Career skills

Class assignment

Submitted by : vinay rana

b.arch 8th sem
The ideal group usually consists of eight-ten participants. If the number of participants is
more than that, then there is a tendency for some of the members to be passive listeners and
avoid participation. Similarly, if the number of participants is less than six, the discussion
suffers from a lack of diversity in opinions. The time allotted for the discussion is normally
twenty-thirty minutes.

Cases like when the aim of the group discussion is teaching and learning or when the subject
of the group discussion is uncommon or tough, the group discussion may be held under the
guidance of a group leader or a facilitator. The group facilitator announces the topic and
gives a brief introduction. He may give initial arguments to initiate the discussion. A certain
degree of expertise is expected from the group leader. He is generally responsible for
concluding and summarizing the discussion.

Types of Group Discussion

We will classify group discussions based on the following:

• Method of conduct
• Nature of topic

Based on the Method of Conduct

Bases on the method of conduct, group discussions can be further classified into the
following:

(i) Structured Group Discussion: In this type of group discussion, the topic is given to the
participants by the selectors and a time-frame is allotted to complete the discussion. This is
the most commonly followed technique for a group discussion.
(ii) Unstructured Group Discussion: In unstructured group discussions, unlike in the case
of structured group discussions, the candidates themselves decide the topic with mutual
consent. This formal method of group discussions is rarely used.

(iii) Role Play: In this type of group discussion, the candidates are given specific roles to
play in the backdrop of a given situation. Within the framework of their role, the participants
have to solve the problems inherent in the situation given to them.

(iv) Group Discussion with a Nominated Leader: Generally, no-one is nominated as leader
of a group discussion and all participants are treated as equal. But in this type of a group
discussion, a person is nominated as a facilitator or a leader of the group. He may summarize
the discussion or solutions discussed at the end of the group discussion. Sometimes the
leader is nominated by the group members themselves.

Based on Nature of the Topic

Group discussions can also be categorized based on the topic allotted for the discussion to
the participants. There are three kinds of topics-controversial topics, abstract topics and case
study topics.

(i) Controversial Topics: These are topics which are controversial and which have the
potential to generate an argument. Such topics generally make the discussion lively as
arguments and counter arguments are presented. This gives the evaluators more opportunities
to evaluate the candidates.

Examples of such topics include ‘Should the examination system be scrapped’ or ‘How
ethical is cloning?’.
(ii) Abstract Topics: There is a growing trend of assigning abstract topics, that is, topics
which are vague or unclear. These topics enable the evaluators to evaluate the creative ability
of the candidates. Every candidate can have his own interpretation of the topic. Some such
topics are ‘Zero’, ‘One and one make eleven’.

(iii) Case Study Topics: Here, a situation is provided to the participants which may depict a
problem faced by the organization or the managers. Participants need to analyze the situation
and think of various alternatives to solve the problem. This kind of a group discussion tests
the ability of the candidate to think of solutions keeping the situational factors and
constraints in mind.

Important Ingredients for Success In Group Discussions

There are certain important traits which are essential for being a successful participant in a
group discussion. These include:

(i) Positive Personality: Group discussions are an effective tool for assessing the overall
personality of the candidate. Personality includes not only one’s external appearance but also
the traits one possesses. Thus, during group discussions the dressing style, speaking style,
attitude towards others, presentation style, and so on, are evaluated. During the twenty-five-
thirty minutes one has, one needs to create a favorable impression on the evaluators. A
pleasing personality makes a favorable impression giving one an edge over the others.

(ii) Communication Skills: The key to an effective group discussion lies in the ability to
communicate effectively through both one’s verbal and non-verbal skills. One needs to
express the ideas and opinions logically and with clarity. Brilliant ideas and sound
knowledge are of little use unless they are expressed properly. One needs to possess good
oratory skills with a sound vocabulary. Besides being a good speaker, one needs to be a good
listener because in group discussions one needs to speak keeping in mind what has been or is
being said by others.
(iii) Sound Knowledge and Awareness Level: The participants’ knowledge and general
awareness is another major ingredient for a successful group discussion. The participant
needs to have originality in his/her ideas, that is, he should hold his own viewpoint and have
considerable depth of knowledge. Lack of knowledge and ideas may lead to repetition and
monotony. This is not a desirable and may go against one’s success.

(iv) Ability to Coordinate: The participant’s ability to coordinate the team and work in
harmony with others is another ingredient for success in group discussions. Cooperation and
positive contribution towards the discussion are vital. One must display the ability to take
control of the discussion without operating to be dominating.