10 Tips For Small Group Communication Apr 24 '00    Write an essay on this topic. Tweet 1.The setting could be a class discussion, a family get-together, a club meeting, a gathering around a table at Food Service, the meeting of a study group or even a party; some guidelines apply to each. 2.The spoken word is of central importance as is non-verbal communication. According to some estimates, the non-verbal parts account for between 60 and 90 percent of the total communication in face to face interactions. That would include gesture, appearance, voice inflection, volume and pitch, use of space, and position. 3.Acknowledge people's presence, especially if you are the convenor of the group. Give people individualized attention as much as possible. Show that you know their names and something about them. With people you have known awhile, show you know the latest about them. If you don't know, ask. With long-held acquaintances, make comments that reflect the depth of shared memories. Acknowledge the presence of the recognized sub-groups. 4.Figure out the topic at hand. In organized meetings, you might have the help of pre-set agendas. In informal gatherings it is often about figuring out mutual areas of interest. Learn to ask questions and take interest in people. Finding common ground is an art cultivated with sustained efforts over long periods of time. 5.Be aware of the isms: racism, sexism, ageism, classism, heterosexism, physicalism, adultism, and elitism. Be sensitive. Ask when unsure. Acknowledge and apologize for unintended insensitivities and move on. 6.Learn to make small talk. "Nice tie" or "Nice pin" would do. 7.Some careers and lifestyles require more networking than others, but most of us create a library of friends and acquaintances during our lifetimes anyway. We do this by constantly making new friends and keeping in touch with old ones. 8.Conversation is the art of having something to say each time you meet someone and managing to sound interesting. This could be a statement, or a question. It is the art of being able to dig the Topic. 9.People like the feel of being needed. Ask them about what they know. You cultivate relationships that way. Ask people for their opinions; seek their feedback. Asking questions might be easier even than making small talk, if you have the humility to do it. 10.Learn to say Thank You. Thank people for things small and large. Thank people who get paid anyway for what they do. Still thank them. Thank those who go out of their way to help you. Thank strangers for their random acts of kindness. Learn to say, "I am sorry." Learn to say "Please." Learn to empathize.

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