Group communication: types, objectives and characteristics.

A summary about the characteristics of group communication and its different types of forms.

Have you ever heard of the concept of group communication? Do you know what its purpose is and how it can help us?

In this article we will see what is the concept of group communication, its different purposes and the most used techniques to carry it out. Finally, we will explain what to take into account when carrying out group communication according to a certain approach or another.

Group communication: what is it?

The concept of group communication refers to the interactive process that takes place between three or more people. Group communication is basic and important in the development of relationships between individuals, families, social groups, companies and even governments..

The group communication process can be carried out through different communication techniques. Each technique has its own characteristics depending on the objectives to be achieved with such group communication.

Purposes of this communicative process

As we have already mentioned, there are a series of objectives to be achieved through group communication.

Among the different purposes for creating group communication activities and, in general terms, the most relevant purposes are the following: to foster the feeling of belonging to a group, to a "we", to stimulate people to think, reason, and listen actively..

On the other hand, these group communication circles are also intended to promote interpersonal cooperation and empathy, enhance personal qualities and virtues (creativity, autonomy, responsibility, social skills...), face intrapersonal barriers of fear of rejection, irrational fears, feelings of superiority or inferiority, etc.

It is also intended to build, develop and share positive attitudes towards different situations (for example, in Alcoholics Anonymous groups).

Techniques used

Since there are different purposes for the development of group communication activities, there are different group communication techniques for each purpose. Let us see what they consist of.

1. Techniques of study or deepening of the topic

These techniques consist of the meeting of a group of people (usually experts in a particular field. For example, a commission of doctors to discuss the diagnosis of a patient) to reach common conclusions.

These techniques are also used to promote ideas (brainstorming) on a specific topic. For example, to find a series of solutions or measures to be taken to deal with a specific problem or conflict.

2. Techniques for the presentation of a topic

This section includes congresses, symposia and round tables.. Basically, different ideas, concepts and information on a specific topic are presented.

The speakers in the group are usually specialists in some field, e.g., researchers in the field of oncology. They meet at congresses and share their results and advances in their respective research.

The idea is to share information that may be of interest to other members of the group. In this type of group communication, there is not usually a conductor and, if there is one, it is the person who presents the congress or the speakers' presentations.

Dialogue or interview techniques

Dialogue techniques consist of dynamics in which a group of people engage in a dialogue or interview a person of interest, usually an expert in a particular field.who is usually an expert in some field. For example, a group of journalists conduct a televised interview with a politician.

These techniques can also be applied to what are known as "simultaneous dialogues", in which a group of people are separated by a few minutes.in which a group of people are separated into two subgroups to discuss a particular topic. Total freedom to give one's opinion is encouraged.

A group of alcoholics anonymous, for example, would consist of this type of communication, in which there is ample freedom to discuss something, give one's opinion, express one's feelings or sensations, etc., without anyone being judged.

4. Discussion or debate techniques

In this case, discussion techniques are applied to guided discussions or forums. In these types of group communication, the peculiarity lies in the fact that there is the figure of the coordinator or moderator of the debate..

This coordinator guides and directs the debate, so that all members of the debate can exercise their right to give their opinion.

5. Dramatization techniques

Finally, there are dramatization techniques, which are applied, for example, to theatrical performances for social, recreational or therapeutic purposes.

Real situations or role-playing are usually represented.. For example, in therapies to work on empathy.

How to choose the most appropriate group communication technique?

The factors to take into account when choosing the technique that best suits the objectives we want to achieve are:

1. Objectives

As we have already seen, the essence of all group communication lies in its objectives.. Sometimes the aim is to disseminate or share information on a topic, as in the case of scientific conferences or symposiums, for example. If the aim is to provide therapy to deal with a common problem, we will opt for group communication based on dialogue.

2. Group characteristics

It is important to take into account the characteristics of the group: sex, age, social group, experiences, interests, etc., in order to be able to establish the dynamics best adapted to the group. establish the dynamics that best adapt to the group.It is also important to take into account whether we are interested in a homogeneous group in these aspects or not.

3. Size of the group

The number of people who will be part of the group communication is important, since different types of communication and degrees of trust are established depending on the size of the group..

We should consider whether we are interested in a small group, to build trust and encourage people to open up, or larger groups with a multitude of opinions on a topic.

4. Physical space

Physical space is also a limiting factor when establishing group communication dynamics, as well as the type of space available.

If we are going to bring people together to talk about a loss, for example, in bereavement therapy, a non-hostile environment is important, it is important to have a non-hostile, calm and caring environment.etc.

5. Experience and capacity of the group leader (if there is one).

Finally, it is important to decide if there should be a communication leader or if all the components of the group will have the same role and participation, depending on the topics to be discussed and in what way.

Bibliographical references:

• De Miguel Pascual, R. (2007). Fundamentals of human communication. Editorial Club Universitario. Alicante.
• Fonseca Yerena, M.S. (2005). Oral Communication. Fundamentals and strategic practice. Pearson Educacion. Mexico.
• Rodrigo Alsina, M. (2001). Teorías de la comunicación: ámbitos, métodos y perspectivas. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Servei de publicacions. Bellaterra.