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Group Discussion

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Group Discussion

Uploaded by

Varad Angle
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Group Discussions

Dos and Don’ts


Definition 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/candidature.
Difference between Discussion,
Debate and GD
Debate – Either Winning or Losing

Discussion – Expression of your point of view and


respecting another's point of view

A GD, however, calls for a lot more maturity and


logic as it is sharing of our own ideas and thoughts
with the group.
Features Of Group Discussion
Exchange of ideas among the individuals of a group
on a specific topic

Discussion in which participants of the same


educational standard discuss a topic of current
interest

Leaderless discussion - its aim is to find out the
natural leadership level of the candidates
Structure

The group sits in circle or U-shape

They may either be given their choice of seat


or seat allotted

Panel observes and evaluates
Evaluation Components
Potential for leadership and ability to work
in a team

Four components generally evaluated:


 Knowledge
 Communication skills
 Group behaviour
 Leadership potential
Communication Skills
Candidate assessed in terms of:

Active listening
Clarity of thought and expression
Apt language
Body language
Lucidity
Tone: Quality or character of the voice expression a
particular feeling or mood

Voice: Power of speech

Articulation: Act of speaking or expressing an idea in


words

Fluency: Speaking in an easy, flowing style

Modulation: Variations in rate, tone, or volume of voice

Good delivery: The ideas expressed fluently in the right


voice, right tone, and right articulation.

It isn’t sufficient to have ideas. They have to be


expressed effectively.
Apt Language
o Fluency and accuracy in use of language free
from grammatical errors

o Directly, clearly and precisely put ideas in a


organized fashion

o Simple and unambiguous

o Using too much of jargon or high-sounding


words or ambiguous expressions may project
as a show-off and may not endear to group
members.
Effective Use of Body Language

Looking attentively at the speaker and nodding

Looking at everybody

Avoiding overt gestures

Avoiding pointing fingers

Avoiding bored posture by shifting slightly in the


chair or placing arm on the back of your chair
Group Behaviour (Team Spirit)
Ability to interact with other members of the
group

Emotional maturity and balance - more


people centric and less ego centric.

Remaining objective, empathetic, and non-


threatening, and behaving maturely as a good
team player
Essence
Consistency in participation
Keenness in listening and observing
Time sharing and orderly conduct
Ability to handle turbulent situations
Ability to cut excessively exuberant
participants down to size, politely
Ability to dominate the proceedings without
bullying others
Avoiding personal comments
Leadership Skills
o The candidate who possesses both functional
ability and coordinating ability would emerge as
the leader.

o Functional ability involves knowledge, mental and


physical energy, emotional stability, objectivity,
communication skill, integrity and emotional
intelligence
Dos
Sitting comfortably Keeping track of time

Listening to topic Sharing time fairly

Organizing ideas Maintaining eye

Speaking at the earliest contact

Identifying supporters/ Taking notes

opponents Aiming for summary if


needed
Don’ts
Being in a hurry  Moving excessively

Being silent  Throwing all ideas at one shot

Dominating  Speaking fast


vocally/physically  Digressing
Assuming role of chairman  Indulging in ill conversation
Introducing topic  Paying attention to bull dozers
Taking extreme stance  Using slang
Looking at faculty  Getting emotional
Types of Topics

Factual

Conversational

Abstract
FACTUAL/OPINION/CURRENT TOPICS
Factual topics are about practical things, which an
ordinary person is aware of in his day to day life

Typically they are socio- economic topics. These can be


the current topic

Such topics gives a candidate a chance to prove that he is


aware of and sensitive to his environment

Eg – Working hard vs Working Smart, Chandrayan 3,


Politics,
Tourism in India, Education Policy in India
CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS
They are the ones that are argumentative in nature. They
are meant to generate controversy

In GDs where such topics are given for discussion the
noise and temper is usually high

The idea behind giving such topic is likely to see how


much maturity the candidate is displaying by keeping his
temper in check

Eg Women make better managers, Reservation should be


removed
ABSTRACT TOPICS
Abstract topics are about intangible things

These topics are used to check your lateral thinking and


creativity.
Eg: The number 10
Joy
Color red
Roles

Initiator

Illustrator

Informer

Coordinator

Organizer
The role of the leader is to

1.Initiate the discussion i.e. define the topic, lay down the
structure.
2.Ensure that the discussion is proceeding in the right
direction.
3.Contribute by introducing new points or bringing up a new
relevant aspect so as to add value to discussion.
4.Encourage group participation and allow free exchange of
thoughts and ideas provided they are relevant.
5.Maintain decorum during the discussion.
6.Summarize and conclude if possible, after attempting to
reach a consensus.
7.Avoid falling into the trap of leader being just a scrutinizer
telling other participants when to speak and when not to.
Summarizing
Avoid new points

Bring in everyone’s view, without mentioning names

Keep it brief and precise

It’s the end. Don’t add anything


Be prepared for this…

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