Group Discussion

What is a Group Discussion?

A Group Discussion (GD) is a technique used by corporate companies, educational institutes,
and other organizations to judge the communication skills of the participant. Communication
skills are a crucial factor when compared to technical knowledge in any corporate
environment.

First impression is the best impression. The way you communicate professionally with your
peers, heads and most importantly the customers is directly or indirectly an add-on to the
quality of services that your company offers to the masses.
Hence, GD is a means of selecting the right candidate from a pool of applicants.

Types of GD
There are three types of GD based on the content of the discussion.
1) Topic-Based(Social, economic and political topics) GD: This type of GD is based on
certain topics which are practical and real.
For Example, Socioeconomic topics, Education related like, “How Plastic is affecting
planet Earth?,”  “Is a college degree necessary to become an Entrepreneur?”
Political topics such as” Man by nature is a political animal” etc.
2) Factual GD: These types of GDs are very informative and require a thorough knowledge
of the subject. One should have actual facts and figures known before taking part in the
discussion. For example, Indian Economic growth since 1947.
3) Abstract GD: There are some topics which are not based on physical presence but are
conceptual topics or intellectual topics. Such topics test the thinking capability and the
analytical thinking of the candidate. For example, Humanity, Honesty, Integrity etc.
2) Case study-Based GD: This type of GD is based on case studies which portray a real-life
situation. The group is provided with a case study beforehand and is given a few minutes of
time to prepare for it. In this type of GD, the group has to solve the case study to give a
solution.
In the process of solving the case study the qualities such as problem-solving, analysis,
thinking out of the box are getting tested. For example, Case study on malnutrition in India
etc.
The candidates are given time to prepare for the discussion. This GD helps to analyse how
the candidate responds to the unknown field/ fact and how confident he/she is in presenting
his/her point of view.

What Skills are Judged in GD?

● How good are you while communicating with others?
● How do you behave and interact with a group?
● How open-minded are you?
● Your listening skills.
● How do you put forward your views?
● Your leadership and decision-making skills.
● Your analytical skills and subject knowledge.
 ● Your problem solving and critical thinking skills.
● Your attitude and confidence.

How to Start a Group Discussion?

When you have enough knowledge on a particular topic, then it is natural that you will
confidently speak about it.
Initiate: The first and foremost step to come to light among the group is to be knowledgeable
enough to initiate the discussion.
It is not necessary to have a thorough knowledge of the topic with actual facts and figures but
at least the basic information on the topic will be good enough to speak on it. In order to
make your speech more interesting, you can start with a quote which is relevant to the topic
or can start with a short and simple incident/story.
Lead: There could be a situation where you do not have enough information on the given
topic. It’s wise to wait, watch and listen to what the other candidates say until you get a
chance to glide into the discussion. Take charge and start your conversation moving forward.
Once you take charge of the discussion, make sure that you speak to the point without
dragging the topic for the sake of it. Always remember that less is more. The more you add to
the speech, the more you may get prone to making mistakes. Hence, being precise
and leading the discussion impactfully is the key.
To Summarize,
Just initiating a Group Discussion helps to grab the attention of the GD evaluators. Similarly,
summarization is an opportunity to turn heads of the evaluators.
Putting together the whole discussion by highlighting the star points and concluding the
results of the discussion is summarizing the discussion.
The summary should be short and to the point and no new points should be added for further
discussion. Make sure that the summary is not one-sided but a mixture of both sides of the
discussion. 

Group Discussion Tips:

It is necessary to get noticed by the evaluators and for that you need to learn the ways to
remain active throughout the session.
● Analysing the discussion and coming up with ideas or subtopics that are not
mentioned by the other candidates is one way to stay connected in the discussion.
● Even if your knowledge related to the topic is not vast enough, you can talk on the
same topic considering from a different point of view.
● There will be cases where the discussion may go haywire, take the lead and try to
bring the discussion back into the route.
● The last thing to add is appreciating the point of view of the other candidates in an
appealing way.
For Example, “I would like to add in by appreciating so and so’s the point of view and I
agree with his view.”
The above statement may not be valuable but to some extent, it will display your quality of
appreciating others point of view. Practicing by participating in mock GDs by involving your
colleagues/college students can help you find your weak areas and indeed enable you to
rectify before appearing for the actual GD.

Group Discussion Skills:

These are certain skills that must be learned as a candidate in order to crack a GD
successfully. 
1) Interpersonal Skills: It is a skill that helps to convert a normal conversation into an
impactful conversation. When we say that ‘you should sound confident’, it not only involves
the way you speak but your overall appearance as a whole.
The soft skills required include using voice modulation, pronunciation and tone in an
appropriate manner.
2) Leadership Quality: Among the crowd of talented candidates there’s always a chance of
getting overshadowed and compressed.
It could be the case where even if the other candidate is less knowledgeable or mediocre in
academics but his one quality of putting forth his positives and ability to control the situation
( here discussion) will make him/her earn a brownie point.
3) Listening Quality: A good listener is a good Problem Solver. A good listener helps to
build the other qualities that are required in GD such as analytical skill, critical thinking,
communication, decision making, etc.
Listening not only helps to understand the topic from others’ point of view but also helps to
think accordingly and reach the solution to the problem or discussion.
It is also a good gesture and a communication building block with the other candidates, as it
gives a sense of respect for other’s views. Listening also makes one approachable and most
importantly being listened to in return. In simple terms, if you want to be listened to by
everyone then you should also listen to others. 
4) Convincing Power: The ability to convince others by means of your speech is a great skill
that is useful for any organization. The candidate should be able to impact other candidates
through his thought process and indeed one must learn this skill. 
5) Knowledgeable:  In order to be active in a discussion session, one must have an overall
knowledge from all the sectors of the world. One should be reading newspapers, various
fictions, non-fiction books, etc.
Must have knowledge on the latest updates in different fields such as current affairs,
education, sports, travel, arts & science, etc. Again it is not necessary to have all facts and
figures of the topic but it is enough to speak with confidence on the given topic.
These are some of the skills to remember and incorporate with in order to face the discussion
with ease and confidence.

