Page 383 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

366 Appendix B

TABLE B.1 Types of group presentations

Panel: Conversation Symposium: Individual Forum: Questions and
Among Experts Uninterrupted Presentations Comments from Audience

Topics outlined in advance. Panelists discuss different Different viewpoints encouraged.
aspects of topic.

Controversy encouraged. No interaction among panelists. Questions directed at individuals
or at entire group.

Moderator as traffic cop. Moderator introduces topic and Moderator selects audience
panelists. participants.

Panel Discussion
Panel Discussion A panel discussion is a public presentation in which a small group of people represent-
A small group whose ing varying perspectives informally discusses issues relevant to an important question
members interact in front of a listening audience. For example, a panel might discuss medical mari-
informally for the juana, solutions to congested parking on campus, what might be done to solve a com-
benefit of a listening munity’s solid waste problem, or the responsibility of society to the victims of crimes.
audience. Panel formats are often the format of choice for classroom presentations when your
teacher asks you to present your group’s final report to the class.
Groups may participate in panel discussions in a variety of ways. A group may
be asked to plan and conduct an entire panel discussion, in which case the entire
group must research and present fairly all relevant points of view about the issue.
More typically, a group known to support a particular point of view will be asked to
supply a representative to serve as a panelist with other panelists who represent
Moderator different viewpoints. The moderator of a panel coordinates the discussion so that it
A person who does not ramble and so that all viewpoints are represented. Participants need to be
controls the flow of both knowledgeable about the question under discussion and articulate in express-
communication ing their, or the group’s, opinions. Panelists generally have an outline of questions
during a public to follow, but their speaking is relatively impromptu. Panelists need not agree on
presentation such as anything except which issues to discuss; the lively argument that often ensues can
a panel or forum make for an intellectually stimulating program. The panel format is excellent for
discussion. presenting an overview of different points of view on an issue of public concern.

Preparing for Panel Discussions Panel and other public discussions call for special
physical arrangements and other preparations. First, all discussants should be able to
see each other and the audience at all times. Seat panelists in a semicircle in front of
the audience with the moderator either at one end or in the center. Second, seat pan-
elists behind a table, preferably with some sort of cover on the front. Two small tables
in an open V make an excellent arrangement. Third, place a large name card in front
of each panelist. Fourth, microphones, if needed, should be plentiful enough and
unobtrusive. In a large assembly, if a floor microphone is required for questions from
the audience, place it strategically and instruct audience members how to use it.

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