Group Dynamics and Speech Techniques

These flashcards cover key concepts related to group dynamics, speech techniques, and decision-making processes.

Group

A collection of people who…

• Interact regularly

• Are interdependent

• Share common goals

• Have a defined structure

• Follow explicit rules and implicit norms.

Advantages of Group Work

Benefits include…

• More resources

• Diverse perspectives

• Error detection

• Buy-in from members

• Faster task completion.

Disadvantages of Group Work

Social loafing, where some members do less work expecting others to pick up the slack.

Cohesiveness

When group members feel connected and loyal to each other, which can enhance communication and satisfaction but may lead to reduced productivity due to groupthink.

Groupthink

A situation where group members avoid conflict to maintain harmony, leading to poor decision-making and a lack of critical feedback.

Rules vs Norms

• Rules are formal (meeting starts at 6pm)

• Norms are informal (don’t interrupt)

Task Roles

Roles that keep the group focused on achieving its goals, such as idea sharer and researcher.

Social Roles

Roles that help maintain group harmony, such as encourager and harmonizer.

Dysfunctional Roles

Roles that distract or sabotage a group, such as a blocker or clown.

Reflective Thinking Method

Reminder: Always define goals before brainstorming solutions.

Four Stages of Group Decision-Making

The stages include

1. Orientation – Get to know each other and task

2. Conflict – Different ideas surface

3. Emergence – Group finds common ground

4. Reinforcement – Support decision, build unity

Tip: Conflict isn’t bad—it helps refine ideas.

Majority Rule

A decision-making process where the option with the most votes wins.

Consensus

A decision-making process where all group members agree on the decision.

Steps to planning a speech

1. Choose a topic

2. Define purpose

3. Write purpose statement

4. State thesis

5. Gather info

6. Verify sources

Outlines

• Rough: brainstorm

• Working: draft structure

• Speaking: polished, for delivery

Informative Speech

A speech that aims to explain a topic clearly to the audience.

Persuasive Speech

A speech intended to change the beliefs or behaviors of the audience.

Audience Analysis

The process of tailoring a speech's message based on the demographics, interests, and values of the audience.

Introduction Parts

An introduction should include an

• Attention-getter

• A preview of main points

• Setting the tone

• Showing importance

• Establishing credibility.

“Imagine training all year—only to be sidelined by injury. Today, I’ll discuss how strength training prevents sports injuries. As a track athlete, I’ve experienced this firsthand."

Conclusion Parts

1. Restate thesis

2. Review main points

3. Leave lasting impression

Tip: End with a memorable quote or call to action.

Types of Delivery

1. Manuscript: Eeading a speech from a script word-for-word

2. Memorized: When the speaker commits the entire speech from memory.

3. Impromptu: On the spot, without prior preparation.

4. Extemporaneous: A spoken presentation that is prepared and practiced but not memorized, allowing for flexibility in delivery.

Speech Anxiety

• Facilitative: motivates you (normal nerves)

• Debilitative: blocks performance (extreme fear)

Sources of anxiety

• Past failures

• Fallacies:

  • Perfection – must be flawless

  • Approval – must please everyone

  • Catastrophe – fear of disaster

Toulmin Model

• Claim: “We should recycle more”

• Evidence: “Landfills are overflowing”

• Warrant: “Reducing waste helps the environment”

Aristotle’s Appeals

Rhetorical strategies:

1. Logos: Logic – “Statistics show…”

2. Ethos: Credibility – “As a personal trainer…”

3. Pathos: Emotion – “Imagine your child breathing polluted air”

Logical Fallacies

• Ad hominem: attack person, not idea

• Reduction to absurd: exaggerate logic

• Either-or: limit options unfairly

• False cause: wrong cause-effect

• Appeal to authority: quote unqualified person

• Bandwagon: “Everyone’s doing it!”

Informative Speech Patterns

• Chronological: history of topic

• Spatial: describing layout

• Topical: categories or parts

• Cause-effect: explain reasons and outcomes

• Problem-solution

• Monroe’s Motivated Sequence: a persuasive technique that organizes a speech into five steps: attention, need, satisfaction, visualization, and action.

Persuasive Speech Organization

• Problem-solution: define issue, offer fix

• Refutational: address opposing view, disprove it

• Comparative advantage: show why your option is better

Tip: Choose structure based on audience agreement level.