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Saturday, April 15, 2017

What is group discussion?

Types of Group Discussion

What is group discussion?

A Group discussion is a forum where people sit together and discuss the issue administrated to them with the common objective of discussing it in a wholesome way.

Types of Group Discussion

1.Topic-based group discussions

2.Case-based group discussion (also called Case Studies), and

3.Article-based group discussions

Topic-based group discussions

In topic based group discussions, the group members are given a topic to discuss. A topic is typically in the form of a statement (some times, the statement may not be complete. for example, the topic could be worded “The biggest problem faced by our country is………”). By the end of the discussion, the group should strive to arrive at a consensus on the issue that is covered by the topic.

Case-based group discussion ( Case Studies)

In case studies, a short description of a situation (called a “case”) is given to all the participants. The case will typically be a problem situation that requires a solution. The participants have to study the

case, analyze the problem and then discuss various situations to the problem.

Article-based group discussions

Article-based GD cover wide range of areas, like current affairs, politics, economics, technology etc………….

The participants are given 4-5 minutes to read the article and are then asked to hold a regular group discussion of around 10-15 minutes on the article.

The topic that are given in group discussion are of two types:

knowledge based topics

Knowledge based topics require of you some topical knowledge. An example is “India should withdraw from WTO” Here unless you know something about the WTO, what other countries have done, what India’s view are on the matter etc…., you will not be able to speak effectively . Knowledge-based topics mostly cover current economic issues as well as current non-economic issues.

knowledge-based topics fall into different categories based on the type of knowledge required. Some of the important categories of knowledge-based topics are listed below:

Economic topics

In this type of topics, you should be very strong in content. In order to exhibit good knowledge, you should be thorough with facts and figures about the national economy. You should be familiar with critical economic indicators such as GDP, the plan outlay, sectoral allocations from the budget, trade and fiscal balances, export and import items and values, banking concepts and interest rates, stock indices, etc..

Eg: “India should slow down the pace of liberalization”

“The economics of technology driven systems do not help developing nations”

Social topics
When you are discussing social topics, you should be clear about both the ‘generic’ nature of the topics and the specific ‘manifestations of the social issue.
Eg: “Dowry continues to haunt Indian brides”

“Education should become a fundamental right”

Political topic

Topics with politics as the basic content frequently feature in group discussions. These topics can easily drag the not-very-careful participant into a trap of emotional expressions.

Eg: “Coalition on politics in a poor country like India is a drain on the national economy”

“Plans to attract foreign investment”

Sports/Films related topics

Topics concerning films or sports are also common in number of GDs. Recently included tournaments like the world cup or thr Olympics games can be the subject matter for a number of GD topics.

Eg: “Should India announce a sports holiday?” ” Cricket is like opium to India masses?

IT based topics

In this era of the information technology revolution, it is natural that topics based on IT or IT enabled service like BPO feature prominently amongst the list of topics for discussion.

Eg: we need more money to Fertilize crops rather than to increase band width”

The BPO bubble will also burst the way the dot-com bubble did”

Non-knowledge based topics

Common, day-to -day knowledge is sufficient to do a good job of talking about such topics

Concrete topics

Concrete topics are those about which there can be clear-cut views among the participants of a group discussion. There will hardly be any scope for varied interpretation, unlike in case of abstract topic.

Eg: “Love marriage are better than arranged marriages”

“Girls make better children than boys”

Abstract topics

Abstract topics are those about which the interpretation itself can vary from person to person. Here you don’t need need any formal knowledge to discuss such topics and your worldly knowledge is sufficient.

Eg: “The farther we look the closer we are”

“Green is better than red”

Group Discussion- Frequently Asked Questions

Group Discussion- Frequently Asked Questions

Group Discussion- Frequently Asked Questions And Explanation

What is the normal duration of a GD?

A GD is generally of 15-20 minutes duration.

How many panel members are there to evaluate?

There are usually 3-4 panel members to evaluate.

Is there time given for preparation after the topic is given and before starting the GD?

Usually some time (2-5 minutes) is given to collect one’s thoughts, but there could be

instances when this does not happen, so it is best not to bank on this.

Should I address the panel or the group members?

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.

What is the seating arrangement like?

