Group Discussions
Dr K S Badarinarayan
Principal
Starting of GD
Groups of 8-10 candidates are formed into a
leaderless group, and are given a specific
situation to analyse and discuss within a given
time limit, which may vary between twenty
minutes and forty-five minutes, or
They may be given a case study and asked to
come out with a solution for a problem
They may be given a topic and are asked to
discuss the same
Leading a Discussion
introducing yourself and the members of
the group
stating the purpose of the discussion
inviting quiet group members to speak
being objective
summarizing the discussion
Chairing a Group
Discussion
introducing the topic and purpose of the
discussion,
making sure all members have approximately
the same time, (i.e. no one dominates the
discussion by taking too much time)
thanking group members for their contribution
being objective in summarizing the group's
discussion and achievements
In group discussion you are
tested for following skills
Communication Skills
Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject
Capability to co-ordinate and lead -Leadership
Skills
Exchange of thoughts -Communication Skills
Addressing the group as a whole -Interpersonal
Skills
Persuasive Skills -Thorough preparations
In group discussion you are
tested for following skills
These are some of the sub-skills that also get
assessed with the skills mentioned above:
Clarity of thought
Group working skills (especially during a group task of
case study discussion)
Conflict handling
Listening and probing skills
Knowledge about the subject and individual point of
view
Ability to create a consensus
Openess and flexibility towards new ideas
Data based approach to decision making
Group Discussions
Topic based GD can be classified into
three types
1. Factual Topics
2. Controversial Topics
3. Abstract Topics
Why do we have GD
Reasons for having a GD
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 students' ideas.
It improves your listening skills.
It increases your confidence in speaking.
It can change your attitudes.
Strategies for Improving
GD Skills
Reading habits –News paper,magzines,TV
Mocks
Observe
Attend as many seminars and tutorials as possible and notice
what other students do. Ask yourself:
How do other students make critical comments?
How do they ask questions?
How do they disagree with or support arguments?
What special phrases do they use to show politeness even
when they are voicing disagreement?
How do they signal to interrupt, ask a question or make a
point?
Do
Practice
Participate
Discussion Etiquette (or minding your manners)
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.
How best can you answer the question/ contribute to
the topic?
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.
Don't
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 generalise too
much.
Interrupt. Wait for a speaker to finish what they are
saying before you speak
Points to Remember
Knowledge is strength. A candidate with good reading habits has
more chances of success. In other words, sound knowledge on
different topics like politics, finance, economy, science and
technology is helpful.
Power to convince effectively is another quality that makes you
stand out among others.
Clarity in speech and expression is yet another essential quality.
If you are not sure about the topic of discussion, it is better not to
initiate. Lack of knowledge or wrong approach creates a bad
impression. Instead, you might adopt the wait and watch attitude.
Listen attentively to others, may be you would be able to come up
with a point or two later.
A GD is a formal occasion where slang is to avoided.
A GD is not a debating stage. Participants should confine
themselves to expressing their viewpoints. In the second part of the
discussion candidates can exercise their choice in agreeing,
disagreeing or remaining neutral.
Points to Remember
Language use should be simple, direct and straight
forward.
Don't interrupt a speaker when the session is on. Try to
score by increasing your size, not by cutting others short.
Maintain rapport with fellow participants. Eye contact
plays a major role. Non-verbal gestures, such as
listening intently or nodding while appreciating
someone's viewpoint speak of you positively.
Communicate with each and every candidate present.
While speaking don't keep looking at a single member.
Address the entire group in such a way that everyone
feels you are speaking to him or her.
Do's
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.
Don't start speaking until you have clearly understood
and analyzed 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.
Do's
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.
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.
If you have a group of like-minded friends, you can have
a mock group discussion where you can learn from each
other through giving and receiving feedback.
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.
GD Mistakes
Emotional outburst
Quality Vs Quantity
Egotism Showing off
Get noticed - But for the right reasons
Managing one's insecurities