Group Discussion Rules

Given below are certain essential pointers that are very important to get noticed and selected
in a GD. 

1) Appearance: This is the first thing to be noticed by anyone but still people/candidates

ignore this aspect of one’s personality. Always wear formal attire and be well-groomed.
2) Eye Contact: Your confidence will be seen in your eyes. Hence maintain eye contact with
the evaluator while initiating the discussion. Later, share eye contact with your peers in a
consistent manner. During the session, avoid looking at the evaluator and concentrate on the
peers.
Even when you are listening to the opposition candidate, make sure that you are slightly
turned towards the angle where the candidate is present and use gestures such as nodding in
appreciation in between the presentation.
3) Avoid Dominance: Always remember that it is a discussion and not a battle.
In the heat of the moment, never lose control of speech and decency. You are there to share
your point of view and not to start an argument. Respect other’s view and do not try to
dominate your views or points. Being patient and calm is the key.
4) Avoid Interrupting: It is considered mannerless to interrupt someone while talking.
Everyone has a say and one should respect and let your turn come for you to have your say.
There could be a situation where you may need to cut short the speaker, in such cases do it
politely with due respect and apologize for doing so.
For Example, ‘ I am sorry to intervene but considering the time limit, I may miss putting
forth my point so I would like to say that…..’
5) Clarity of Speech and Thoughts: Always maintain a medium speed and volume of your
voice. Be prepared in the mind of your thoughts that you are about to present and be clear.
Avoid fumbling and jumbling with your speech. Be confident and pardon if you make a
mistake while speaking.
6) Irrelevant Talk: Avoid deviating from the main topic and be on the same track. Quality is
more important than quantity. Be short and simple and refrain yourself from being involved
in irrelevant talks.
These are some of the important rules to be considered in the GD.

Do’s & Don’ts

Enlisted below are the various Do’s and Dont’s in GD.
1) Keep Eye Contact while Speaking: Do not look at the evaluators only. Keep eye contact
with all team members while speaking.
2) Initiate the GD: Initiating the GD is a big plus. But keep in mind – Initiate the discussion
only when you understand the GD topic clearly and have some knowledge on the topic.
Speaking without proper subject knowledge will leave a bad impression.
3) Allow others to Speak: Do not interrupt anyone in-between while speaking. Even if you
don’t agree with his/her thoughts, do not snatch their chance to speak. Instead, make some
notes and clear the points when it’s your turn.
4) Speak Clearly: Speak politely and clearly. Use simple and understandable words while
speaking. Don’t be too aggressive if you are disagreeing with someone. Express your feelings
calmly and politely.
5) Make sure to Bring the Discussion on Track: If by any means the group is distracted or
deviated from the topic or goal then simply take initiative to bring the discussion on track.
Make all the group members aware that you all need to come to some conclusion at the end
of the discussion. So stick to the topic.
6) Positive Attitude: Be confident. Do not try to dominate anyone. Keep positive body
language. Show interest in the discussion.
7) Speak Sensibly: Do not speak just to increase your speaking time. Don’t worry even if
you speak less. Your thoughts should be sensible and relevant instead of irrelevant speech.
8 ) Listen Carefully to Others: Speak less and listen more! Pay attention while others are
speaking. This will create a coherent discussion and thereby you will get involved in the
group positively. You will surely make people agree with you.
9) Need not get into too many details: Some basic subject analysis would be sufficient. No
need to mention the exact figures while giving any reference. You have limited time only, so
be precise and convey your thoughts in a short and simple language.
10) Formal Dressing: Do not take it casually. No fancy or funny dressing. You should be
comfortable while speaking in a group. Positive gestures and body language will make your
work easy.

Example of Group Discussion (Transcript):

“Integrity is an integral part of Human Life”

 Participant 1: Hello my dear friends. My name is Rajiv and I am here to speak in favor of
the topic ‘Integrity’. “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but it is
in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.”
Integrity is definitely required to complete our human life. We may achieve many things in
life by taking a few short-cuts bypassing integrity but in the long run, those achievements will
not stay with us.
Participant 2: Hello everyone, my name is Sahil and I am here to speak against the topic
‘Integrity’.
I beg to differ from Rajiv. We all know that our politicians are not following integrity to the
desired level, but we can see them holding strong positions.  They are also taking valuable
decisions for our country and successfully doing it for a long time too.
Participant 3: Hello, my name is Surbhi and I agree with Rajiv’s statements and would like
to add further that Humanity and integrity go hand in hand. Being true to oneself is being true
to God. It is very simple, don’t break Human rights in every path of your life. Integrity will
follow you naturally.
Participant 4: I feel in today’s selfish world, we have to compromise somewhere or the other
with humanity as well as integrity for our existence. So if we want to exist we have to be
harsh and we need to break the rules.
The discussion may continue further…
(Summarization of Topic) Participant 3: After a lot of discussion on the topic ‘Integrity is
an integral part of life’, I would like to conclude that in the journey of our life, we may not
value the importance of integrity all the time. But when we look deep down within ourselves
to introspect, we will realize the value of integrity. Thus integrity is definitely an integral part
of our life.