It could be semi-circular, or circular, or seating along side a rectangular table, depending upon the venue. It is best not to bother about trivial issues like this, which you have no control over.

How should I address the other group members?

If you are initiating the discussion, you could do so by collectively addressing the group as “Friends”. Subsequently, you could use names (if the group has had a round of self-introduction prior to starting the discussion and you remember the names) or simply use pronouns like “he” or “she”.

Suppose I have a lot to say on the topic, should I say all of it?

You would not be looked upon favourably if you kept speaking all the time and did not listen to anyone else. Contrary to the misconception, the person who talks the most is not necessarily the one who is judged the best. The quality and not the quantity of your contribution is the success factor.

Should I encourage others to speak up?

Do not directly put someone who is consistently silent on the spot by asking him/her to speak up. If someone has been trying to speak and has a good point but is cut off constantly, you may encourage him/her to continue with her point as you would like to hear her out.

Are the group members supposed to keep track of the time or will the panel keep track?

It would be good if you are conscious of the time, but not to the point of getting so distracted looking at your watch that you do not contribute to the discussion.

Are we allowed to carry a piece of paper during the GD for noting down important points?

Normally you are, but there may be instances when it is specifically forbidden to carry paper.

Is there any particular seating arrangement, which is favorable to the participants?

If participants are asked to sit in a circle or a semi circle, one position is as good as another. But if you are asked to sit on either side of a rectangular table, then choose a position as close to the centre as possible.

Should we begin the GD by appointing a leader amongst ourselves?

No. You should not. Leadership in a GD is established implicitly through one’s performance in a GD.

Should we distribute the total time available to all the participants to ensure that everybody gets a chance to speak?

Since a GD is not a debate or elocution, the participants should not resort to the strategy of distributing time amongst themselves.

Can we take a definite stand in the GD and then later on during the GD, switch over to another stand?

Yes, provided you do it the right way. In a GD it is quite likely that some other participant’s counter-argument convinces you to your point. If this happens, then it is best if you accept his argument and explain to the group how your previous argument was true within a narrow range, and how the new argument is applicable to a broader range. Naturally, it is safer not to make any rash statements for or against a topic before you learn the facts of the argument. Blindly taking a stand will definitely lead you to trouble. This does not mean you should sit on the fence. You may participate actively by pointing out both sides of the issue in a reasonable and logical manner.

If we do not understand the meaning of the topic, should we ask the moderator to explain it to us?

No. You cannot. Instead of displaying your ignorance in this manner, it is better to wait for some other participant to explain the meaning of the topic. So listen to the discussion carefully for the first few minutes and when you have figured out what the topic is about, start participating in the discussion.

Should we address the other participants by their names or their assigned numbers?

As far as possible, you should try and avoid names or numbers. It is better to use pronouns such as “he”, “she”, “you” etc. while referring to the members of the group.

Are we expected to stick to the normally accepted line of thought or can we come up with something radical?

By all means you can. It would demonstrate your creativity and originality. Just make sure it is relevant to the topic.

If I feel strongly about an issue, should I voice my feelings?

It is important to be cool and emotionally objective in a GD. If you react emotionally you are likely to lose control over yourself during the group discussion. You have to be calm and logical, not emotional in a GD.

Can I use technical terms or jargon, which is clear to me, but not to the group?

If you have to use technical terms, please do not use abbreviations. After mentioning the term in full take time out to explain to the group what it means. It is quite likely that other participants of the group have a different academic background from you, and you should make sure you are all on a level playing field.

Do I begin my participation by requesting the group’s permission to do so?

It is not likely that you will get a chance to ask for such permission. It may also go against you (as appearing weak on your part).

What is the right time to enter a GD to ensure that I am heard properly?

In any GD, there are crests and troughs during the discussion. The crest is when the noise level is at its peak. The trough is when there is almost total silence. Ideally, you should enter the GD during the trough period. But in competitive GDs, the crests occur more often and troughs may not occur at all. In such cases, you could identify the stages in the GD, where ideas dear to you are being discussed and enter the GD irrespective of the noise level.

How do I participate when the noise level is too high?

You could try the following strategy – Identify the most powerful speaker in the group, and note down the points that he/she is making. The moment the noise level reduces a little, enter supporting the powerful speaker. You will have made a strong ally who will carry you through the noise.

