Discussion Skills

Why do we have discussions at University?
Reasons For Having a Discussion
It helps you to understand a subject more deeply.
It improves your ability to think critically.
It helps in solving a particular problem.
It helps the group to make a particular decision.
It gives you the chance to hear other students' ideas.
It improves your listening skills.
It increases your confidence in speaking.
It can change your attitudes. 
Strategies for Improving Discussion Skills for Tutorials & Seminars

Asking questions and joining in discussions are important skills for university study. If you find it difficult to speak or ask questions in tutorials, try the following strategies.

Observe

Attend as many seminars and tutorials as possible and notice what other students do. Ask yourself:
How do other students make critical comments?
How do they ask questions?
How do they disagree with or support arguments?
What special phrases do they use to show politeness even when they are voicing disagreement?
How do they signal to interrupt, ask a question or make a point?

Practise

Start practising your discussion skills in an informal setting or with a small group. Start with asking questions of fellow students. Ask them about the course material. Ask for their opinions. Ask for information or ask for help.

Participate

Take every opportunity to take part in social/informal discussions as well as more structured/formal discussion. Start by making small contributions to tutorial discussions; prepare a question to ask, or agree with another speaker's remarks.

 
Discussion Etiquette (or minding your manners)

Do
Speak pleasantly and politely to the group.
Respect the contribution of every speaker.
Remember that a discussion is not an argument. Learn to disagree politely.
Think about your contribution before you speak. How best can you answer the question/ contribute to the topic?
Try to stick to the discussion topic. Don't introduce irrelevant information.
Be aware of your body language when you are speaking.
Agree with and acknowledge what you find interesting.

Don't
Lose your temper. A discussion is not an argument.
Shout. Use a moderate tone and medium pitch.
Use too many gestures when you speak. Gestures like finger pointing and table thumping can appear aggressive.
Dominate the discussion. Confident speakers should allow quieter students a chance to contribute.
Draw too much on personal experience or anecdote. Although some tutors encourage students to reflect on their own experience, remember not to generalise too much.
Interrupt. Wait for a speaker to finish what they are saying before you speak. 
Leading a Discussion

You may be in a seminar group that requires you to lead a group discussion, or lead a discussion after an oral presentation. You can demonstrate leadership by:
introducing yourself and the members of the group
stating the purpose of the discussion
inviting quiet group members to speak
being objective
summarising the discussion
Group Discussions
Chairing a Group Discussion

When chairing a discussion group you must communicate in a positive way to assist the speakers in accomplishing their objective. There are at least four leadership skills you can use to influence other people positively and help your group achieve its purpose. These skills include:
introducing the topic and purpose of the discussion,
making sure all members have approximately the same time, (i.e. no one dominates the discussion by taking too much time)
thanking group members for their contribution
being objective in summarising the group's discussion and achievements. 
Introducing the Speakers and the Purpose of the Discussion

Introduce your Speakers and the topic of discussion. For example:

Hello, welcome to Oral Report. I am Geraldine Cheung and today I have with me [introduce the speakers] . . . We are going to discuss the issues raised over the above the ground cables required for cable TV. First I would like to ask Wayne to explain his company's position in the current controversy . . .

 
Further Reading

Ballard, B. & Clanchy, J., Study Abroad, Longman, 1984

Hollett et al., In at the Deep End, Oxford University Press, 1989.

Oxford Wallace, M., Study Skills in English, 1980. 1 May 2002.