Roundtable discussions involve a group sitting in a circle to discuss an issue and share opinions. They work best with 6-8 people to encourage participation from all. The presenter should prepare main discussion points and questions to stimulate conversation. When facilitating, the presenter should stay on topic, avoid dominating, and move the discussion along smoothly. Different formats like going around the table or taking volunteer speakers can structure who contributes. The goal is for all attendees to have an open and equal chance to provide input to the topic.

2. Discussion Group
ELOCUCION AND COMPOSITION II
JENNELLE MARTES
OSCAR DELGADO

3. Introduction
Whenever you hear someone suggest a roundtable,
do you roll your eyes and say “Here we go again?”
Why is that?
Roundtables usually end up having 1 person take the spotlight by talking on and
on. Most of the time, they mention all the ideas in the room.
They are a great source of ideas, but you need to be careful how you organize
and manage it.

4. What is a group/roundtable
discussion?
 Group sits down in a circle to discuss an issue,
share opinions, strategies, tactics, creation,
maintenance or just brainstorm.
 ROUNDtable; the table has no beginning and
no end. Everybody has a say and should be
considered equal.
 45 minutes ( 15min presentation, 30min
discussion & feedback)

5. Presenter
 It will be mostly discussion, but you need to prepare.
 Set your main points that you want to cover.
 Practice until you are comfortable sharing your ideas.
 Bring handouts with info that you wish to share with your
attendees. (include; a)key lessons to be learned, b) list of
resources, and c) Contact info.)
 Have questions ready to stimulate the discussion.

6. Suggestions for facilitating a RT
 Familiarize yourself with the topic
 Stay on the topic
 Avoid answering your own questions
 Stay active and involved in the discussion
 Maintain a positive attitude / good posture
 Move discussion to next point when needed
 Do not allow only 1 person to take charge of the round table

7. Purposes
 Discussion
 Achieve a common goal
 Ease the work in the evaluation of speaking
 Interaction

8. Aspects to be considered
6-8 people to keep a lively discussion
16 people the most, in larger groups not everybody will participate effectively.
The course of discussion must be outlined, but it can change.
DG are supposed to be in relaxed environments, some sources cite that smoking
should be permitted.

9. Aspects to be considered
Everybody has to be able to keep face contact with everybody
In business, managers spend up 50% of their time in DG.
Everybody who participates must have an open mind.
Nothing should be taken as personal in academic DG.

10. Formats
AROUND THE WORLD FORMAT VOLUNTEER FORMAT
 Start on one side and move one-by-  You get people who actually want
one around the table until everyone to speak
has had a chance to speak. Each has
a max of 2 min.  You have to watch out that 1
person doesn’t dominate the
 Has it’s benefits; you get more ideas discussion
 It will take a long time  Give chance when others raise
their hands to speak

11. Types of group discussion
ACCORDING TO PURPOSE ACCORDING TO AUDIENCE
Decision-making: Closed-group discussion:
to make decisions for the future members discuss only to each other
Enlightenment: Public discussion:
to inform members discuss only to each
other, but with audience

12. Forms of discussion group
Committee:
subgroup of an organization. it works for decision-making.
Round table:
share and enlighten those taking part in the discussion
Panel:
group that discusses in front of an audience

13. Time to Present!
 Arrive early and greet your attendees who are arriving.
 Speak clearly.
 Offer your personal insights.
 Encourage questions and discussion, and equal participation from everyone.
 If you have few attendees, let each introduce themselves and give their own
opinion.
 Try to discuss 1 topic at a time, and not stray in different directions.
 Always recap what was covered at the end of the round table.

14. How to continue or extend the
discussion
 Don’t force people to talk if they don’t want to
INSTEAD!
Provide access to generate discussion
 Use computers to look for particular information
Record what was said by using:
 Use flipcharts
 Mind map on a screen
 Word document

15. Post
discussion
If you have materials
that you want to
share, that might be
beneficial to your
attendees; create a
sign up sheet to pass
around asking for
their emails.

16. Conclusion