We have investigated a new continuum γ -ray spectroscopy technique which is based on the detection of all emitted γ rays in a 4π detector system, and ordering them according to their energies on an event-by-event basis. The technique allows determination of gamma strength functions, and rotational damping width as a function of spin and temperature. Thus, it opens up the possibility of studying the onset of motional narrowing, order-to-chaos transition, and the mapping of the evolution of nuclear collectivity with spin and temperature. Application of the technique for preferential entry-state population, exit-channel selection, and feeding of the discrete states via selective pathways will be discussed.