Group Discussion

Understanding Group discussions

A group discussion or GD, as the name suggests, is a
situation where a group of 6-12 people are made to
discuss a given topic and arrive at some common
understanding of the topic
In a typical GD, the group is given a topic, a couple of
minutes to jot down their ideas, followed by 10-15
minutes to discuss the topic.

Objective of a GD
The objective of the GD is to analyze the topic from
as many angles as possible and try to work towards a
framework for arriving at conclusions
It is not necessary, however, for the group to arrive at
a conclusion.

Types of GD
Topics for GD can be broadly divided into three types
Issue-based topics
Case studies
Abstract topics

Parameters for evaluation in a

GD
Evaluation of a candidate's performance in a GD is
based on the following
Communication skills
Leadership skills
Interpersonal skills
Persuasive skills
Problem solving skills
Conceptualizing skills

Parameter 1 : Communication skills

Communication skills does not essentially mean
fluency in English
It is the ability to get one's ideas across to others and
receive ideas from others

Parameter 1 : Communication skills

The participating candidates will be assessed in terms
of clarity of thought, expression and aptness of
language
They are even awarded with negative marks for using
jargons in an attempt to show off your knowledge

Parameter 2 : Leadership skills

Leadership skill does not mean the ability to control a
discussion
It is the ability to take leadership of ideas and see
them through a logical discussion
One should be able to initiate the GD, or be able to
guide the group especially when the discussion begins
to lose relevance or try to encourage all members to
participate in the discussion

Parameter 3 : Interpersonal skills

It is reflected in the ability of the individual to interact
with other members of the group in a brief situation

Parameter 4 : Persuasive skills

It is the ability to analyze and persuade others to see
the problem from multiple perspectives without hurting
the group

Parameter 5 : Problem solving skills

This essentially involves the ability to come out with
divergent and offbeat solutions and use ones own
creativity
While thinking of solutions, dont be afraid to think of
novel solutions.

Parameter 6 : Conceptualizing skills

It is a very important factor as it reflects the ability to
grasp the situation, take it from the day to day
mundane problem level and apply it to macro level

Want to be a GD expert ?
KNOWLEDGE + SMARTNESS

TO TALK
MEANINGFUL IN
THE DISCUSSION

TO BE NOTICED
TO HAVE
CONTRIBUTED
MEANINGFULLY

TALK MEANINGFUL
You should have a good knowledge base
You are able to put forth your arguments logically and
are a good communicator
The quality of what you said is more valuable than the
quantity
There is a myth amongst many students is that the
way to succeed in a GD is to speak loudly and at a
great length

BE NOTICED
Make sure that you are noticed by the panel. Merely
making a meaningful contribution and helping the
group arrive at a consensus is not enough
YOU MUST ENSURE THAT THE GROUP HEARS
YOU

 YOU MUST ENSURE THAT YOU ARE

ASSERTIVE NOT DOMINATING

 YOU HAVE TO BE AN
OPPORTUNIST
.

Remember to
Highlight some points that are not obvious
The different perspective that you bring to the group
will be highly appreciated by the panel
Be careful that the something different you state is
still relevant to the topic being debated

Attempt to build a consensus

You must be clearly seen to be attempting to build a
consensus.

Dos and donts

Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be
someone you are not. Be yourself
Dont start speaking until you have clearly
understood and analyzed the subject
Work out various strategies to help you to make an
entry. Initiate the discussion or agree with someone
elses point and then move onto express your
views

Dos and donts

Watch your body language. Do not make the mistake
of touching a candidate in an attempt to quiet him/her.
You will get automatic negative points
It is OK to emphasize points with your hand but never
to touch a candidate

Dos and donts

Dont lose your cool if anyone says anything you
object to. The key is to stay objective :
DONT TAKE THE DISCUSSION PERSONALLY

Thank you