Page 385 - Effective group discussion theory and practice by Adams, Katherine H. Brilhart, John K. Galanes, Gloria J

368 Appendix B

discussion held by a large gathering of people, such as a university faculty meeting or a
town meeting. Frequently, a forum follows a panel or symposium presentation. Audi-
ence members should be told in advance that a forum will follow the public presenta-
tion so that they can think of questions or comments. Microphones often are set up at
strategic places for audience members to use. Sometimes, audience members are asked
to supply their questions or comments in written form to a moderator, who reads them
aloud for the entire gathering, followed by responses from panelists or interviewees.
Strict procedural control is needed for a successful forum. The moderator
should control the forum so that the discussion is interesting and fair to all partici-
pants. The guidelines in Table B.2 will help you do that.

The Organizing Stage

The success of this stage depends on how well group members interact and listen to
each other. Don’t rely too much on one person to take the lead— share the leadership
among group members. During the organizing state, focus on delegating duties,
selecting appropriate verbal and visual materials, and organizing the presentation.

TABLE B.2
Guidelines for con- 1. Announce the forum or question- and-answer period during the introduction to
ducting a forum the presentation.
discussion 2. Just before the forum discussion begins, explain the rules, including:
a. Whether only questions, or questions and comments, are allowed.
b. How someone will be recognized: raising a hand, lining up behind a floor
microphone, etc.
c. Whether someone must address a specific panelist or the panel as a whole.
d. How long a question or comment can be.
e. That no one should speak a second time until everyone who wants to speak
has first had a chance.
f. Any other rules specific to your forum discussion.
3. Explain how long the forum will last, and hold to that time limit.
4. Restate questions if the entire audience cannot hear them.
5. Paraphrase unclear or long questions for clarity.
6. With a large audience, make sure to call on people from different parts of the
room.
7. Encourage different viewpoints: “Does anyone want to present a different point
of view from what we have just heard?”
8. Remind the audience when the allotted time is nearly up, and state that there is
just enough time for one or two questions.
9. If no one seeks the floor, have a question or two prepared, or move on to the
next agenda item.
10. After the last question, summarize briefly and thank everyone for their
participation.

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