GROUP DISCUSSION

Made by:

Rekha, Simple, Rohan, Sahil

DEFINITION
A GD is a methodology used by an

organization to gauge whether the candidate has certain personality traits or 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 group discussion?

Group discussion (GD) in simple words means discussion among a group of people.
The term suggests a discussion among a group of persons.

The group will have 8 & 12 more or less members who will express their views freely, frankly in a friendly manner, on a topic of current issue.
.

Within a time limit of 20 to 30 minutes , the abilities of the members of the group is measured

Do`s in group discussion

Appropriate to the issue . Make original points & support them by

substantial reasoning . Listen to the other participants actively &carefully. Make only accurate statements.

Put down your thoughts on a paper Initiate the discussion if you know the

subject well Listen to others if you dont know the subject Give others a chance to speak Speak politely and pleasantly. Respect contribution from other members. Disagree politely and agree with what is right. Summarize the discussion if the group has not reached a conclusion.

 Whatever you say must be with a logical

flow, & validate it with an example as far as possible. Modulate the volume, pitch and tone. Try to get your turn. Talk with confidence and self-assurance.

Donts During Group Discussion

Being shy /nervous / keeping isolated from G.D Interrupting another participant before his

arguments are over Speak in favor ; example: Establish your position and stand by it stubbornly Changed opinions

 Dont make fun of any participant even if

his arguments are funny. Dont repeat and use irrelevant materials. Addressing yourself to the examiner Dont engage yourself in sub-group conversation. Worrying about making some grammatical mistake, for your interest the matter you put across are important

 Initiate the discussion if you do not have

sufficient knowledge about the topic. Pose negative body gestures like touching the nose, leaning back on the chair, knocking the table with a pen etc. Display low self confidence with shaky voice and trembling hands. Try to dominate the discussion Put others in an embarrassing situation by asking them to speak if they dont want.

Important points in group discussion

Be assertive: An assertive person is direct ,

honest careful about not hurting others selfrespect. A patient listener: listening to another person is one way of showing appreciation. Right language : Words can make friends & right words at the right time make the best results. Be analytical and fact-oriented : It is necessary to make relevant points which can be supported with facts and analyzed logically.

Accept Criticism
If any member of the group criticizes or

disapproves a point, it is unwise to get upset or react sharply In case the criticism is flimsy, the same can be pointed out politely.
Maximize participation ; one must try to contribute fully, vigorously & steadily throughout the discussion.

Show leadership ability: A group discussion also evaluates your leadership qualities. Accept someone's point of view Praise the argument

 Accept the contradicts view

Express your

argument with few facts, cases, %, Newspapers publications etc. Express without hurting others feelings

IMPORTANCE OF 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

 Provides chance to expose

Language skills Academic knowledge

Leadership skills
People handling skills Team work General knowledge

TIPS FOR SUMMARISING GD

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