The text is divided into two main parts. The first provides guidelines for understanding group dynamics, participating effectively in group discussions and being a good discussion leader. The second part provides many examples of words, phrases and sentences commonly used by English speakers to perform a variety of communicative functions, such as expressing beliefs and opinions, agreeing and disagreeing, asking for clarification and interrupting. The ability to use a wide range of such expressions appropriately improves not only communication skills, but also the fluency and naturalness of the speaker´s language.
This text is intended for use as a supplement to English conversation and advanced speaking courses, particularly those which use small group discussions as a means of practicing natural English interaction. Although the text focuses on the dynamics of small group discussions, much of the advice given also applies equally well to pair and whole-class discussions. In fact, it should be useful as well to anyone interested in improving their discussion skills in settings other than the classroom, both as a group member and as a leader.
