Some people need the protection or the encouragement of other group members to speak what is on their minds. This point follows naturally after the one stated above. If minorities are not allowed to speak, dissident opinions are not heard and groups can be handicapped. While it is true that minority groups may slow down a group as it moves toward its goal or finalizes a plan, minority groups have a very important part in balancing the thinking and communication of a group and should be heard and listened to, . Many of them who talk do so because it seems to be the thing to do.
Contributions are frequently emotionally flat.
Groups that develop adequate communication patterns have generally spent time analyzing why they have not communicated effectively at certain times. These groups spend time assisting each other to effectively and clearly say what they feel. Members should accept the idea of sharing their feelings and opinions and educate group members to speak freely. Many group members identify themselves as being listeners in the group and do not speak because they feel they do not have the right to say what is on their mind. Caution should be exercised that members are not forced to speak.