GROUP DISCUSSION

Those cant discuss, argue Those cant argue, quarrel Those cant quarrel, fight

What is GD
Process of incorporating views Coordination between teams to reach common goal Group activity Exchange of ideas Testing device in recruitments Studies behavioral and attitudinal responses Technique to study personality

Why GD
Helps to understand a subject more deeply Improves ability to think critically Helps in solving a particular problem helps the group to make a particular decision Improves your listening skills Increases your confidence in speaking Changes your attitude Improves your personality

INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS
Restaurants Clubs College canteen Bus stop Coffee shop Home

FORMAL DISCUSSIONS
Office Meeting Conference Recruitment centre

GD and DEBATE
GD
Raises a particular issue for a positive exchange of views Cooperative group process Involves both the views Flexible in procedure Decision depends on group consensus

DEBATE
Advocate a particular point of view Competitive in nature Argue for or against Formal in procedure Decision in a debate depends on voting

Characteristics tested

Team player Skill like working in a group Coordination Better team performance Analyze understanding of others Contribute to the performance of the group Relate to each other Team friendly Sensitivity that demonstrates your highly attentive listening abilities. Confidence to communicate and bring forth new ideas that will stimulate group discussions. Inquisitiveness, or the ability to ask the right questions that will allow you to intermingle easily with others in collaborative situations. Influence in order to ask those who oppose your suggestions to at least reconsider their adamant positions. Respectfulness in order to demonstrate to others that you are flexible enough to explore the possibilities they are trying to share. Cooperation in order to contribute to the cohesive structure that is so essential to successful teamwork. Generosity in order to help others see that you are capable of lending your support to buoy their tasks and career undertakings.

Reasoning ability Tests logic and rationality Understanding skills Shows the listening skills Analyzes problem solving skills Highlights the thinking process Sequential thinking in solving a problem

Leadership quality Facilitates the discussion Shows direction Coordinates the efforts of team members Contributes during regular intervals with valuable insights Inspires and motivates and encourages team members Never to lose cool Clear with vision and views Bring unity Persuasion and influential Interpersonal skills Trust and respect feelings Adaptable Knows when to be a leader and when to be a follower Decision maker Strategic planner Leadership is about results and relationships

Flexibility Open to others ideas Never start discussion with a stand

AREAS OF EVALUATION
SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE Thorough understanding of the subject First requirement of effective participation Depth and range of knowledge Topics- society, policy, economy, scientific and technical research; social, economic, political or environmental problems; controversial issues; or case studies Ability to analyze facts/information systematically Analyze existing knowledge and assimilate new ideas

ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS

GD takes place through speech Ability to speak confidently and convincingly Assess in terms of team listening appropriate body language clarity of expression positive speech attitudes and adjustments clear articulation effective non-verbal communication

LISTENING SKILLS
All comments must be heard and understood Listen properly Active listener Good leader is a good listener

APPROPRIATENESS OF LANGUAGE
Judges a candidates grasp of language and ability to use appropriate words and expressions No errors in grammar Precision in the use of words, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs Expressing ideas precisely and exactly Simple and concise Avoid difficult words, unfamiliar phrases, and flowery language

CLARITY OF EXPRESSION
Clear thinking makes meaning clear to your audience No sloppy, illogical, or incomplete thinking A confused person is likely to confuse others Think clearly and positively Direct, clear and specific language to be used Avoid round-about constructions, indirect expressions, exaggeration, artificial eloquence, and ornamentation in speech

POSITIVE SPEECH ATTITUDES

Evaluate speech attitudes and adjustments Is the participant a responsible group communicator or a careless speaker? Is he mature and dignified or immature and apologetic? Is he positive towards his listeners or antagonistic towards them? Is he a relaxed speaker or a tense one? Is he sincere to other speakers or just indifferent?

CLEAR ARTICULATION
Voice and articulation plays an important role Cheerful voice with good articulation Avoid a slow or weak voice, a monotonous tone, and indistinct articulation Do not speak too fast Be slow, clear, and distinct

NON-VERBAL CLUES
Eye contact, Body movements, Gestures, Facial expressions are closely watched Body language evaluated to determine personality factors such as nervousness cooperation frustration weakness insecurity self-confidence defensiveness and so forth

LEADERSHIP SKILLS
LEADERSHIP FUNCTIONS INCLUDE Initiative Analysis Assertiveness Self-confidence Objectivity Patience and composure Persuasiveness Motivation

TEAM MANAGEMENT
TEAM MANAGEMENT SKILLS INCLUDE Adaptability Positive attitude Cooperation Coordination

GETTING THE GD STARTED

HOW TO DECIDE A TOPIC avoid random method selecting a topic is another way of evaluating adopt the most suitable and logical approach to select the topic select topic that is general in nature interesting so that it motivates the others topical relevant to current situation

BEGIN THE GD
Opening speaker should briefly speak on the topic without taking sides He should give the right direction to the group Speak first only if you have enough sensible things to say

CONCLUDE THE GD
Try and summarize the discussion at the end Mention if the group did not reach the consensus Do not force a consensus

JUMP INTO A DISCUSSION

Keep an eye on the intensity- high and low Jump only when the speaker has finished making his point Jump in an agreeable manner Jump by raising your voice

EVALUATING GD
LEADERSHIP ABILITY

initiative able to give direction shouldering responsibility positive intervention and coordination objective and goal fulfillment
KNOWLEDGE

well read originality range of ideas

EVALUATING GD
ANALYTICAL ABILITY

use of arguments use of logic use of examples

COMMUNICATION

fluency and clarity of thought presentation listening to others concise and clear cut views conviction body language

EVALUATING GD
GROUP BEHAVIOUR

to carry peers along to be able to get along with the group persuasive ability

DOS
Be determined to do well Listen carefully to the instructions given by the panel Lend ears to others who make genuine contribution KISS keep it short and simple Always add value to discussion Intervene positively to put GD on track Conclude periodically Adhere to principles of politeness Substantiate and give reasons for your contentions Give facts and figures but do not overdo it Have a clear cut view

DOS
Be deliberate and slow in delivering your points BE ASSERTIVE AND NOT AGGRESSIVE Make eye contact with your group members while you speak Avoid any irritating gestures Be sincere

DONTS
Interrupt unnecessarily Try to monopolize Adopt a negative stance Speak loudly Address the panel Flay your hands Speak in turns Talk too fast Be too conscious of your body language Over praise people Adopt a casual look Get excited

DONTS
Shout Keep changing your stand continuously Always contradict what others have to say Maintain a sardonic smile Ask some members to shut up Use your pet words like yaar Laugh loudly and heartily Point out errors of others and make fun of them Keep yawning from time to time Maintain a blank look on your face

Websites
http://freshersworld.com/interview/Group_Discussion.htm http://www.groupdiscussion.org/