What is a Group Discussion (GD)?
In a layman term,
G.D. means ---
generally, participants of same age levels, similar educational qualifications,
experiences and social backgrounds are grouped together and asked to discuss a
subject without hiding anything or free from any limitations.
In a common man term,
Group Discussions
are being effectively utilized as a mirror to reflect
* Social
* Cultural
* Educational and
* Psychological
background of a candidate.
In an expert term,
Group Discussion
means
* A Football game or
* A Hockey game, where
you play like a team, passing the ball to each team member
and aim for a common goal.
In my opinion,
Group Discussion is a
systematic, structured and purposeful oral process whereby participants sitting
generally F2F are supposed to share, exchange, transfer, distribute and above
all understand views, ideas, thoughts and feelings through oral
communications on certain topic/issues/problems which in turn results in effective
communication, awareness and humbleness etc.
Why Group Discussion?
Let us understand this through one example – you have 5 friends and now
you are planning to go for a movie in your city. Now discussion starts and you
might have observed that it is very difficult to come to a conclusion
1. Which movies to watch?
2. Which place to go?
3. How to reach there?
4. How to persuade your friends?
5. How to encourage?
6. Who will book the ticket in advance or on the spot?
7. How to pick your friends from different places
All these things mentioned above involves certain personality traits
which will become clear through “Group Discussion” because in your group only one
person will take the decision and rest friend will follow him. That is why;
there are three aspects of Group Discussion: Why of GD?
A. Job Aspects
The reasons are:
1. If you want your
selection in ANY B-schools like IIM’s, XLRI, FMS, MDI, JBIMS, SPJIMR etc.
2.If you want to
work with ANY MNC’s like INFOSYS, SATYAM, WIPRO, INTEL, TCS, MICROSOFT, ORACLE
etc.
3. If you want to
work in DOMESTIC MNC’s like IOC, ONGC, SAIL, BHEL, IPCL, and HPCL etc.
4. If you want to
work with RBI, WHO, WORLD BANK, IMF etc.
B. Personality Aspects
1. It helps you to comprehend
a subject more acutely.
2. It improves your
ability to think critically.
3. It helps in
solving a certain issues/problem.
4. It helps the
group/team to make a certain decision.
5. It gives you the
chance to hear other students' ideas.
6. It improves your
active listening skills.
7. It boosts your
confidence in speaking.
8. It can change
your perception & attitudes.
C. Competencies Aspects
1. To check your “Aptitude”
Aptitude means “JACK
OF ALL TRADES” i.e. like a General Physician in the Hospital. In
other words, how much you are comfortable with SPELT technique. Under
“Aptitude” you are supposed to apply your
* Numerical Ability
* Analytical and
* Logical Reasoning.
2. To check your “Abilities”
Abilities means like
a “SPECIALIST” e.g. Child Specialist or Gynecologist.
Under this, you are
supposed to apply your
* Decision Making –
Choose the best option
* Problem Solving –
To arrive at different solutions
3. To check your “Skills”
*Organizational
Skills
*Interpersonal
Skills
*Presentation Skills
*Communication
Skills
*Leadership Skills
Strength
of GD
It means, what we do in a G.D.
The strength of a
group discussion lies in
* Extracting
* Channelizing
* Merging diverse
ideas to reach a more meaningful and rational decision.
Structure of GD
A. Administrative
Details
Participant Size: 6 – 20
Allocated Time: 10 – 30
Arrangement for
Seating:
a. Circular
b. U – Shape
c. Rectangular
d. Fish Bowl
B. Phases Of GD
Initiation /
Introduction
Definition
Explanation (or body
of GD)
Conclusion
Form of Group
Discussion
Closed GD or Structured
GD
Maximum 10
participants/team.
You will be given a
general topic to discuss.
Each participant
will get max.2 minutes to express him/her.
No consensus
expected at the end.
No leader is to be
selected for facilitating the process.
This is for more “Selection”.
Open or Unstructured
GD
Maximum 20/30
participants/team.
