Group DiscussionLanguage Expressions

Express opinionShare ideasRespond appropriatelyThink criticallyListen to other peoples ideasIdentify solutions to a particular problemMake decisionsWhy should you discuss?

Each group discussion takes approximately 20 -30 minutes.

The outline should be as followed;Introduction by the moderatorDiscussion by all members (including the moderator)Conclusion by the moderator

Do`s in Group DiscussionAppropriate to the issueListen to the other participants actively and carefullyWhatever you say must be with a logical flow and validate it with an example as far as possibleMake only accurate statements

Be considerate to the feelings of the othersTry to get your turnBe an active and dynamic participant by listeningTalk with confidence and self-assurance

Do`s in Group Discussion

Donts during group discussionBeing shy /nervous / keeping isolated from G.DInterrupting another participant before his arguments are overDont make fun of any participant even if his arguments are funnyDont engage yourself in sub-group conversationWorrying about making some grammatical mistakes, for your interest the matter you put across are more important

Giving and asking opinionsExpressing agreement and disagreementExpressing reservationsEmphasizing a pointStating prioritiesAsking questions

Managing a Discussion Moderator Organise the discussion: Get others talking and interacting amongst themselvesEnsure all issues are coveredChange 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 DiscussionBeginningDuringEnd

Beginning of a Discussion

FunctionExpressionTo greet/welcome the audienceGood morning/afternoon/evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to today's discussion. To introduce the topicI'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 membersIts 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

FunctionExpressionTo nominate a speakerI would like to call upon Ms. Salasiah to give her opinion about today's topic. To initiate the discussionWhat do you think about students bringing hand phones to school? To clarify a topicLet me see if I've got this right. You said that students should be allowed to bring hand phones to school? To ensure turn-takingNow that weve heard Puan Zettys opinion, lets now hear from Puan Rahmah.

End of a Discussion

FunctionExpressionTo sum up/to concludeWeve 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

FunctionExpressionTo thank membersThank you for coming.

Id like to thank you for your cooperation.

Group Members

FunctionExpressionTo get a point into the discussionIve a suggestion.I have a point Id like to makeMay I make a suggestion?Can I add something here?To express and respond to the opinion of othersAs 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 agreementDo you agree with my suggestion, Mr Ismail?Dont you agree with the point Ive raised?

Group Members

FunctionExpressionTo give opinionIn 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

FunctionExpressionTo agreeYes, that is true.That is right.I think so, too.That is a great idea.To disagreeI 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 interruptExcuse me, could you repeat that, please?Pardon me for interrupting, but could you say that again?To express reservationsYes, but Possibly, but Yes, but the problem is

Group Members

FunctionExpressionTo prevent a member from interrupting youJust a moment/minute please. Let me just finish this point.Excuse me. Could I just finish my point here?To begin an argumentI 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 argumentLet me give an example of what I mean.The main point is handphones shouldnt be allowed in schools.

Group Members

FunctionExpressionTo avoid answeringTo explain that you do not have the necessary informationI'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 yourselfActually, 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 ExpressionsParticipating in a Discussion and Asking QuestionsTo 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? OrI have a question Id like to raise.I have point Id like to make.This question is for (name of the panelist)

Body LanguageDrumming the hand restPoint toes to the ground Cross arms or legsDoodling with pen Sticking the pen constantly all over face especially the chin and cheek. Drooping shoulders

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

Assessment: Meeting

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