Do I have to be cautious about other participants’ feelings (on sensitive issues like religion, caste etc)?

You certainly do. Insensitivity to others displays a lack of maturity and viciousness. It will act against your favour.

Is it beneficial to be the first speaker in a group discussion?

Being the first speaker is a high risk, high return strategy. If you can make a good opening statement, which is relevant and sets the tone for the GD, it will go in your favour. If you do this well, you may automatically become the group leader. However if you bungle it up (by speaking for the sake of speaking, not really having anything pertinent to say), it will be remembered and will go against your favour.

How critical is my fluency in English to my performance?

Command over English is certainly advantageous but will not compensate for lack of good content. If your content is good, then even if your English might not be great, you must speak it out, rather than be inhibited by lack of good English. You will get credit for soundness of ideas.

How necessary is it to use examples for illustrating an idea?

Use of examples is helpful in elaborating your point, and helping others understand your idea better. But please remember to keep it short and simple because in a competitive GD nobody has the patience to listen to long, drawn out examples.

How much or for how long should I participate?

In a 20 minute GD with 10-12 participants, you should try and participate at least 4 times with each entry lasting at least 25-30 seconds. You could participate more depending on your comfort level and the need for participation.

Is it good to be humorous in a GD?

Depends on the situation. In a GD that is fairly relaxed, it may be acceptable. But in a competitive situation, where the participants are tensed up, your attempts at humour may fall flat.

Should we make an interim summary?

An interim summary is a way of directing the group mid-way through the GD. It helps the group to pick out and focus on the most important points and thus use the remaining time more effectively. However it is not necessary to make an interim summary, if the discussion is already well focused.

What do I do if someone else has already said what I wanted to say?

You have two choices:

Agree with the point made by that person and add on to it by displaying the applicability of the argument to different situations. By doing this you will have broadened the scope of the argument.

Drop the point and think of fresh points.
To avoid getting into a situation where someone else has already spoken your points, do speak up in the first 4-5 minutes of the GD. If you wait longer, it is almost inevitable that someone would have spoken your points.

Is the use of slang/colloquialism permitted?

It is best to avoid using slang.

Can I use a language other than English to drive home my point?

No. You will have to stick to English.

How is aggression taken and measured in a GD?

The moment you notice people reacting to you negatively or strongly, you may take it that you are being too aggressive. The degree of the reaction is the measure of your aggression.

What level of aggression is seen acceptable?

There is a very thin line between aggression and assertiveness. You should always aim to sound assertive and not stubborn.

Is it true that the person who speaks the most in a GD is the one who is most successful?

This is a myth. Generally the person who has a sound knowledge of the topic and is a clear thinker speaks more. This leads the students into believing that whoever speaks most is successful. But just speaking for the sake of speaking will not take you far.

Will I be quizzed about my (or others) participation in the GD?

You may be. Therefore it helps to be alert all through the GD.

Is it true that the GD is used more as an elimination technique rather than as a selection tool?

Depends on the institute. In most premier institutes it is used as a selection tool, not as an elimination technique.

What is the level of accuracy desired in the facts and figures you quote during the GD?

An error margin of 5% is acceptable.

Is motivating other people in the group to speak looked upon favourably?

Depends on how it is done. If you openly request someone to speak, you may be putting the other person in a difficult spot, and the evaluators will not look that upon favourably. It is therefore better to use other means of motivation, such as agreeing with a halting speaker, adding on to their points, implicitly supporting and giving them direction.

Does the moderator have any biases or preconceived notions about the topic?

Ideally the moderator is supposed to be unbiased and neutral. But being a human being, the moderator cannot be totally free from bias. Since this is not a factor within your control, there isn’t much point losing sleep over it.

Can we expect the moderator to stop or cut short the GD much before the stipulated time is over?

This may happen if the GD becomes too noisy and if the level of discussion deteriorates abysmally.

Can I be aggressive with a lady participant?

A GD is not the place to demonstrate chivalry. Being rude to any participant (male or female) is downright unacceptable. You need not extend any special privileges to a lady.

Is it all right to ask pointed questions to other participants during a GD?