Time Limit: 20
minutes.
You will be given
any topic on GSPELT (General, Social, Political, Economic, Legal and
Technological etc.) to discuss.
No fixed timings for
any participant.
Consensus mandatory at
the end.
Leader is to be
selected for facilitating the process.
This is for heavy “Rejection”.
Things are sometimes
made more complicated by asking the group to propose a topic, discuss it and
reach a consensus.
Case based GD or
Role Play or Specialized GD
The candidates are
given a real-life case for example – How will you bring Mount Everest in India?
And now through “Role Play” act on that assuming that all “National” heads are
participating in the discussion like Mr. Modi, Mr. Obama, Mr. Nawaz Sharif, and
Mr. President from China etc. OR,
They may discuss –
Components of Food and they can act “Role Play” like all seven components of
Food like Carbohydrates, Proteins, Vitamins, Fibers, Minerals, Fat and Water
etc.
1. Topic
Based
A. Knowledge Based
(Domain)
E.g. GSPELT Topics (Black Money)
B. Non –
Knowledge Based (Non – Domain)
1.1. Concrete
Topics
E.g. Girls are better than boys / Love
marriages are better than Arrange marriage
1.2. Abstract
Topics
E.g. 2+2 = 5 / Love is a FOUR letter word.
2.
Case Based
Exploratory
Critical
Etiquette
of GD
Do
* 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't
* 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. Although some facilitator
encourage students to reflect on their own
experience, remember not to generalize too
much.
How to
Score high in a GD?
There are 3
techniques available to this:
- By Initiation (30%)
- By Awareness (50%)
- By Conclusion (20%)
By Initiation…. We mean
*Quotes
*Definition
*Question
* Shock statement
* Facts, figures and
statistics
* Short story
* General statement
By Awareness …. We mean
*Micro and
(Short)
*Macro concept of
the topic (Long)
By Conclusion ….. We mean
Keep the following
points in mind while summarizing a discussion:
*Avoid raising new
points.
*Avoid stating only
your viewpoint.
*Avoid dwelling only
on one aspect of the Group Discussion.
*Keep it brief and
concise.
*It must incorporate
all the important points that came out during the Group Discussion.
*If the examiner
asks you to summarize a Group Discussion, it means the Group Discussion has
come to an end. Do not add anything once the Group Discussion has been
summarized.
Qualities required in a GD
*Team Player
*Reasoning Ability – e.g. Reduction of fees in IIM’s
*Flexibility – Open to other ideas
*Initiative – Starting the G.D. & Putting views on
regular interval
*Assertiveness – Putting points in a positive way with
positive body language
*Creativity – Out of box thinking
*Inspiring Ability – Let others to say something
*Listening – Balance between expressing your ideas
& imbibing ideas
*Awareness – Both micro & macro environment
*Leadership – Direction, Coordination, Inspiring,
Motivating
Parameters in a GD
You all will be
evaluated on the basis of these points:
*Content
*Group Behavior
*Communication
Skills
*Leadership Skills
*Confidence
*Silent
*Talking Terror
*Eye Contact
*Withdrawn
*Talking Sense
Different
Roles Participant Play in a GD?
*Initiator:
Who starts the discussion?
*Information seeker: Who asks questions related to the topic?
*Information giver: Who answers any question raised.
*Procedure facilitator: Who keep the minutes of the discussion?
*Opinion Seeker: Who asks opinions of the others?
*Opinion Giver:
Answers the opinion seeker and others
*Clarifier:
Suggests extra data that is required to clear any point.
*Summarizer:
Summarize the discussion.
*Social Supporter: Encourages the group when good points are raised.
*Harmonizer:
Tries to consider the benefits of two opposing points of view.
*Tension Reliever: Tries to consider the different angles rose when there is anger in the group.
*Energizer:
Tries to develop on someone's good ideas
*Compromiser:
He tries to compromise when there is a heated discussion
*Gatekeeper:
Encourages silent members to contribute.
