GROUP DISCUSSION 1.4

GROUP DISCUSSION 1.4

[In A Nutshell]

A GD is a methodology used by an organization to gauge whether the candidate has certain personality traits and/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 10-15 minutes.

 

Some of the personality traits the GD is trying to gauge may include:

• Ability to work in a team            
• Communication skills
• Reasoning ability
• Leadership skills
• Initiative
• Assertiveness
• Flexibility
• Creativity
• Ability to think on one's feet

Improving GD Skills

Asking questions and joining in discussions are important skills. If you find it difficult to speak or ask questions, try the following.

A. Observe

If you are weak in required GD Skills, start with observing others whether in class or outside:

• How do other students make critical comments?
• How do they ask questions?
• How do they disagree with or support arguments?
• What special phrases do they use to show politeness even when they are voicing disagreement?
• How do they signal to interrupt, ask a question or make a point?

B. Practice

Start practicing your discussion skills in an informal setting or with a small group. Start with asking questions of fellow students. Ask them about the course material. Ask for their opinions. Ask for information or ask for help.

C. Participate

Take every opportunity to take part in social/informal discussions as well as more structured/formal discussions. Start by making small contributions to classroom discussions; prepare a question to ask, or agree with another speaker's remarks.

  Discussion Etiquette 

(or minding your manners)

Dos

• Speak pleasantly and politely to the group.
• Respect the contribution of every speaker.
• Remember that a discussion is not an argument. Learn to disagree politely.
• Think about your contribution before you speak. How best can you answer the question/ contribute to the topic?
• Try to stick to the discussion topic. Don't introduce irrelevant information.
• Be aware of your body language when you are speaking.
• Agree with and acknowledge what you find interesting.

Don'ts

• Lose your temper. A discussion is not an argument.
• Shout. Use a moderate tone and medium pitch.
• Use too many gestures when you speak. Gestures like finger pointing and table thumping can appear aggressive.
• Dominate the discussion. Confident speakers should allow quieter students a chance to contribute.
• Draw too much on personal experience or anecdote.
• Interrupt. Wait for a speaker to finish what they are saying before you speak. 

Note: Leading a Discussion: You may be in a seminar group that requires you to lead a group discussion, or lead a discussion after an oral presentation. You can demonstrate leadership by: a. Introducing yourself and the members of the group, b. Stating the purpose of the discussion, c. Inviting quiet group members to speak, d. Being objective, e. Summarizing the discussion

Points to Remember

• Knowledge is strength. A candidate with good reading habits has more chances of success. In other words, sound knowledge on different topics like politics, finance, economy, science and technology is helpful.
• Power to convince effectively is another quality that makes you stand out among others.
• Clarity in speech and expression is yet another essential quality.
• If you are not sure about the topic of discussion, it is better not to initiate. Lack of knowledge or wrong approach creates a bad impression. Instead, you might adopt the wait and watch attitude. Listen attentively to others, may be you would be able to come up with a point or two later.
• A GD is a formal occasion where slang is to be avoided.
• A GD is not a debating stage. Participants should confine themselves to express their viewpoints. In the second part of the discussion candidates can exercise their choice in agreeing, disagreeing or remaining neutral.
• Language used should be simple, direct and straight forward.
• Don't interrupt a speaker when the session is on. Try to score by increasing your size, not by cutting others short.
• Maintain rapport with fellow participants. Eye contact plays a major role. Non-verbal gestures, such as listening intently or nodding while appreciating someone's viewpoint speak of you positively.
• Communicate with each and every candidate present. While speaking don't keep looking at a single member. Address the entire group in such a way that everyone feels you are speaking to him or her.

Valuable GD Tips

1. Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone you are not. Be yourself.
2. A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The evaluator wants to hear you speak.
3. Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say.
4. Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject.
5. Don't start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject.
6. Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate the discussion or appreciate someone's point and then move onto express your views.
7. Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition. If you do not give valuable insights during the discussion, all your efforts of initiating the discussion will be in vain.
8. Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say.
9. Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your points across clearly and fluently.
10. Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussion and analysis.
11. Don't lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to. The key is to stay objective: Don't take the discussion personally.
12. Always be polite: Try to avoid using extreme phrases like: `I strongly object' or `I disagree'. Instead try phrases like: `I would like to share my views on…' or `One difference between your point and mine…' or "I beg to differ with you"
13. Brush up on your leadership skills; motivate the other members of the team to speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to say "let us hear what KIran has to say," or "Raghu, let us hear your views" - Essentially be subtle), and listen to their views. Be receptive to others' opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive.
14. If you have a group of like-minded friends, you can have a mock group discussion where you can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback.
15. Apart from the above points, the panel will also judge team members for their alertness and presence of mind, problem-solving abilities, ability to work as a team without alienating certain members, and creativity.

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