Group discussions are a great way to get things done. You can explore a topic, come up with a plan of action, or solve an issue, just to name a few.[1] Not sure how to get your own group discussion started? Don’t worry. We’re here to help you along every step of the way, like making good contributions, creating a positive atmosphere, and leading the group effectively.

3

Learn from others' experiences.

  1. If you only stick to your beliefs, you’ll have a hard time learning anything new. One of the benefits of group discussion is it gives you a chance to interact with people you might not normally have a conversation with. That means you have a chance to learn something new and expand your horizons.[2]
    • When someone presents an idea that takes you aback, think a moment before responding. Try to put yourself in the other person's shoes to see where they're coming from.
    • If you don't understand something, ask a follow-up question. The other person will likely appreciate that you are interested in what they have to say.
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7

Listen to what others have to say.

  1. Being in a group discussion is not just about saying what's on your mind. It's also about listening to other members in the group. While what you have to say is important, it's also important to let others have their say, as well.[4]
    • To listen well, don't just be thinking about what you want to say next. Actually hear what the other members are saying.
    • Try jotting down short notes on what others are saying, so you have them to refer back to.
    • If you have a good idea, hold onto it until the moment is right to share. Don't cut people off while they're sharing their ideas. It can help to jot down a few words to help remind yourself to share your idea once it's your turn to speak.
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8

Disagree on ideas instead of making personal attacks.

  1. Rude remarks won’t get you anywhere. When a discussion starts getting heated, it can be tempting to start attacking the person. However, you need to stick to discussing ideas to keep the conversation civil.[5]
    • For instance, you might be tempted to say, "Well, you're stupid for thinking that." However, that will only cause the conversation to spiral downward.
    • Try, "Can you explain to me why you think that? I disagree, but I'd like to hear more about your side." This sentence will help dialogue continue to flow, and they may make a point that will win you over.
10

Ask questions to initiate discussion.

  1. Open-ended questions can help to get people talking about the subject. These are ones that require more than a "yes" or "no" answer.[6]
    • You can ask exploring questions to get a dialogue going, such as "What do you think was meant by 'objectivity versus subjectivity'?"
    • Challenge questions can get a debate going, such as "What assumptions is the author making? Do you think they're valid assumptions?"
    • You can also ask questions about relationships, such as "What are the similarities between these two ideas? What are the differences?" Diagnostic questions can be helpful as well, such as "What do you think the author's motive was for this scene?"
12

Maintain an awareness of individual emotions.

  1. If you ignore how members are feeling, you could alienate some of the group. Instead, pay attention to how each member is reacting to what's being said. That includes paying attention to their nonverbal reactions. They may be saying a great deal with their body language.[8]
    • Take steps to address issues as you notice them.
    • For instance, if one person gets consistently cut off by another member, you may notice they cross their arms and glare at the other person. Try to mediate the problem by asking what that person thinks, as well as encouraging members to let others finish their thoughts before speaking up.

Expert Q&A
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  • Question
    What are the skills required for group discussion?
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Expert Answer

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    Clear speech and communication. Good pacing—watch to see if the others are following you and staying with you. Elicit others' feedback to your ideas (you can ask "What do you think?").
  • Question
    How can I prepare for group discussion?
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    You can come prepared for the topic. Bring some ideas and do a little research. During the discussion, keep notes on topics that are discussed. Be willing to state your ideas in a tactful way.
  • Question
    How can I be successful in a group discussion?
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR).
    Klare Heston, LCSW
    Licensed Social Worker
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    You can be successful by being a good listener. Clarify when/as needed. You can build on what others say; you can also ask a question when you want to learn more about someone's idea. Above all, be tactful, and don't criticize or put down any ideas.
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About This Article

Klare Heston, LCSW
Co-authored by:
Licensed Social Worker
This article was co-authored by Klare Heston, LCSW. Klare Heston is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker based in Cleveland, Ohio. With experience in academic counseling and clinical supervision, Klare received her Master of Social Work from the Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. She also holds a 2-Year Post-Graduate Certificate from the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland, as well as certification in Family Therapy, Supervision, Mediation, and Trauma Recovery and Treatment (EMDR). This article has been viewed 443,854 times.
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Co-authors: 38
Updated: September 19, 2022
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Article SummaryX

If you want to be good at group discussions, prepare in advance by doing any assigned or recommended reading and researching the topic that will be discussed. As you read, take notes so you will have things to bring up. During the meeting, listen to what others have to say and ask for clarification, if you need it. Speak up when you have an opinion. To lead a group discussion, ask the group open-ended questions and try to ensure that everyone has a chance to speak. For strategies from our Social Worker reviewer on contributing to a positive atmosphere, keep reading.

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