How to
prepare for a GD?
One simple quote: “If
you fail to prepare, be prepared to fail”. The important steps of
preparation are:
Step 1:
Acquiring Relevant Information
You are supposed to
read and collect relevant knowledge on matters of
* Social
* Political
* Economical
* Legal
* Technological
* Cultural
Activities and
* Sports
All these above
mentioned information can be acquired through
* Any National
Newspaper
* Any Good Magazine
or by TV or by Internet etc.
Step 2:
Creating a Data Bank of Important Information
You are supposed to
prepare
* Short Notes
* Handouts
* Tips, Tricks and
Techniques Cutting
* Handy PPT
* Handy Audio &
Video visual clips
Step 3:
Improving Communication Skills
You are supposed to
concentrate on
* Effective Reading
* Effective Writing
* Effective Speaking
* Effective
Listening
Step 4:
Participating in Mock Group Discussions (Mandatory!!!!!)
Impact of
Non – Verbal Communication in GD
Facial Expressions
* A pleasant look
* A relaxed look
* No furrowed brows
* No tense jaw
* Nervous twitches
(uncontrollable movement of a muscle)
Movement of Hands
* Slight
movement of hands once in a while may be acceptable
* No vigorous
and frequent movement of hands
* No pointing
fingers towards other
* No palm - closed
finger --- it reveals “aggression”
Body Posture
* Sitting
with your head erect and shoulders back --- reflects “alertness”
* A slight lean
forward --- reflects you are keen on “discussions”
* No an extended
lean backward --- reflects your “disinterest”
Head Movements
* Nodding of
head should be done in a subtle manner but never excessively or vigorously
* Not moving one’s
head at all may sometimes indicate “disinterest”
Eye Contact
* A good eye contact
mean --- “attention & interest”
* No eye contact ---- No interest and attention
Voice Modulation
* Delicate changes in
Pitch
Volume
Rhythm
* Speaking loudly
does not bring desired impact
Movements & Gestures
You all must avoid
* Constant fidgeting
and yawning
* Tapping of feet
* Repeated touching
of hair
* Fiddling with the
ring, jeweler and spectacles
* Lip – biting
* Consulting one’s
watch frequently & looking outside the window – No interest
* Narrowing of the
eyes --- indicates disagreement and resentment
* Raised Eyebrows
--- convey disbelief and you do not trust others what they are saying
Tips for
participation in a GD
Taking a Position
Always take a
complete view of the topic
Avoid statements
like:
“I totally support the topic”
“I fully disagree with the topic”
Start as, “there are
points in favor of and against the topic…..”
If your voice is soft
Just raise the voice
level but do not shout
Wait for moments
when the noise levels will be slightly lower and get into the discussion
If someone interrupts you while discussion
Raise your voice
level slightly and you can say
Excuse me, please
let me complete
Just a minute-let me
finish my point
How to enter the Discussion
First of all
identify strong speakers in the group
Concentrate and be
attentive
Whenever someone
gives you SPARK of your point just enter to the discussion comfortably by
saying “Yes, what you say is almost correct and true…..”
“….but there is
something more that we should must add & look at…”
“…and there is
another reason to support what you say…”
If you are not being noticed while speaking
It may be due to
your
Soft Voice
Low Voice
Any aggressive
speaker is saying something
Then wait for
A soft – voiced
person
Agree what he or she
says and continue
If you know nothing about the Topic
Do not start the
discussion
Concentrate on other
views and jot down the main points
Reshape the points
If someone ideas are similar to your ideas
Say like this:
“Yes, you are
absolutely right.”
“I am in toto with
you.”
If you know the topic very well but others are totally
ignorant
Do not put all the
points in the very beginning
Go step by step in
extending the points
Difference between GD/Debate/JAM/Extempore/Impromptu
Group Discussion – means
discussion without going in favour and against any topic which is not an
ARGUMENT at all, and finally coming to a CONCLUSION.
