioning of such individuals is often necessary to produce full co-
operation and contribution.
The Silent Aggressive:
The participant that has plenty to say, but believes he is no good at
articulating it. The moderator needs to probe his feelings and have these
discussed by the others in the group.
Managing a Discussion Moderator

Stages of a Discussion
Beginning
During
End
Beginning of a Discussion


Function Expression
To greet/welcome the
audience
* Good morning/afternoon/evening, ladies and
gentlemen. Welcome to today's discussion.
To introduce the topic
* I'm pleased to inform you that today's
discussion is on the advantages and
disadvantages of allowing students to bring
their handphones to school.
To introduce the
members
* Its a previlege to have with us today some
interesting people, Mr. Zali bin Dahlan,
Puan Zahiyah Daud, En Khairul and Ms
Doreen Chia.

During a Discussion


Function Expression
To nominate a speaker
* I would like to call upon Ms. Salasiah to give
her opinion about today's topic.
To initiate the discussion
* What do you think about students bringing
hand phones to school?
To clarify a topic
* Let me see if I've got this right. You said that
students should be allowed to bring hand
phones to school?
To ensure turn-taking
* Now that weve heard Puan Zettys opinion,
lets now hear from Puan Rahmah.
End of a Discussion


Function Expression
To sum up/to conclude
* Weve had a fruitful discussion on the topic.
Let me now summarize what has been
discussed.

* To summarize, we agreed that students
shouldnt be allowed to bring their
handphones to school.

* Im afraid well have to end our discussion
here.
Closing the Discussion


Function Expression
To thank members
* Thank you for coming.

* Id like to thank you for your cooperation.
Group Members


Function Expression
To get a point into the
discussion
* Ive a suggestion.
* I have a point Id like to make
* May I make a suggestion?
* Can I add something here?
To express and respond
to the opinion of others
* As I see it, students do not need to bring
their handphones to school.
* In my point of view students do not need to
bring their handphones to school.
To ask about agreement
* Do you agree with my suggestion, Mr
Ismail?
* Dont you agree with the point Ive raised?
Group Members

Function Expression
To give opinion
* In my opinion
* Personally, I think that
* It seems to me
* As far as Im concerned
* As far as I can see
* Well, I must say that
* I think
* Im convinced that
* From my point of view
* With all due respect
Group Members


Function Expression
To agree
* Yes, that is true.
* That is right.
* I think so, too.
* That is a great idea.
To disagree
* I dont really agree with you.
* I dont think so.
* Im afraid I dont agree with you.
* Im not sure I quite agree with you.
To interrupt
* Excuse me, could you repeat that, please?
* Pardon me for interrupting, but could you
say that again?
To express reservations

* Yes, but
* Possibly, but
* Yes, but the problem is

Group Members


Function Expression
To prevent a member
from interrupting you
* Just a moment/minute please. Let me just
finish this point.
* Excuse me. Could I just finish my point
here?
To begin an argument
* I would like to begin by stating that by
allowing students to bring their
handphones to school could encourage
many more problems.
* I would like to comment on the use of
handphones in school.
To support an argument
* Let me give an example of what I mean.
* The main point is handphones shouldnt
be allowed in schools.
Group Members


Function Expression
To avoid answering
To explain that you do
not have the necessary
information

I'm afraid I don't know the answer to
your question.
Frankly, I don't know the answer.
I can't really say because it is confidential.
It's difficult/impossible for me to answer it now.
Perhaps someone else can answer that?
To correct yourself
Actually, that's not what I said.
Actually, that's not what I meant.
I'm afraid you misunderstood what I said.
You must have misunderstood me. Actually, what I
meant was there would be more problems if
students are allowed to bring their handphones to
school.
I AGREE - I DON'T AGREE
I AGREE TO I AGREE WITH
I AM IN AGREEMENT WITH

Instead use these:
Avoid using this:
I AM AGREE I AM NOT AGREE

Language Expressions
Participating in a Discussion and Asking
Questions
To indicate that you want to speak, you can raise your
hand & wait until the moderator address you. You can
participate & ask questions by saying:
May/Could I ask a question?
May/Could I say something here?
May/Could I make a suggestion?
Or
I have a question Id like to raise.
I have point Id like to make.
This question is for (name of the panelist)
Body Language
Drumming the hand rest
Point toes to the ground
Cross arms or legs
Doodling with pen
Sticking the pen
constantly all over face
especially the chin and
cheek.
Drooping shoulders




Indicate:
restless attitude
low concentration
anxiety
low self esteem
unsure feeling.
Practice a formal smile and
please be natural.

Assessment: Meeting