The Art of Public Speaking Ch. 18

Dyad

A group of two people.

Small group

A collection of three to twelve people who assemble for a specific purpose.

Problem-solving group

A small group formed to solve a particular problem.

Leadership

The ability to influence group members so as to help achieve the goals of the group.

Implied leader

A group member to whom other members defer because of their rank, expertise, or other quality.

Emergent leader

A group member who emerges as a leader during the group's deliberations.

Designated leader

A person who is elected or appointed as leader when the group is formed.

Procedural needs

Routine "housekeeping" actions necessary for the efficient conduct of business in a small group.

Task needs

Substantive actions necessary to help a small group complete its assigned task.

Maintenance needs

Communicative actions necessary to maintain interpersonal relations in a small group.

Responsibilities in a small group

1) Commit yourself to the goals of your group. 2) Fulfill individual assignments. 3) Avoid interpersonal conflict. 4) Encourage full participation. 5) Keep the discussion on track.

Hidden agenda

A set of unstated individual goals that may conflict with the goals of the group as a whole.

Reflective-thinking method

A five-step method for directing discussion in a problem-solving small group.

Five steps of reflective thinking

1) Defining the problem. 2) Analyzing the problem. 3) Establishing the criteria for solving the problem. 4) Generating potential solutions. 5) Selecting the best solution.

Question of policy

A question about whether a specific course of action should or should not be taken.

Criteria

Standards on which a judgment or decision can be based.

Brainstorming

A method of generating ideas by free association of words and thoughts.

Consensus

A group decision that is acceptable to all members of the group.