Group Discussion

  

Group Discussion

Definition

1.     Group discussion is an important activity in academic, business and administrative spheres.

2.     It is a systematic and purposeful interactive oral process on a particular topic in a systematic and structured way.

3.     The participants sit facing each other almost in a semi-circle and express their views on the given topic/issue/problem.

Features of an effective group discussion

1.     Generally, it has a number of Participants.

2.     All members of the group have a chance to speak.

3.     Each member expresses his own ideas and feelings freely.

4.     All members of the group listen ideas and feelings of other members.

5.     Group members can receive and respond to feedback without biasness.

6.     Feedback could be positive, negative but in all cases, it is delivered respectfully.

7.     A variety of points of view are put forward and discussed.

8.     The discussion is not dominated by any one person.

9.     Arguments are based on the content of ideas and opinions.

10.  Even in disagreement, there’s an understanding that the group is working together to resolve a dispute, solve a problem, create a plan, decide, etc.

Elements of GD

1.     Purpose: GD always has a purpose.

2.     Format: GD also has a fixed Format.

3.     Moderator: A facilitator (moderator) oversees the discussion to track the discussion and evaluate the participants.

4.     participants: A group of participants performs GD.

Purposes of GD

Group discussions are important because they help the evaluator:

1.     To judge whether the candidate is fit for the job.

2.     To test whether the candidate is a good team player.

3.     To assess the various skills of candidates.

4.     To check subject knowledge of the candidates.

5.     To gauge the candidate's diction and pronunciation.

6.     To evaluate the body language and posture, etc.

Skills Assessed

1.      Subject knowledge

The first thing that employers test is the subject knowledge.

2.      Creativity/Originality

Creativity and originality of ideas is judged during GD. Employers like innovative candidates.

3.      Communication Skills

Listening, Speaking,  nonverbal (body language, tone, volume, pitch control, pronunciation etc.) skills are judges.

4.      Body language

Body language is an essential skill for a professional. Moderators give high ratings for a professional outlook and a confident, straight posture.

5.      Fluency

Fluency in speech is a critical skill. It helps in performing many jobs. Speaking with effective pauses without stuttering or stammering impress the listener.

6.      Initiation

Taking initiative is a mark of excellent leadership skills. It is preferred by the employers.

7.      Leadership

Helping others understand the subject matter and considering their perspectives proves your leadership acumen. Panelists also give bonus points  for leadership skills.

8.      Active listening

Active listening is an important skill for managerial positions or customer service roles. So, employers usually observe and praise good listeners.

9.      Clarity of thought and expression

Clarity is the art of making oneself clear to the audience. A person can convince his team and the panel if he follows clarity.

10.   Apt Language

The flow of language must be smooth. Simple language and short impactful sentences, error free statements are the need for good communication.

11.   Team behavior

Team behaviour is judged as it is required in all the walks of workplace.

Types of group discussion 

1.     Factual GD- Focus on real-world facts and data.

2.     Opinion-based GD: Based on Opinion, Beliefs and ideas, etc.

3.     Case Study GD: Bases on Analysis of a case/scenario.

4.     Abstract GD: Based on discussion on abstract concepts with no right or wrong answer.

Process of GD

1.     Topic Announcement

a.     Initiation: The moderator announces the topic for discussion.

b.     Briefing: A brief overview of the topic and specific guidelines for Group discussion is given.

2.     Preparation Time

a.     Preparation Period: A few minutes (typically 3-5) are given to participants to prepare.

b.     Strategy Planning: Strategy for collecting thoughts, making notes, and organizing ideas is applied.

3. Discussion Starts

a.     Commencement: The moderator signals the start of the discussion, and participants begin sharing their views.

b.     Initial Contributions: Any one participant  starts the discussion while others may choose to add their points.

4.     Discussion Among Participants

a.     Interaction: An interactive exchange of ideas among participants is started. The key skills are noted like-

b.     Articulation: Clarity and effectiveness in presenting points.

c.     Listening: Paying attention to others’ viewpoints and responding appropriately.

d.     Leadership: Taking charge of the discussion flow without dominating it.

e.     Conflict Management: Handling disagreements constructively.

5.     Results

a.     Evaluation: Participants are evaluated on the  basis of their performance.

b.     Criteria: Common criteria includes communication skills, content knowledge, logical reasoning, teamwork, and leadership qualities.

      6.     Feedback: In some cases, participants may receive feedback on their performance, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement

 Rules/Guidelines to win GD

1. Understand the topic by doing research and clearing doubts

2. Listen actively by paying attention, acknowledging and responding.

3. Be clear and concise by using simple language and avoiding unnecessary words.

4. Show leadership skills by initiating the discussion and facilitating participation

5. Stay calm and composed by managing stress and respecting others

6. Respect other members by giving value to their opinions

7. Contribute constructively by adding value and building on ideas

8. Use data and examples to support arguments

9. Handle criticism with poise by staying open-minded and responding politely

10. Summarize key points by recapping discussions and highlighting contributions

 

Dos

1.       Prepare well for the topic.

2.      Be confident about your content.

3.      Control body language

4.     Show leadership and respect every view

5.      Avoid false starts or commitments

6.     Pick up clues from the discussion and intelligently add points.

7.      Be gentle and sure in your views.

8.     Speak to the point and avoid repetition.

9.     Be calm and composed while speaking and Listen to others.

10.  Have respectful attitude towards the viewpoints of others.

11.    Use positive body language to convey your ease of behaviour.

Don’ts of participating in a GD

1.     Do not fight or argue loudly

2.     Do not initiate the discussion if you do not know the topic well.

3.     Do not go overboard in exhibiting your knowledge even if you know the topic well.

4.     Do not interrupt other members when they are speaking.

5.     Do not change your opinion about the topic.

6.     Do not feel low confidence.

7.     Do not ask irrelevant questions.

8.     Do not let your personal biases about the topic enter the discussion

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a GD Round

Generally, participants make following mistakes. They must not do these.

1.     Dominating the Discussion

2.     Interrupting Others

3.     Speaking Without Preparation

4.     Being Passive

5.     Focusing Solely on Quantity

6.     Displaying Negative Body Language

7.     Getting Emotional or Aggressive

8.     Ignoring Others’ Opinions

9.     Lack of Structure

10.  Failing to Summarize