Requirement 1 (C)
Requirement
Communication
Track Communication Activities
Do ONE of the following:
Requirement
In a small-group setting, meet with other Scouts or with friends. Have them share personal stories about significant events in their lives that affected them in some way. Take note of how each Scout participates in the group discussion and how effectively each Scout communicates their story. Report what you have learned to your counselor about the differences you observed in effective communication.
Leading Small-Group Discussions
Leading a small-group discussion can be a rewarding experience. Whether you’re in Scouts, school, or on a team, you may have opportunities to guide conversations. Common types of group discussions include:
Work groups
Collaborating on tasks
Focus groups
Evaluating products or services
Brainstorming groups
Generating new ideas
Be Prepared, to
Facilitate!
Facilitating a small group discussion takes preparation. Use this guide to help you plan and organize your session effectively.
Suggested Questions to Guide Your Group Conversation
Group discussions may occasionally drift off topic, so gently steer the conversation back when needed. Encourage participants to share their personal experiences and ideas, and make sure everyone has enough time to speak.
Provide the group with a series of questions
Can you think of a time in your life that really changed how you see things?
What kind of experiences have shaped the way you think today?
What stories can you tell that affected you in some way?
Use follow-up questions to move the conversation along!
- What were you feeling in that moment?
- What did you learn from the experience?
- What would you want others to learn from your experience?
- Why do you think that event had such an impact on you?
Observe your group!
As you begin the conversation with your group, take note of who appears curious and who seems more reserved. Pay attention to Scouts demonstrating active listening behaviors—such as maintaining eye contact, nodding, or leaning in. Are they clearly articulating their thoughts and sharing meaningful details? Do they connect their emotions to their experiences? Observe whether the group is building on each other’s stories and showing signs of empathic listening or making thoughtful connections.
Tips:
To support Scouts with disabilities or those learning English, provide various options for participating in group discussions—such as speaking, writing, drawing, or using assistive tools. Do not forget to allow enough time for participants to gather their thoughts to speak.
Use a talking object (like a Scout stave or totem) to signal whose turn it is to speak so that everyone is allowed a chance to contribute to the conversation.
Now that you have observed others communicate in a small group discussion,
list the different ways you can communicate with others and decide when each method is appropriate or inappropriate.
