Effective Discussion Skills

Effective discussions are necessary for effective meetings, which in turn are necessary
for effective teams. Every team meeting should include actions that facilitate the
process of discussion. The following techniques are presented in the framework of
team meetings, but they are useful whenever an effective discussion is important.
Effective Discussion Skills
Skill

Note

Ask for
Clarification

If you are unclear about the topic being discussed

or the logic in another person's arguments, ask
someone to define the purpose, focus or limits of
the discussion. Ask members to repeat ideas in
different ways.

Act as
Gatekeepers

Encourage more-or-less equal participation among

group members by "throttling" dominators. Make
openings for less aggressive members by directly
asking their opinions or making a general request
for input.

Listen

Actively explore one another's ideas rather than

debating or defending each idea that comes up.

Summarize

Occasionally compile what's been said and restate

it to the group in summary form. Follow a
summary with a question to check for agreement.

Contain
Digression

Do not permit overlong examples or irrelevant

discussion.

Manage Time

If portions of the agenda take longer than

expected, remind the team of deadlines and time
allotments so work can be either accelerated or
postponed, or time rebudgeted appropriately.

End the
Discussion

Learn to tell when there is nothing to be gained

from further discussion. Help the team close a
discussion and decide the issue.

Test for
Consensus
Constantly
Evaluate the
Meeting
Process

Summarize the group's position on an issue, state

the decision that seems to have been made, and
check whether the team agrees with the summary.
Throughout the meeting assess the quality of
discussion. Ask: Are we getting what we want
from this discussion? If not, what can we do
differently in the remaining time?

Source:
The Team Handbook, Peter Scholtes and other contributors, pg. 4-6 - 4-7. Portions of
these materials are copyrighted by Oriel Incorporated, formerly Joiner Associates Inc
and are used here with permission. Further reproductions are prohibited without written
consent of Oriel Incorporated. Call 1-800-669-8326 http://www.orielinc.com/
PCP Node: 4.4.2