GROUP DISCUSSION

Group Discussion
What is Group discussion ?
A discussion among participants who have an
agreed (serious) topic
OR

A critical conversation about a particular topic, or

perhaps a range of topics, conducted in a group of
a size that allows participation by all members

Why GD ?
A group discussion gives everyone involved a voice
A group discussion allows for a variety of ideas to be
expressed and discussed.
An effective group discussion encourages those who
might normally be reluctant to speak their minds
It can change your attitudes
It increases your confidence in speaking
It helps you to understand a subject more deeply
It improves your listening skill

When might you lead a group

discussion?
At the start of something new
When an issue can no longer be ignored
When groups need to be brought together
When an existing group is considering its next step or
seeking to
address an issue of importance to it

Types of GD
GDs can be Topic-based or Case-based
Topic-based GDs can be classified into three type :1.Factual topics
Factual topics are about practical things, which an ordinary person is aware of in his
day-to-day life

2.Controversial topics
Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature

3.Abstract topics
Abstract topics are about intangible things

Case-based GD
Another variation is the use of a case instead of a topic
IIM A, IIM Indore and IIT SOM Mumbai have
a case-based discussion rather than
topic-based discussion in their selection
procedures

How to face GD
Communication skills
Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject
Exchange of thoughts
Addressing the group as a whole
Thorough preparations

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)
Try to stick to the discussion topic . Dont introduce
irrelevant information
Be aware of your body language when you are speaking

Dont
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)
Interrupt (Wait for a speaker to finish what they are
saying before you speak)
Dominate the discussion (Confident speakers should
allow quieter students a chance to contribute)
Using difficult language( Speak in simple language )

GD Mistakes
Emotional outburst
No eye contact
Quality vs Quantity
Bad communication skills
Addressing 1 or 2 persons
Bad initiation
Interrupting when session is on

What do they judge in the GD?

Ability to work in a team
Communication skills
Reasoning ability
Leadership skills
Initiative
Creativity
Body language