Debate – means discussion in favour and against the
topic which is purely an ARGUMENT without any CONCLUSION.
JAM – just a minute: to check one’s ability within a
minute with conceptual clarity; this requires preparation which is PLANNED
& FORMAL.
Extempore/Impromptu – you are supposed to speak on any
topic without any preparation which is UNPLANNED & INFORMAL. This is
neither a discussion nor an argument.
Rules for GD – FAQ’s
** For Closed GD – every participant is supposed to
speak for min. 30 seconds & max. 2 minutes (before starting all
participants should get 5 minutes for Brainstorming on the given topic – Max.
10 participants at a time).
** For Open GD – all participants are supposed to say
at least one sentence within 3 minutes; if it does not happen and only one
person is keep on speaking (as it happens in 80% cases) then the entire GD
session will be NULL & VOID and everybody will be REJECTED because it is
responsibility of the INITIATOR to ENCOURAGE other members in the discussion;
it means he or she does not have TEAM LEADERSHIP quality. At this stage,
facilitator is supposed to call next team for discussion (max. 20 participants
in a team).
** In Closed/Open/Case based GD – no one will address
by his or her name; only Candidate No. 1 & Candidate No. 2 and so on ……
** In Closed/Open/Case based GD – no participant will
GREET panel member at any cost; extend your greetings among participants only.
If possible, ignore all panel members while GD is in progress; you must avoid
even looking at the panel members.
** In case of JAM/Extempore/Impromptu – judgement
should be based on CONTENT discussed with complete AWARENESS not on the basis
of COMMUNICATION SKILLS.
** For all form & types of GD – divide the class
into TEAM for easy SELECTION.
** As a general rule, GD should not exceed more than
30 minutes per team.
** There must be at least
4-5 panel members to evaluate so that GD should be conducted UNBIASED and free
from all pre-assumed NOTIONS.
** As a rule, panel member must give at
least 3 minutes for preparation in case of only Closed GD and Open GD because
you are supposed to speak for more time. But in case of JAM/Extempore/Impromptu
– no need of any preparation because it is fully spontaneous which does not
require any preparation which lasts for less than a minute.
** The candidate who will start the GD
i.e. INITIATOR will only address the entire TEAM by saying – Good Morning/Good
Afternoon/Good Evening - Friends OR, Good Morning/Good Afternoon/Good Evening –
one and all etc.
** As a rule, INITIATOR is supposed to
INTRODUCE and DEFINE the topic given without going in favour or against
(general introduction and definition) within a minute and pass on to other
participants for discussion and if possible he or she is supposed to LEAD the
discussion (generally LEADERS are chosen on the basis of one’s performance in
the discussion by the participants itself which takes place automatically) and
CONCLUDE the discussion keeping in mind time allotted (but in any case you are
not supposed to look at your watch FREQUENTLY – Time alertness is required).
** As a rule, you are allowed to carry a
NOTE BOOK for noting down some points only in case of Closed and Open GD and
CASE BASED GD but not in case of JAM / EXTEMPORE/IMPROMPTU etc.
** As earlier told, GD is a discussion not
an argument; you may take NEUTRAL (both sides – both in favour and against)
view of any topic given for discussion in a systematic and logical way.
** As a rule, if you do not know the meaning of the topic, do not ask the
panel member; just wait for other participants to start whosoever FAMILIAR with
the topic only then JUMP into discussion.
** As a rule, panel member will cut the marks of all those participants
who are TOO AGGRESSIVE and RUDE, TALKING TERROR, SILENT, using ABBREVIATIONS
(without clear meaning), TECHNICAL TERMS and SLANG/ COLLOQUIAL/ JARGONS etc.
** As a rule, every participant must try to extend their viewpoints at
least 3 to 4 times.
** As a rule, panel member can stop GD at any point of time if they find
that GD is too noisy, meaningless discussion, irrelevant discussion and above
all so called MODERATOR or INITIATOR is BIASED towards self or others or someone
etc.
(The Happy Beginnings......)
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