GROUP DISCUSSION

WHAT IS A GROUP?
A number of individuals or things considered together because of similarities. (Oxford Dictionary)

DISCUSSION
The action or process of talking about something in order to reach a decision or to exchange ideas: Participation in a systematic way on a particular topic..

..not a wrestling match to score points

What is Group Discussion?

A Group Discussion involves participation in a systematic way or particular topic to arrive at a general consensus. It can involve vary number of participants on a wide range of topics.

Anyone in the group may contribute his own views While weighing the pro cons, advantages &disadvantage, as opposed to a debate, where you need take one side and become involved in an argument. In both case conclusion needs to be reached.

Especially in group discussions, you need end on a positive note without hurting others feelings & sentiments; with touching on sensitive issues like religion, caste, prejudice, etc

Difference between discussion and debate

Debate Either Winning or Losing. Discussion Expression of your point of view and respecting another's point of view. A debate is a perfect situation for expressing intense emotions. A GD, however, calls for a lot more maturity and logic.

Why Group Discussion????

First thing Group Discussion is used for mass elimination. Companies conduct group discussion after the written test so as to check on your interactive skills and how good you are at communicating with other people. The GD is to check how you behave, participate and contribute in a group, how much importance do you give to the group objective as well as your own, how well do you listen to viewpoints of others and how open-minded are you in accepting views contrary To your own! And second thing group discussion selection criterias are based on actual company requirements.

How does it work? - Flow and Structure

Although there are lots of GD models that companies follow, well learn a practice the standard and most common one. You would be put in groups of 8-10 candidates with no leader, and a specific situation to analyze and discuss within a given time limit. Your group may be given a case study and asked to come out with solution for a problem.

 It is common to be given a topic and asked to discuss on the same. A panel or a facilitator may be present during the GD. A panel/facilitator will observe the proceedings and evaluate members of the group.

Types of GD
GDs can be topic-based or case-based.

Topic based Gds can be classified into three types:1. Factual Topics 2. Controversial Topics 3. Abstract Topics

 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. In GDs where these topics are given for discussion, the noise level is usually high, there may be tempers flying. The idea behind giving a topic like this is to see how much maturity the candidate is displaying by keeping his temper in check, by rationally and logically arguing his point of view without getting personal and emotional. 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.

How to Face GD
A group discussion consists of: Communication Skills Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject

Capability to co-ordinate and lead

Exchange of thoughts Addressing the group as a whole Thorough preparations

What does the GD test you in?

Body language Communication skills Self confidence Team skills Listening ability Ability to present your views logically Time management

What actually happens in a GD?

Initiation / Introduction Body of the group discussion Summarization / Conclusion

Initiation Techniques
Initiating a GD is a high profit-high loss strategy. Initiate one only if you have in-depth knowledge about the topic at hand. Do not stammer/ stutter/ quote wrong facts and figures.

How to make a good first impression?

Quotes Definition Question Shock statement Facts, figures and statistics Short story General statement

What Qualities do I need to Exhibit in a GD?

Dos of GD Be proactive and initiate discussion. Donts of GD Sit back and wait your turn (it will never come) Speak once you have clearly understood Dont just blurt out whatever comes into and analyzed the subject. your head. Always be polite. Use phrases like: Dont use extreme phrases like: I would like to share my view I object or I disagree May I say something please? youre wrong Id like to differ with you thats not true or thats not right You have a valid point Be as natural as possible. Be sincere and Do not try and be someone you are not. yourself. Never try to show off or act smart. Portray positive body language: Dont slouch or cross your arms. Dont Maintain eye-contact, show youre fidget or display nervous behavior. listening and sit alert. Site specific points and facts to support Avoid vague statements. your opinion.

SEATING ARRANGEMENTS

Organize your thoughts.

By Sanjay Agnihotri, Bijapur