It is alright to ask questions for the purpose of clarification but not for the purpose of playing the devil’s advocate and proving them wrong. By playing the devil’s advocate you hamper the flow of the GD. The pointed questions unsettle the other participant and the quality of the GD deteriorates. This would reflect badly on you and will go against your favour.

Is it necessary that a group should arrive at a conclusion in the stipulated time?

Ideally a group is supposed to reach a conclusion. Normally the time constraints do not allow the group to do so.

Is an end-summary absolutely essential?

No. If the group has not reached a conclusion, then it would be good if someone puts the whole discussion into perspective by summarizing. But if there isn’t sufficient time, a summary may be avoided.

Do we have to write a synopsis of the GD once it is over?

Some institutes insist on this, but it is not universal.

Is voting an acceptable method of reaching a consensus?

Certainly not. A GD is not a debate.

How should a group select a topic if asked to?

The group should brainstorm for about two minutes and narrow down the list of topics to 3-4. After this the group should prioritize them based on the comfort level and ease of discussion of the topics. This could be done by asking each participant to rank the 4 topics and the most popular choice should be taken.

Are the topics decided on the basis of the academic background of the participant?

No. Topics are usually general in nature to give a level playing field to everyone.

What do I do if one member is very stubborn and aggressive?

You could use any of the following methods.

Ignore him and address the other members of the group.

Be assertive and tell him that his argument is faulty.

Point out to him that his point is well taken and that the group must progress further by discussing the ideas presented by others.

What are the acceptable ways of interrupting somebody else, so that I may make my point?

You can interrupt in any of the following ways:

“Excuse me, but I feel that what you are saying isn’t universally true …”

“Yes, I agree with your idea, and I would like to add on to it …”

“Yes, I think you are right when you say that, but could you clarify what if …”

group discussion tips

group discussion tips

Today, group discussion (GD) is a very important round in any selection process be it for an MBA course, campus recruitment or for any graduate/post graduate degree. In the job arena, various companies utilize this selection tool in different ways, like some conduct GD after the written test and before the interview, others may conduct it even before the written test. Whatever, be the pattern, the reason is the same. It is used as a tool to gauge whether the candidate has certain personality traits or skills that the company or the institution desires in its members.

A group of candidates is given a topic or a situation, given a few minutes to think about and then asked to discuss it among themselves for 15 to 20 minutes. Group discussion is conducted to assess the candidates ability to work in a team, communication skills, reasoning ability, leadership skills, ability to initiate a process, assertiveness, flexibility, creativity, observation skills, body language and spontaneity. “Be different” is the success mantra in GD.

Tips to improve YOUR GD STRENGTH

Tips to improve YOUR GD STRENGTH

Tips to improve your participation in the GD

To ensure good participation from your side, there are number of issue that you need to address. These issues are listed listed below and discussed in detail.

If you have a soft voice

Those who have softer voice will necessarily have to speak louder in a GD than they normally do. in addition to raising your voice level, you should also look for opportune moments to enter into the discussion.

If you are interrupted when you are discussing

Participants interrupting each other is a common occurrence in GDs. The group members will obviously try to grab every possible opportunity to speak. But if that happens when you are speaking, you would definitely like to try and prevent others from grabbing your chance. When somebody tries to interrupt you while you are speaking, you should tell him in clear and unambiguous terms that you should be allowed to speak. you can do it in your style. You can say “Excuse me, please let me complete ,” or you can say just a minute – let me finish my point. Don’t wait for him/her to get into the flow of his/her speech.

How to get into discussion

For getting into discussion there are different ways

1. Start the discussion – be the first member to start the discussion as soon as the moderator gives the group the go-ahead.

2. The moment the noise level is low, get into the discussion. Remember that other members who are not actively participating will also be waiting for the same moments. That is the reason why you have to be very attentive, of course, without looking and sounding desperate.

3. By interrupting a speaker. At the earliest possible, identify the strong speakers and the soft speakers in the group. You can try getting into the group by interrupting when a soft voiced speaker is speaking. Get in forcefully with your points and most of the times you will be successful. see, you should interrupt in a natural manner but not as if you are bulldozing.

