Speaking in Academic Contexts

Academic Spoken Genres

Groupwork

Students these days will probably be expected to work in groups.

See: Speaking: Presentation

Group discussions often take the following form:

A. GROUP DISCUSSION

B. REPORTS BY GROUPS TO CLASS

Stages

Typical stages in a group discussion include:

1. Introduction

1.1 Welcome

1.2 Introducing yourself

1.3 Introducing your colleagues

1.4 Making a plan

2 Making your presentation

2.1 Introducing the topic

2.2 Making a statement of intention

2.3 Giving the information in detail

2.3.1 Defining terms

2.3.2 Description

2.3.3 Sequencing

2.3.4 Describing graphs and figures

2.3.5 Describing similarities and differences / Comparing and contrasting

2.3.6 Classifying

2.3.7 Illustrating a point – giving examples and referring to research

2.4.8 Amplification of a point

2.4.9 Explaining a point

2.4.10 Emphasising a point

2.4 Checking that people are following

2.5 Summarising and concluding

2.6 Inviting others to contribute

3 Controlling the discussion

3.1 Chairing the discussion

3.2 Changing the subject – moving on

3.3 Speeding up things

3.4 Directing the discussion

3.5 Drawing attention to a breakdown in communication

3.6 Coming to a conclusion

4 Participating in the discussion

4.1 Interrupting politely

4.2 Asking questions – asking for more information/clarification/opinions

4.3 Following up a question.

4.4 Stating a point of view – supporting your view

4.5 Agreeing and disagreeing – challenging and commenting

4.6 Expressing doubt and reservation

4.7 Making suggestions

4.8 Advising and persuading

4.9 Apologising

4.10 Encouraging

4.11 Checking – making sure that you have understood

4.12 Holding the floor – preventing interruptions

5. Ending

5.1 Summarising

5.2 Thanking

5.3 Saying goodbye