GROUP DISCUSSION

A GD is a methodology used by an organization to gauge whether the candidate has certain personality traits and skills that it desires in its members. In this methodology, the group of candidates is given a topic or a situation, given a few minutes to think about the same, and then asked to discuss it among themselves for 15-20 minutes.

What is G.D.? “It is the process of incorporating views of team members to reach a common goal”

TYPES OF GD FACTUAL TOPICS CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS Factual topics are about practical things, which an ordinary person is aware in his day-to-day life. Typically these are about socio-economic topics. E.g. The education policy of India, Tourism in India CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature. They are meant to generate controversy. E.g. Reservations should be removed, Women make better managers

ABSTRACT TOPICS: Abstract topics are about intangible things. These topics are not given often for discussion, but their possibility cannot be ruled out. These topics test your lateral thinking and creativity. E.g. A is an alphabet, The number 10

It helps you to understand a subject more 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 gives you the chance to hear other student’s ideas. It improves your listening skills. It increases your confidence in speaking. It can change your attitudes.

Communication Skills Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject Capability to co-ordinate and lead Exchange of thoughts Addressing the group as a whole Thorough preparations

Avoid raising new points. Avoid stating only your viewpoint. Avoid dwelling only on one aspect of the GD. Keep it brief and concise. It must incorporate all the important points that came out during the GD. If the examiner asks you to summaries a GD, it means the GD has come to an end. Do not add anything once the GD has been summarized.

THE ROLE PLAYERS Initiator : A good candidate should be able to initiate the process of discussion. He can guide the group in the way to begin and complete the discussion process. Illustrator : A good participant must be able to elaborate or clarify points made by others, make them relevant to the given topic, and develop his own opinion Informer : A good participant must have sound general knowledge. Only then can he provide the required information on any given topic to the group.

4. Coordinator : A good participant must be able to bring the dissenting members of the group to some kind of agreement and be able to make them participate in the discussion in a disciplined manner.He must also gather the divergent points raised by different participants and relate them to the given topic. 5. Organiser/Orienter : A candidate who possesses good leadership attributes keeps the group directed towards the goal. He displays his skills of organization through this role. Such a candidate has the potential for helping to run an organization.

SUCCESS IN A GD Be Assertive: An assertive person is direct and honest and careful about not hurting other’s self respect.Eye contact is a means of expressing sincerity , while an erect posture and direct body position may increase the impact of the message. A Patient Listener :Listening to another person is one way of showing appreciation. Right Language : Words can make friends and foes of men. It is possible to disagree without sounding rude or losing one’s temper. Be Analytical and Fact –Oriented : It is necessary to make relevant points which can be supported with facts and analysed logically. Vague arguments do not hold good in GD.

Accept Criticism : The criticism must be viewed positively and if it carries weight, the person making the point must be appreciated and thanked. In case the criticism is flimsy, the same can be pointed out politely. Maximize Participation : Thus one must try to contribute fully ,vigorously, and steadily throughout the discussion. Silence may indicate lack of initiative, information, and communication skill. Respect other speakers : It is impolite to laugh at other participants and comment on their ignorance or inability. A good candidate always encourages the other members of his group without making fun of their feelings.

Show Leadership Ability :Leadership is the ability to persuade others to seek defined objectives enthusiastically. It is the human factor that binds a group together and motivates it towards a goal. Leadership transforms the potential into real. Be Precise : It is important to express yourself precisely and exactly without beating about the bush or being verbose as a GD takes place in a given time.

Benefits in Group discussion Stimulation of thinking in a new way. Expansion of knowledge Understanding of your strength and weakness. Your true personality is revealed and qualities of leadership crystallize

Benefits of group discussion provides chance to Expose Language skills Academic knowledge Leadership skills people handling skills Team work General knowledge.

Speak pleasantly and politely to the group. Respect the contribution of every speaker. Remember that a discussion is not an argument. Learn to disagree politely. Think about your contribution before you speak. Try to stick to the discussion topic. Don't introduce irrelevant information. Be aware of your body language when you are speaking. Agree with and acknowledge what you find interesting.

DONT’S Lose your temper. A discussion is not an argument. Shout. Use a moderate tone and medium pitch. Use too many gestures when you speak. Gestures like finger pointing and table thumping can appear aggressive. Dominate the discussion. Confident speakers should allow quieter students a chance to contribute. Draw too much on personal experience or anecdote. Although some tutors encourage students to reflect on their own experience, remember not to generalize too much. Interrupt. Wait for a speaker to finish what they are saying before you speak.