Group Interaction Skills

Warm-up question: Which of the following is NOT a good practice in a group discussion/interaction task?

• Greet your partners

• Ask a question for more information from your partners

• Keep talking about your own ideas

• Explain with reasons and examples

Answer explanation

A discussion means you and other people should talk about their opinions on a topic, not only ONE person keep talking. It’s DISCUSSION!

[Turn taking skill] Which one of the following is the BEST way to move on to other students in a discussion?

• “How about you?”

• “Do you think the price fits all students, Candidate A?”

• “What do you think?”

• “Do you agree?”

Answer explanation

Unless you have a very detailed explanation before you move on to others, make sure your question is SPECIFIC enough.

[Situation] What should you do if another student and you all want to start a discussion at the same time?

• Overlap his/her voice by speaking louder

• Stay silent

• Tell him/her to let you speak first

• Use a hand gesture to show that he/she may speak first

Answer explanation

In 2023 HKDSE report, it was said that a common problem, which led to mark deduction in general, is that students all want to speak at the same time at the beginning - a way to show that they are the "leader" of the discussion to get more marks. This is not always useful. Show your politeness to others and the examiners!

What should the first speaker (sometimes he/she becomes the leader in a discussion do? You can choose more than one answers.

• introduce the topic

• keep everyone on track

• talk for 1 minute non-stop to clearly explain yourself

• sustain the conversation / keep the conversation going

What is the problem of student A in this discussion? He/she didn't __________ to others with reasons/elaboration.

Answer explanation

Responding to others is IMPORTANT in a group discussion. Simply saying "yeah" or "I agree" is NEVER a good choice to make in a discussion. Add your ideas!

What is the problem of the boy in blue? He does not have any eye ___________ with others.

Answer explanation

Eye contact is important because it shows you are interested in what others say and engaged in the discussion.

[Situation] If you want to disagree with someone in a discussion, what should you say?

• "I disagree with you."

• "You are wrong."

• "You might be right, but..."

• "Do you think you are smart?"

Answer explanation

Being polite is important in a group discussion! Do not directly disagree with people.

[Clarification] What is the most effective way to ask for clarification during a group discussion?

• "What do you mean?"

• "Huh?"

• "I don't understand, can you repeat?"

• "Can you explain that a bit more?"

Answer explanation

You need to make sure the way you ask others is clear - which means people know what and how to reply to you.

Which of the following demonstrates good communication skills in a discussion?

• Looking at your note card

• Nodding and maintaining eye contact

• Daydreaming while others talk

• Interrupting to share your thoughts

If you have time (let's say around 30 seconds) left before the end of the discussion, you should try to draw a _________________ to wrap up the conversation.