4.Do not try to interrupt when a strong speaker is speaking. You attempt may not be successful. If a strong speaker has spoken for a long time, interrupt when he seems to be running out of content. If he doesn’t seems to yield to this also, then try getting into discussion by supporting him or by speaking in a manner that you seems to be supporting him. Get used to using expression like, “Yes, what you say is true – be sure that the strong speaker you are interrupting has stopped, thinking that you are stopping him, and then immediately continue thus: ” …. but there is something more that we should look at….., or and there is another reason to support what you say…..”

If you are not noticed when you are speaking

In GD if your not noticed or ignored – you may feel miserable and lost. Some student ask whether they should stand up and speak in such situations. The answer to such a question is a firm ‘no’ . Do not do that. Do not raise your hand to speak. Do not thump on the table. Situation of this sort would own prove the obervation of a philosopher that civilization is nothing but cannibals eating with forks.

If you do not know much/anything about the topic -What to do if one has no idea about the GD topic?

This is the most undesirable situation to be in. In case you ever get into such a situation, you should certainly not be the one to speak first . Let the other members start the GD and speak for some time. Listen carefully to the point introduced by the other members who are into GD. Make a note of those points and apply your commonsense to elaborate upon them and, finding a suitable moment, get into the GD. If you good at your communication skill this becomes much easier.

You should ensure that you have developed knowledge with as many topics as possible . Reading news paper and magazines and special articles on various current affairs will be helpful to you.

supporting somebody else whose ideas are similar to yours

A GD is a discussion among peers to find a solution to a problem or reach a consensus or an issue. As you can easily see, it is not possible to have ten different opinion on an issue. If you disagree with a fellow member, he/she may try to prove his/her point and may try harder to do that. That may not serve basic purpose in this case. In fact, you should make it habit to use expressions like, “yes you are right” or “I agree with you” . Such expression make your entry into the discussions smooth and easy. This may be called ‘ the art of verbal pampering’ You should avoid negative expressions like “you are wrong” or ” I don’t agree with you” .

While there is no fear of your losing marks by agreeing with what another member of the group has just said, there is also a word of caution. Do not keep quite after repeating or rephrasing what some other member has said. You should continue with your elaboration of the issue by adding your own points.

What if you know a lot about the topic and the others relatively ignorant

If such situation arises, use it to your full advantage. You can start the GD. But donot present all the points you have at the beginning it self. Just let one or more points our and let the others take up them for discussion. As the discussion progresses, keep introducing point after point.

The first to start the discussion

If you are the first person to speak in the GD, you may gain a small advantage but you will nor get any additional marks. Your overall performance is that what matters. You may have heard of one of the popular sayings that first impression is the best impression. But equally true is the case with the last impression. A last impression that lingers on the minds of others including the moderator is certainly better than a first impression that haunts them. Act accordingly, ie, depending on the presentation habit of other members.

Questioning other members on points made by them

For example when a member says “Introducing mid-day meals scheme in schools is going to improve attendance levels in schools” your asking “how does it improve?” shall not serve any purpose. But you may say “How could that be possible?” Don’t you think that there is another side to it which actually works against it like…..” and continue the discussion. But be sure that you can effectively present the “other side” and you have talked about.

Language to be used in a group discussion

A GD is a formal situation and it is an unspoken but unanimously accepted practice to use English as the medium of communication. Hence, do not switch over to Hindi or vernacular languages even of you feel more comfortable with languages other than English. You should avoid using slang while speaking in a group discussion.

Using statistics in your discussion

In case you feel like talking in terms of ratios, proportions and percentages, use expression like a “lot of people, a great majority of the population of the country, a great numbers of experts”, etc. This will reduce the risk and will still serve the purpose you have in mind.

There is another issue when using statistics in GD – If some other member quotes wrong statistics, should you point out the mistake? . Remember that you will not get any additional marks for pointing out at the mistake of others.

Role of body language in a group discussion

Body language is just a part of non-verbal communication. Try speaking even one sentence without moving any body parts except your mouth- and you will find how unnatural and ridiculous the effort looks. Thus we can say that body language is an integral part of our communication in every walk of life. Common movement that all of us indulge in while we are speaking are movement of head, maintaining eye contact with various members of the group, moving eye lids and eye brows, gesticulating with our hands, leaning forward from sitting-straight posture and vice-versa, etc. Let these movement happen naturally – do not focus on or worry about going through with these movements cosciously.

