Discussing something in groups of two or more people is a perfect method for developing social and emotional skills in a structured environment. However, if you don't feel like this type of dialogue, this article is for you!
Steps
Step 1. Get ready
If you are unfamiliar with the discussion material you will not be able to contribute or understand well. Research the subject before discussing it.
Step 2. Be confident:
if you have faith in yourself you will not be afraid to have your say. You have to believe in yourself as well as in others and be strong in your opinions. Share them no matter what the people around you think.
Step 3. Form a debate:
group discussion consists of weighing the pros and cons of a topic, for example: should prostitutes pay taxes? Some will argue no, because they have unprotected sex and spread AIDS, but those who know them or perhaps live near one of them might object. The discussion group is a way to hear different points of view and understand how others perceive things. And it also involves comparing the answers.
Step 4. Avoid misunderstandings:
when you speak or make an announcement, weigh the words well. Try to think carefully before speaking so as not to cause any misunderstanding. If the mood heats up, make sure things calm down with maybe a joke. Sometimes a joke or a joke is perfect to lighten the mood.
Step 5. Find the balance:
it is also important to say 'no' or shake your head: it is better not to find a topic on which you will always totally agree. This way your view of the thing will also be felt and weighed. For the debate to be good, there must be imperfections of course. This is probably the biggest problem when the topic is good for discussion. Instead of finding something boring and flawless, discover a topic you've never heard of. You will have to do research and then you will be stimulated. Also it could be educational, not the usual story of whether uniforms should be introduced at school or not.
Step 6. Decisions:
in newsgroups the topic is always different. Arithmetic, charity, healthy food, sports, virtues or values of today's products. Mainly you will have to consider whether the topic to speak about is valid; the political one, for example, is very varied: there is the part about the government and what it controls. A discussion group is something very challenging but also an open window on our lives. A way to get to know each other. Good luck with your …
Advice
- Never laugh at other people's opinions.
- Listen! Don't try to comment while someone is still talking. Listen with an open mind.
- Be sure of your words.
- Use facts to back up your views.
- If you're having trouble thinking about what to add to the discussion, think about some basic questions: Who are you arguing with? What is important? How did the discussion start? When did the event happen? Why is this topic important to society? How can things be improved?
- If what you think is disputed, do not object but retaliate in case of misinterpretation.
- If others agree with you, fine; if they are not, do not force them but politely tell them to keep your opinions in mind as well.
- Stay impartial if you lead the discussion.
- DO NOT interrupt. Wait for everyone to finish.
Warnings
- Never interrupt, it is a sign of rudeness and disrespect and reflects on the members of the group who will criticize you based on your ways.
- Check the enthusiasm.
- Make sure you have good ideas, don't monopolize everything just because you want to get noticed. Better think before you speak; surprise everyone with an unfamiliar topic and if there are any questions, tell them what you know so others can learn too. Nobody says you have to contain your imagination: it just limits the rule of going off topic a little.
