Ch. 7

Disruptive conflict

A conflict that divides people into competing sides, which refuse to compromise, to the point that group discussion cannot achieve a decision.

Discussion

A cooperative exchange of information, opinions, and ideas

Symposium

A formal discussion in which several experts present, in the form of short speeches, a variety of points of view (after which an open discussion between experts and audience may follow).

Consensus

A nearly unanimous agreement among group members about a particular solution.

Forum

A post-panel discussion in which panel members invite questions and comments from the audience.

Brainstorming

A process in which a group members offer their ideas- as many as possible, as quickly as possible- to encourage creative thoughts and solutions.

Cohesion

A quality of group discussion in which members have respect for each other, share similar values, and rely on one another for support.

Criteria

A set of standards that a solution must meet

Constructive conflict

A situation in which group members use their differences to discover the best ideas.

Round table

A special panel discussion in which a small group of participants talk about a topic of common concern while sitting around a table, or in an open circle.

Groupthink

A tendency to go along with a group, even at the cost of abandoning ones personal beliefs.

Panel

An informal discussion that takes place before an audience.

Cooperative

Marked by a willingness of group members to work together toward a common end goal.

Competitive

Marked by rivalry

Question of interpretation

Question that ask group members to give their opinion on what the information means.

Question of fact

Questions that ask a group members to recall information that pertains to the question at hand.

Questions of evaluation

Questions that ask group members to agree or disagree on possible solutions and to make value judgments.

Moderator

The person in a group who leads discussion-getting it started, keeping it on track, and bringing it to a close.

Audience analysis

The process by which a speaker considers the needs and expectations of the audience that will be listening to a speech.

Town hall meeting

Traditionally, a discussion in which a group of citizens meet in a public place to discuss community problems and vote on possible solutions.