GD Do’s and Don’ts

GD Do’s and Don’ts

Group strength is usually 8 to 12 members

When the group discussion topic is announced and if you do not get the topic properly, just request to repeat the topic. Do not show surprises.

Correctly saying what you want to say- speaking effectively and efficiently is very important.

Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone you are not. Be yourself.

A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The evaluator wants to hear you speak.

Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say.

Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject.

Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate the discussion or agree with someone else’s point and then move onto express your views.

Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition. If you do not give valuable insights during the discussion, all your efforts of initiating the discussion will be in vain.

Be a good listener

Do not use high vocabulary

Never use technical language while speaking

Not knowing is not a problem , do not try to bluff

Do not criticize on religion

Do not criticize foreign policy of India

Don’t start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject.

Your body language says a lot about you – your gestures and mannerisms are more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say.

Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your points across clearly and fluently.

Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussion and analysis.

Don’t lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to. The key is to stay objective: Don’t take the discussion personally.

Always be polite: Try to avoid using extreme phrases like: `I strongly object’ or `I disagree’. Instead try phrases like: `I would like to share my views on…’ or `One difference between your point and mine…’ or “I beg to differ with you”

Brush up on your leadership skills; motivate the other members of the team to speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to say “let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf has to say,” or “Raghu, let us hear your views” – Essentially be subtle), and listen to their views. Be receptive to others’ opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive.

Apart from the above points, the panel will also judge team members for their alertness and presence of mind, problem-solving abilities, ability to work as a team without alienating certain members, and creativity.

MBA GD Topics

MBA GD Topics

Is Group discussion is very important in MBA Selection process

Typically a management institute employs more than one method of screening the candidates in admission process. At most of the B-school the selection process comprises the following.
Written test, Group Discussion (GD), Interview

As a manager, you will always be working in teams, as a member or as a leader. Therefore how you interact or work in a team becomes an important criterion for your selection. That is the reason why management institutes include GD as a component of the selection procedure.”

The role of GD & Interview in MBA selection process

why a group discussion required? : GD and Interview assess the candidate’s communication skills, knowledge level etc… It is very essential for potential management graduate and potential mangers to have such group communication skill. A candidate without the ability to communicate his/her ideas effectively in a group situation will be a misfit in such an environment

Details of Group discussion

1. Group size : The number of participation in a group for GD varies from institute to institute or organization to organization

” While the average group size is between eight to twelve members, you should not surprised if the group size is bigger. In some management institutes have had even 20 or more students per group in their group discussion.”

2.Seating arrangement : The Participants of GD are made to sit together in a circular/semi-circular fashion. in a U -shaped or in a rectangle ‘board room seating arrangement.

3.Time allotted: Normally each group is given 15 to 20 minutes for discussing the topic. ” Ensure that you make substantive contributions within the first 15 to 20 minutes to avoid being caught on the wrong foot, especially if the GD is terminated ahead of scheduled time.

4.Communication by the moderator : The moderator focus on the approach you take to address the issue, and not on your prescription in the form of conclusion or solution.

GD topics for practice

Knowledge based topics

? India spends too much on defense . Discuss?
? Unique Identification Number
? E- commerce is the face and pace of economic reforms
? Cold War
? Is terrorism the price we have to pay for democracy?
? Globalization and Privatization
? Is Mixed Economy preferred?
? MBA or PGDM?
? Privatization of Universities/colleges/schools
? Does India need a dictatorship?
? MBA in India is overrated

Abstract topic :

? The way to heaven is through hell
? A Teardrop on my Guitar
? Green is better than red
? Where there’s a will there’s away
? Dead yesterday unborn tomorrow
? 26 Alphabets
? I think, therefore I am.
? Infinite Numbers
? money is sweeter than honey
? A Walk to Remember
? Six Billion and One Gold

General topics :

? Quality of management education in India
? Women managers are less effective
? The IAS is more challenging than MBA
? A world without oil
? Foreign investment in all forms of media should be allowed
? Engineering students should be made to study social sciences and arts
? Unemployment in rural India
? Testing of products on animals. Is it necessary?

Types of Group Discussion

How should you make your points in GD?

How should you make your points in GD?

