When group objectives, or objective of the specific meeting or meeting segment, can be accurately communicated to the speakers. When the group standards, social control, and identity are such that the more formal means of presentation the symposium technique is acceptable to the group. When formality in presentation is not a major hindrance to group listening and learning. When one is relatively sure that the level of communication used by the speakers will be understandable to the group. When group members have the ability and skills to take related ideas presented indifferent speech segments, by different people, and integrate them into a meaningful whole. When the presentation of different points of view represented in a heterogeneous group is thought to be necessary. when interaction among participants is not thought to be necessary. When it is believed that the group is not mature enough to handle differences in opinions and/or conflict situations which may arise in open discussion of the subject problem among group members. when the size of the group is too large to allow for total group involvement and there is a desire to present different points of view.