Reading Time: 3 minutes Show Deciding the optimum group size for a conversation or decision-making is critical in small group work. What is the optimum size? Over the years, in running my Knowledge Cafes, I have discovered through trial and error and observation that the ideal size of a group for interactive conversation is three or four people. At the most five. Anything more than five and the conversation does not work so well: one or two people tend to dominate; the conversation breaks into two, even three; frequently one person is entirely cut out of the interaction, and there is little energy in the group. This research paper confirms my observations. Here is the abstract:
So in those workshops and conferences where people are sat in groups of 8 at large round tables (often the only tables available in hotel conference centers) or long, narrow tables, no real conversation takes place! To have a good conversation you need to be in touching distance of each other, and each person in the group needs to be equidistant. These two settings are ideal:  Far too often in small group work, the size of the group is set too large. The research shows that three or four, at the most five, is the optimal group size. Tweet This
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Status: Work in progress. CHAPTER NAVIGATIONSEARCHBlook Search Google Web Search This page is part of a blook on Conversational Leadership. Parts of this book have restricted access. You can learn more about the book and how to obtain full access on the home page. FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER 41.Which of the following numbers of participants would be considered a small group?a)15b)8c)All of these would be considered a small groupd)4 42.The stage in a small group interaction in which someone might say, "Does anyone want coffee," isgenerally the _____ stage. Get answer to your question and much more 43.In order to qualify as a group, the people must be related in which of the following ways? Get answer to your question and much more 44.Which kind of power comes from the fact that people like you? Get answer to your question and much more 45.A ____ group exists to associate with others.a)Focusb)Therapyc)Primaryd)Study 46.Small-group communication is defined as What are examples of small groups?A college learning community focused on math and science, a campaign team for a state senator, and a group of local organic farmers are examples of small groups that would all have a different size, structure, identity, and interaction pattern.
What is considered a small group in communication?Communication in small groups consists of three or more people who share a common goal and communicate collectively to achieve it. During small group communication, interdependent participants analyze data, evaluate the nature of the problem(s), decide and provide a possible solution or procedure.
Which of the following is a characteristic of a small group?For our purposes, small groups have three primary qualities: identity, goals and interdependence. Furthermore, a small group needs at least three members and possibly up to as many as 12 members, so long as the group is small enough to permit all members to freely speak and listen.
Which is an example of a small group quizlet?People riding in the same car of a commuter train constitute a small group. The establishment of formal rules is an essential aspect in the definition of a small group.
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