When a candidate speaks to his/her point in a group discussion, the moderator will judge him/her on three parameter, They are

1.Content

2.Verbal communication

3. Non Verbal communication

Content

The point that are about to make must-

Express richness (diversity/innovation) of your thought

Be structured

Express your knowledge (fact/quote) on the topic

Be relevant to the topic and the point that the group might be discssing at that moment

Verbal communication

The way you put your content/point forward is also very important. It must -

Be simple and devoid of any jargons.

Be precise and short

Not be extreme in thoughts

Be practicals rather than ideal

Express modulatiion in your voice

Non Verbal communication

While you are making your point your body language speaks simultaneously. It tells a lot about you. While speaking you must-

Maintain eye contact with all the members

Body should be relaxed and calm

Hand movements should be controlled

Group discussion Basic Tips

Basic skills required for GD

Group discussion Basic Tips

Many companies conduct group discussion after the written test so as to check on your interactive skills and how good you are at communicating with other people. The GD is to check how you behave, participate and contribute in a group, how much importance do you give to the group objective as well as your own, how well do you listen to viewpoints of others and how open-minded are you in accepting views contrary to your own. The aspects which make up a GD are verbal communication, non-verbal behavior, and conformation to norms, decision-making ability and cooperation. You should try to be as true as possible to these aspects.

Basic skills required in GD

? Communication Skills

? Interpersonal Skills

? Leadership Skills

? Motivational Skills

? Team Building Skills

? Tolerance

? Clarity over Ambiguity

? Divergent Thinking

? Listening skills

? Presentation Skills

? Analytical / Logical skills

Importance of communication skills in GD

The participating candidates will be assessed in terms of clarity of thought, expression and aptness of language. One key aspect is listening. It indicates a willingness to accommodate others views.

Example: To be able to use simple language and explain concepts clearly so that it is easily understood by all. You actually get negative marks for using esoteric jargons in an attempt to show-off your knowledge.

Communication skills are extremely essential in today’s competitive environment. A good communicator should be able to receive information as sent.

Good Communication skill help to :clearly express and exchange your ideas, avoid misunderstandings, can grab attention of evaluators, It helps to negotiate on various issues in a group discussion, avoid professional glitches in a team discussion and its also show you are an active listener.It can show that you are stable, level headed, confident and quite well aware of the arguments.Communication skill is not just about speaking fluently in English. It’s about being confident and the right attitude.

Importance of Interpersonal skill in GD

Is reflected in the ability of the individual to interact with other members of the group in a brief situation. Emotional maturity and balance promotes good interpersonal relationships. The person has to be more people centric and less self-centered.

Example: To remain cool even when someone provokes you with personal comment, ability to remain objective, ability to empathize, non-threatening and more of a team player.

Importantce of Leadership skill in GD

Ability to take leadership roles and ability to lead, inspire and carry the team along to help them achieve group’s objectives.

Example: To be able to initiate the group discussion, or to be able to guide the group especially when the discussion begins losing relevance or try to encourage all members to participate in the discussion.

Importance of Analytical skill in GD

Ability to analyze and persuade others to see the problem from multiple perspectives without hurting the group members.

Example: While appreciating someone else’s point of view, you should be able to effectively communicate your view without overtly hurting the other person.

Importance of Problem solving skill in GD

Ability to come out with divergent and offbeat solutions and use one’s own creativity.

Example: While thinking of solutions, don’t be afraid to think of novel solutions. This is a high- risk high-return strategy.

Importance of listening skill in GD

Hearing does not involve any understanding.

Active listening is an essential skill for a presenter. Active listening is acquired with attention and understanding ideas and facts.

• Listening in a group discussion helps to give new ideas.

• Listening helps to not jump to conclusions.

• Good listening will avoid aggression because you know what the other person says.

• Listening will help learn something new.

• Listening in a group motivates the environment.

• Good listening skills in a group discussion can help you notice flaws in what others speak.

• Listening will help you comprehend what the other team member speaks even if the topic is not well known.

• Listening keeps you aware and alert.

• If you listen, team mates in the group will listen to you.

Importance of Presentation skill in GD

• Presentation are an effective way to communicate to large number of people at the same skill

• So it is no just about communicating information, but more importantly, to have presention skill you should be able to create interest and excitement in your subject with trust and enthusiasam in you.

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