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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare for discussion forums
   • Prepare lines of questioning for forum based on thorough analysis of research undertaken by production personnel
   • Discuss forum topics with key participants to identify directions in which on-air discussion might go, where appropriate
   • Research further to cover additional angles revealed in preliminary discussions with key participants, if necessary
   • Brief participants on relevant legislation and broadcasting codes of practice that may impact what they can say
   • Identify where key participants will be seatedinconsultation with production personnel
   • Rehearse or role-play discussions with production personnel to identify gaps in preparation and refine proposed line of questioning accordingly
2. Conduct discussion forums
   • Conduct a warm-up session prior with audience prior to start of forum, if appropriate
   • Introduce topic and follow a line of questioning that allows differing opinions to be aired in a way that stimulates constructive debate among participants
   • Chair discussion in planned direction, but at the same time, ask questions that allow participants freedom to express their views
   • Identify additional lines of questioning by listening carefully to participants’ comments and ask questions that show a thorough understanding of the topic under discussion
   • Resolve conflicts that arise between participants in a way that moves the discussion forward while acknowledging the validity of differing viewpoints and paying due respect to the public profile of individual participants
   • Adopt an interview style that elicits the best possible response from participants
   • Respond to cues from production personnel without disrupting the flow of discussion
   • Link audio and visual material as required
   • Conclude discussions by summarising key points succinctly and clearly, and thanking participants for their contribution
3. Evaluate discussion forums
   • Participate in debriefing sessions with production personnel to identify strengths and weaknesses of discussion forums and in-depth interviews
   • Document outcome of debriefing sessions according to enterprise procedures
   • Reflect on own performance and note areas for improvement

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

analyse and use research material effectively in preparing for interviews and discussion forums

prepare and conduct discussion forums covering a range of topics and involving a number of participants

demonstrate effective moderation, listening, questioning and non-verbal communication techniques in the forum or interview context

work collaboratively with production personnel to ensure forum or interview is conducted as planned

critically evaluate forum or interview and document own performance in conjunction with production personnel.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

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Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

list and describe different types of questions and give an example of when each might be used

describe a range of interview styles and when to use them

analyse and discuss dynamics of group discussions, including techniques for facilitating contributions from all participants

provide examples that show how audio and visual materials can support discussions

identify and outline laws, regulations and broadcasting codes of practice relevant to broadcasting.

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