TYPES OF GROUP DISCUSSIONS (GD)

TYPES OF GROUP DISCUSSIONS (GD)

Types of Group Discussions (GD’s)

There are roughly four types of group discussion topics:

• Factual speech topics
• Controversial and argumentative issues
• Abstract discussion material
• Case studies

Factual topics for a group are – as the word says – about facts. This is a sample list of speech topics on current issues and facts:

1. Conspiracy is a very common form of political behaviour.
2. The pros and cons of having a credit card.
3. A chain gang is a modern form of slavery.
4. Why drinking and driving is dangerous to yourself and others.
5. Passive smoking is equally harmful.
6. The economic boycott causes most of the problems in Cuba.
7. International trade barriers work.
8. City curfews help to prevent juvenile crime and to protect youth from victimization.
9. The U.N. is mainly based on diplomacy and enhancing relationships.
10. Affirmative action draws people to work they never considered before.

A controversial group discussion topic is a speech topic that has many controversies, pros and cons. Keep in mind that all current group discussion topics are not my opinion, but just a sample list of speech topics!

1. Sustainable urban living without the use of excessive natural resources must be our future.
2. Are there extraterrestrials who influence events on Earth?
3. Marijuana has a medical value.
4. Direct mail is a special form of junk mail.
5. The pros and cons of a female President.
6. Online dating chats have nothing to do with a search for a soul mate.
7. Should schools distribute condoms?
8. Most people support embryonic stem cell research.
9. Life imprisonment is a good alternative to capital punishment.
10. What is wrong with child labor?

Abstract group discussion topics are things that cannot be touched, not be easily defined or formulated. Just think in a creative manner and start a vivid group discussion with one of these abstract topics to talk about:

1. The Nostradamus Code
2. Breast Implants
3. Bribery in Business
4. Computer Viruses
5. Bigamy
6. Hidden Persuaders
7. Moral Majority
8. The Hippocratic Oath
9. Political Correctness
10. Vegetarianism

The fourth type of group discussion topics are so-called case studies. You determine a problem and together with the other group members you have to find a satisfying solution. These are small group discussion topic ideas. Just modify and alter where necessary, these are just guiding light topic ideas:

1. Leadership – What necessary changes are needed in your community organization and how do you want to lead the process?
2. Malpractice Insurance – Doctors walk out on the job to protest the rising malpractice insurance costs. What to do about it?
3. Work Ethics – Can we shape workers who have the sense that they serve the company ánd community?
4. School Violence – What are the real causes of violence and bullying in Schools?
5. Recycling – Sort out how to make money with recycling.
6. Dropouts – Individual attention in safe schools and smaller classes; is that the way to stop students to drop out?
7. Iraq – What are the best exit strategies?
8. Speech Privacy – What are the best technologies to safeguard the right of free speech privacy on the internet?
9. Minimum Wage – Why should we have a minimum wage or why not?
10. Burnout – Should everybody check his or herself of burnout signs? How?

Tip: try to make an inventory of various angles of view and opinions of the group discussion topics.