GROUP DISCUSSION

Those can’t discuss, argueThose can’t discuss, argueThose can’t argue, quarrelThose can’t argue, quarrelThose can’t quarrel, fight…Those can’t quarrel, fight…

Efforts by:

Vibhor Agarwal

“The aim of an argument or discussion

should not be victory, but progress”.

Meaning of Group Discussion

• Group Discussion is a modern method of assessing students personality.

• It is both a technique and an art and a comprehensive tool to judge the worthiness of the student and his appropriateness for the job.

Definition of Group Discussion

• “It is a process of examining or considering something in detail in a group.”

• It is a process of incorporating (include, encompass, involve) views of different team members to reach a common goal.”

Points to know…

• The term suggests a discussion among a group of persons.

• Normal duration of a G.D: 15 to 20 mins.• Don't ever make the mistake of addressing the

panel members.• The GD is between you and the other members,

not the panel members. • You must avoid even looking at the panel members

while the GD is in progress.• Just ignore their existence.

Points to know…

• Seating arrangements: Circular or semi circular• Addressing the members in the beginning: Dear

Friends. Later: He or She.• Selecting a leader: Not supposed to select a leader.

A leader emerges automatically.

• Papers allowed for writing: Depends on the organizer.

• When the topic is not clear: Do not ask the panel members. Wait for someone else to begin and learn.

• Being the starter of a discussion: Only if you know the topic well.

• Use of examples: always attracts

• GD is elimination or selection process: Generally a selection process.

• Making a summary at the end: Good thing to do as it proves your leadership qualities.

• Speaking often gives an edge over others: The one who speaks the most is often not selected.

Why a Group Discussion?( Purpose of Group Discussions) Purpose of Group Discussions)

• Group discussions are often used for selecting candidates after the written test for employment.

• They also provide us with an avenue to train ourselves in various interpersonal skills.

• Used to solve problems and finding solutions.

Advantages of Group Discussion

• It helps to generate new ideas.• It helps to understand a subject deeply.• It improves your ability to think critically.• It helps in solving a particular problem.• It helps the group to make a particular

decision.• It improves your listening skills.• It increases your confidence in speaking.

Advantages of Group Discussion

• It can change your attitude.• It gives an opportunity to hear other

person’s opinion.• It enables a participant to put across his

view point.• It can change your opinion and show you

things from a different perspective.

Contd.

• Stimulation of thinking in a new way. • Expansion of knowledge.• Understanding of your strengths and

weaknesses.• Your true personality is revealed and qualities of

leadership crystallize.• Provides chance to expose• Language skills are improved.• It enhances Academic Knowledge.

Contd.

• Leadership skills are adjudged.• People handling skills.• Team work• General knowledge is tested and increased.

Types of Group Discussion• Structured group discussion• Unstructured group discussion• Role play• Group discussion with a nominated

leader• On the basis of topic• Controversial topics group discussion• Abstract topic group discussion• Case study topic group discussion

Structured Group DiscussionStructured Group Discussion

 Now-a-days most of the selectors stick to structured form of Group Discussion.

Structured Group Discussion is a style where topic is thrown to the candidates by the selectors.

Unstructured Group DiscussionUnstructured Group Discussion• In unstructured Group Discussion

candidates themselves have to decide the topic with mutual consent.

• Unstructured Group Discussion is rarely being used today.

Chairman type of Group DiscussionChairman type of Group Discussion

• Normally a Group Discussion is of egalitarian (advocating equal rights for all) nature, where all candidates are treated equally.

• The idea is to find a natural leader in the group.

Chairman type of Group DiscussionChairman type of Group Discussion

• But in the chairman type of Group Discussion a candidate is nominated as the chairperson.

• The chairperson of the group can also be elected by the members of the group.

Role PlayRole Play

• In this type of Group Discussion candidates are given a problematic situation.

• Each candidate in the group is then assigned a specific role or character to play.

• They need to solve the problem.• For example, a situation could be given where in

a spacecraft is wrecked on the moon with nine people ( or as many people as there are group members ) stranded (stuck).

• All nine people are described usually by occupation.

Role PlayRole Play

• There is a small spacecraft available which can carry back only one person to safety.

• Each person is assigned the role of one of those nine stranded persons and has to persuade the rest of the group as to why he should be the one allowed to return to the earth in the smaller spacecraft and act according to their characters.

Prerequisites of a Group Prerequisites of a Group DiscussionDiscussion

• Topic given by panelists• Planning and preparation• Knowledge with self-confidence • Communication skills/ power of speech• Presentation • Body Language and personal

appearance• Be calm and cool

Contd.

