Group Discussion
- 1. UNIT- V Group Discussion By: Pooja Raj Srivastava
- 2. Topics • Group Discussion as a part of selection process • Structure of a group discussion • Dynamics of good behaviour • Techniques for effective participation • Team work and use of body language
- 3. Group Discussion • an important activity in academic, business and administrative spheres. • It is a systematic and purposeful interactive oral process. • exchange of ideas, thoughts and feelings take place through oral communication. • The exchange of ideas takes place in a systematic and structured way. • The participants sit facing each other almost in a semi-circle and express their views on the given topic/issue/problem.
- 4. Group Discussion vs. Debate • Debate is competitive in nature while group discussion is a co- operative group process. • In a debate, a speaker can speak either ‘for’ the topic or ‘against’ the topic whereas in a GD, the speaker can express both. • The final decision or result in a debate depends on voting while in a GD, the group reaches group consensus.
- 5. Phases in GD • Initiation/introduction • The central group discussion • Summarization/conclusion
- 6. Roles in a Structured GD • Initiator • Information seeker and giver • Procedure facilitator • Opinion seeker/giver • Clarifier • Summarizer • Social supporter • Harmonizer • Tension reliever • Energizer • Attacker • Dominator
- 7. Expectations of the Panel • Team player • Reasoning • Leadership • Flexible • Assertiveness • Initiative • Creativity (out of the box thinking) • Inspiring ability • Listening • Awareness
- 8. Structure of a group discussion • The panel normally comprises of the technical and HR (Human Resource) experts of the company • The rules of the GD – the time limit, panel’s expectations etc. are explained after the initial introduction by the panel, • the topic or case to be discussed is given to the group members. • The panel does not interfere during the discussion, it only observes. • The panel at its discretion may provide some time to think over the topic or may ask them to start immediately. • Each candidate is supposed to express their opinion either supporting or against the topic. • The discussion carries on till the panel signals termination. It is left to the discretion of the panel to extend or cut short the given time
- 9. Group Discussion as a part of selection process There are four major areas of evaluation in selection GDs: • subject knowledge • oral communication skills • leadership skills and • team management
- 10. Subject Knowledge • Participants must possess a thorough understanding of the topic on which they are supposed to speak. • Prepare yourself to talk on a wide range of subjects. • The best way to equip yourself is to read daily newspapers, good magazines, national and international journals and also watch new bulletins and informative programmes on the television. • Problem solving skills are essential and do not hesitate to give solutions. • Your approach to the case study will be observed keenly by the evaluators.
- 11. Communication Skills • communication skills is more important as without expression, the knowledge is of no use. • As the exchange of ideas in a group discussion takes place through speech, one of the pre-requisites of success in a GD is the ability to speak confidently and convincingly. • Good communication skills include active listening, clarity of though and expression, apt language and proper non verbal clues.
- 12. Listening Skills • we love to listen to our own voice rather than listen to others. • Listening is as important as speaking in a GD, unless you listen, you cannot contribute to the stated purpose of communication. • It is extremely important to listen very carefully, only then you will be able to pick up the thread of discussion and continue. • Only active participation as a listener in a group makes a person a good leader. A leader is identified by the panel.
- 13. Apt Language • The flow of language must be smooth. • Use simple language and avoid long winding sentences. • Appropriateness of language demands that there should be no errors of grammar. • Do not use unfamiliar phrases and flowery language. • Be precise. • Be polite and courteous.
- 14. Proper non-verbal cues • include eye contact, body movements, gestures and facial expressions. • The panel very keenly watches the non verbal behaviour of the team. • They generally evaluate the body language cues of the team to determine personality factors such as nervousness, co-operation, frustration, weakness, insecurity, self confidence, defensiveness, etc. • A candidate who appears professional is more likely to be noticed by the panel. • A confident posture, appropriate facial expressions and meaningful eye contact with the team will create a good expression.
- 15. Team Behaviour • Your group behaviour is reflected in your ability to interact with the other members of the group. • You must be patient and balanced. • Your ability lies in analysing the problem well and making others to endorse your view. • Finally while appreciating others point of view, you should effectively present yours without contradicting other’s opinions. • Your ability in convincing the team is your success.
- 16. Leadership skills • The success of any team depends to a larger extent on its leader. • The panel evaluates a candidate’s personal skills which allow him to prove himself as a natural leader in the GD. • Assertiveness, emotional stability, objectivity, self confidence, decision making, discretion, initiative, good communication skills, patience, persuasiveness and adaptability are some of the leadership qualities • A good leader should neither be very authoritative nor submissive but must be democratic. • Leaders should know how to deal with the ‘bull dozers’, who make noise but do not have any logic.
- 17. Importance of group discussion • As a student, it helps you to train yourself to discuss and argue about the topic given, • it helps you to express your views on serious subjects and in formal situations. It improves your thinking, listening and speaking skills. • It also promotes your confidence level. • It is an effective tool in problem solving, decision making and personality assessment. • GD skills may ensure academic success, popularity and good admission or job offer. • Helps to know how to speak with confidence, exhibit leadership skills and how to make the group achieve the goals.