GROUP DISCUSSION 1.2

 

GROUP DISCUSSION 1.2
[Process of Group Discussion]

 

1. Defining the Problem
2. Analyzing the Issue
3. Gathering Information
4. Commitment
5. Encourage Participation
6. Avoid Interpersonal Conflicts
7. Keep the Discussion on Track
8. Verbal Communication Skills
9. Intensive Listening Skills
10. Non-Verbal Communication

a. The group must know exactly what problem it is going to discuss/ trying to solve.

b. Best way is to define the problem is to phrase it as a question of policy.

c. Question of Policy includes the word ‘Should’.

GUIDELINES

• Make the problem/ issue as clear & specific as possible.
• Allow a wide variety of solutions.
• Avoid a biased solution.
• Address the single issue not multiple issues.
• Make sure that issue for discussion is understandable to all.

a. After the issue has been defined, the group begins to analyze it.

b. While analyzing the issue, pay attention particularly to two aspects:

(i) How severe the problem is…

(ii) The Scope and Limitations of the problem

c. Find out what are the Causes and Consequences  of the problem.

GUIDELINES

• Recollect the historical background of the problem.
• Find out the responsible factors behind it.
• Know the Major Causes.
• Analyse the facts of information in a systematic way.
• Correlate your knowledge and your personal experience.
• Try to introduce some new idea leading the group in the right direction

a. A thorough understanding of the problem is really essential.

b. Some Research work/ interaction with experts/ your own knowledge and experiences

GUIDELINES

• Knowledge is your real confidence.
• Try to offer complete, unbiased and useful information.

a. Think about the Topic, Purpose of GD and how best you can contribute to it.

b. Be an Effective Participant.

c. Align your Discussion’s Goal with the Group’s Goal.

GUIDELINES

• Cooperate and contribute your ideas effectively
• Have a Team-Spirit
• Avoid personal conflicts

 

a. All group members are supposed to participate with commitment and share their ideas with one another. 

b. Each group member should also encourage others to express their ideas freely.

c. They should analyze opinions of others with positive attitude.

d. Participants must feel that their points will be analysed and will be treated with genuine respect and consideration.

GUIDELINES

• Have a Positive Attitude
• Listen Actively & Attentively
• Also ask others’ views on a particular issue
• Show interest in others’ Views and Information
• Provide Supporting Environment
• Avoid all traces of unpleasantness

a. Generally participating in GD means dealing with different opinions.

b. It’s quite natural in any group activity to have conflicts in the point of view.

c. Sometimes, these conflicts may be desirable for the success of group activity.

d. Conflicts may be at Task Level or Opinion Level but they should not occur at Personal Level.

GUIDELINES

• Create a Conducive and Cooperative atmosphere
• Be Tactful & Never Dominate Others unnecessarily
• Analyze and Clarify conflicting opinions with Positive and Unbiased Attitude.
• Make sure that the GD doesn’t turn into a Debate 

[to be continued...]