• Extensive knowledge related to state, country and globe.

• Areas are politics, sports, science & trade commerce, Industry and Technology, MNC, etc.

• Analyze the social, economical issues logistically .

• Listening skills• Co-operation

Evaluation during Group Discussion

• Interpersonal skills• Problem solving skills• Communication skills• Leadership skills • Persuasive skills

•Interpersonal skillsAbility to remain coolAbility to remain objectiveAbility to be a team playerEmotional maturity

•Problem solving skillsCreativityAbility to come up with divergent and innovative solution

•Communication SkillsListening SkillsFluency LanguagePhonetic AbilityOverall Impression

• Persuasive skillsAbility to persuade others without

hurting them.

• Leadership skills

InitiativeTeam spiritEnduranceDecision MakingOverall Impression

•Personality• Appearance• Temperament• Posture and Gesture• Mental state

• Knowledge• Depth• Analytical ability• Organization of ideas

Salient features of G.D• Topic may be given to judge your public

speaking talent.• Discussion revolves around a specific

subject.• The observer does not interfere once he

announces the topic.• Maintain cordiality and free expression

of thought and opinion.

Important points in group discussion

• Be assertive: An assertive person is direct, honest, careful about not hurting others ‘self-respect’.

• A patient listener: listening to another person is one way of showing appreciation.

• Right language : Words can make friends & right words at the right time give the best results.

Important points in group discussion

• Be analytical and fact-oriented : It is necessary to make relevant points which can be supported with facts and analyzed logically.

Accept criticismAccept criticism

• If any member of the group criticizes or disapproves a point, it is unwise to get upset or react sharply.

• In case the criticism is flimsy (unsubstantial), the same can be pointed out politely.

• Maximize participation ; one must try to contribute fully, vigorously (energetically ) & steadily throughout the discussion.

Accept criticismAccept criticism• Show leadership ability: A group discussion also

evaluates your leadership qualities.• Accept someone's point of view• Praise the argument• Express your argument with few facts, cases,

newspapers publications etc.• Express without hurting others feelings.

• Suggestions

• Never try to bluff (pretend to have knowledge).

• Practice group discussion with friends on different subjects.

Body Language in Group discussion

• Your attire should be formal and professional.

• Do not wear flashy and bright colors, too much of jewelry or heavy make-up.

• Be natural. Do not put on an accent or try to pose what you are not.

• While sitting on the chair do not slouch. • Maintain a straight and comfortable

position.

Body Language in Group discussion

• Avoid crossing arms as well as legs while seated.

• Avoid distracting habits like biting nails, clicking pens, etc.

• Avoid aggressive and dominating gestures like pointing fingers at fellow participants, raising the voice, etc.

• Understand the difference between assertive and aggressive behavior.

Contd.Contd.

• Do not stare at anybody. • Maintain soft eye contact with as many

people as you can. • Do not look down or up while speaking.• Do not be conscious of the evaluators, if

any. • Forget that you are being evaluated,

otherwise this will make you conscious of your actions and will adversely affect your behavior.

ConclusionConclusion

• Conclusion is as important as introduction.

• In some cases, the facilitator asks non speaker to conclude.

• Make sure you remember all important points discussed.

Topics of Importance frequently Topics of Importance frequently discusseddiscussed

• Is India Shining• Mobile phones / Internet – a boon or nuisance

(annoying, or vexatious)• Students focusing on software industry-good or

bad• Child marriage• India 2020• Daughters are more caring than sons• Influence of western culture in Indian Universities• Influence of computers in medical sciences

Some Do’sSome Do’s

• Listen to the subject carefully• Put down your thoughts on a paper• Initiate the discussion if you know the subject

well• Listen to others if you don’t know the subject• Support your point with some facts and

figures• Make short contribution of 25-30 seconds 3-4

times

Some Do’sSome Do’s

• Give others a chance to speak• Speak politely and pleasantly.• Respect contribution from other members. • Disagree politely and agree with what is

right. • Summarize the discussion if the group has

not reached a conclusion. 

Some Don’tsSome Don’ts

• Initiate the discussion if you do not have sufficient knowledge about the given topic.

• Over speak, intervene and snatch other’s chance to speak.

• Argue and shout during the GD• Look at the evaluators or a particular group

member• Talk irrelevant things and distract the discussion• Pose negative body gestures like touching the

nose, leaning back on the chair, knocking the table with a pen etc.

Some Dont’sSome Dont’s

• Mention erratic statistics (Lacking consistency or uniformity).

• Display low self confidence with shaky voice and trembling hands.

• Try to dominate the discussion• Put others in an embarrassing situation by asking

them to speak if they don’t want.