What is Group Discussion?

Group Discussion! Is a methodology or in a simple language you may call it an

interview process or a group activity. It is used as one of the best tools to select the
prospective candidates in a comparative perspective which offers highest elimination
rate in fastest possible time.

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

1. Communication skills
2. Interpersonal Skills
3. Leadership Skills
4. Analytical /Logical Skills
5. Reasoning ability
6. Different Thinking
7. Initiative
8. Assertiveness
9. Flexibility
10. Creativity

How to face GD?

GD Process

Knowledg
e

Presentati
on

Initiation

Summary

Cooperation

Listening

GD Preparation

6Cs

Confidence
Completene
ss
Consciousn
ess

Correctness

Clarit
y
Courtesy

Types of GD
GDs can be topic-based or case-based.
1. TOPIC BASED GDS
Topic based GDs can be classified into 3, they are as below:
- Factual Topics
- Controversial Topics
- Abstract Topic

Factual Topics:

Factual topics are about practical things, which an ordinary person is aware of in his
day-to-day life. Typically these are about socio-economic topics. These can be current,
i.e. they may have been in the news lately, or could be unbound by time. A factual topic
for discussion gives a candidate a chance to prove that he is aware of and sensitive to
his environment.
E.g. The education policy of India, Tourism in India, State of the aged in the nation.
Controversial Topics:
Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature. They are meant to
generate controversy.
E.g. Reservations should be removed, Women make better managers
Abstract Topics:
Abstract topics are about intangible things. These topics are not given often for
discussion, but their possibility cannot be ruled out. These topics test your lateral
thinking and creativity.
E.g. A is an alphabet, A six ball over is not an over

2. CASE-BASED GDs
Another variation is the use of a case instead of a topic. The case study tries to simulate
a real-life situation. Information about the situation will be given to you and you would
be asked as a group to resolve the situation. In the case study there are no incorrect
answers or perfect solutions. The objective in the case study is to get you to think
about the situation from various angles.

Important Tips
TIP 1: Initiation Techniques
Initiating a GD is a high profit-high loss strategy. When you initiate a GD, you not only
grab the opportunity to speak, you also grab the attention of the examiner and your
fellow candidates. But if poorly initiated could create a negative impact for you.

TIP 2: Body of the Group Discussion

Different techniques to initiate a GD and make a good first impressions are:
1. Quotes
2. Definition
3. Question
4. Shock statement
5. Facts, figures and statistics
6. Short story
7. General statement

TIP 3: Summarizing or Concluding

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 GD.
Keep it brief and concise.

Speak Out:
Make the best of this opportunity, the evaluator wants to hear you speak. A GD is a
chance to be more vocal.

Think before you speak:

Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say.

Seek clarification:

If you are not clear and you have doubts regarding the subject, ask for clarification
before the GD begins.

Be confident before you speak:

Don't start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject.

Good body language:

Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are more
likely to reflect your attitude than what you say.

Usage of effective language:

Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your points across
clearly and fluently.

Maintain your tone while communicating:

Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussion and
analysis.

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"

Motivating others to speak:

This will demonstrate your leadership skills. Be receptive to others opinions and do not
be abrasive or aggressive.

Practice:
AN OUNCE OF PRACTICE WEIGHS MORE THAN A TON OF THEORY