GROUP DISCUSSION

Definition: 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 ask to discuss it among themselves.

BENEFITS OF GROUP DISCUSSION:

Leadership in a GD is established implicitly through one's performance in a GD.

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.

TYPES OF GROUP DISCUSSION:

Group discussion is based on following topics:

1. Factual

2.Controversial

3.Abstract

Improving Gd Skills:Leadership skills : Ability to take leadership roles and ability to lead, inspire and carry the team along to help them achieve group’s objectives.

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

Practice:Start practicing your discussion skills in an informal setting or with a small group.

Participate:Take every opportunity to take part in social/informal discussions.

Persuading:It involves being able to convince others to take appropriate action.

Be assertive: An assertive person is direct , honest careful about not hurting others ‘self-respect’.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.

Appropriate to the issue .Make original points &

support them by substantial reasoning .Listen to the other participants actively &carefully.Whatever you say must be with a logical flow, & validate it with an example as far as possible.Make only accurate statements.Modulate the volume, pitch and tone.Be considerate to the feelings of the others.Try to get your turn.Be an active and dynamic participant by listening.Talk with confidence and self-assurance.

DO’S:

Shy /nervous / keeping isolated from G.DInterrupting another participant before his arguments are overSpeak in favour ; example : Establish your position and stand by it stubbornlyChanged opinionsDon’t make fun of any participant even if his arguments are funny Being .Don’t engage yourself in sub-group conversation.Don’t repeat and use irrelevant materials.Addressing yourself to the examiner.Worrying about making some grammatical mistakes , for your interest the matter you put across are important.

DON’T’S:

A GD is generally of 15-20 minutes duration.

Don't ever make the mistake of addressingthe panel members. The GD is between you and the other members, not the panel members. You must avoid even looking at the panel members while

the GD is in progress. Just ignore their existence.

Seating arrangement could be semi-circular, or seating along side a rectangular table , depending upon the venue.

About Group Discussion:

You would not be looked upon favourably if you kept speaking all the time and did not listen to anyone else. Contrary to the misconception, the person who talks the most is not necessarily the one who is judged the best.The quality and not the quantity of your contribution is the success factor it is important to be cool and emotionally objective in a GD.If you react emotionally you are likely to lose control over yourself during the group discussion.You have to be calm and logical, not emotional in a GD.

About Group Discussion:

THANK YOU!!