Learning out comes

Group Discussion – Introduction

Why Group Discussion
Basic rules of Group Discussion
Types of Group Discussion
Traits /Skills Tested in A GD
Body Language
Dos & Don'ts
MEANING
“It is a process of examining or
considering something in detail in a
group .”

“it is a process of incorporating views

of different team members to reach a
common goal.”
WHY GROUP DISCUSSION?

It helps you to It improves your It helps in solving a It improves your It increase your
understand a subject ability to think particular decision listening skills confidence in
deeply critically speaking

By the process of
group discussion, the
employers are able to
observe a number of
personality traits or
attitudes of the
participants.
BASIC RULES OF GD
(1) Normal 15 to 20 (2) Number of
Usually, 3 to 4
duration of GD minutes panel members

(4) Addressing
(3) Time for Address only
5 minutes the panel or
preparation the members
group members

(5) Seating Circular or

arrangements semicircular
BASIC RULES OF GD
do not ask the panel
(6) Addressing the
(7) When the topic members. Wait for
members in the Dear Friends
is not clear someone to begin
beginning
and learn.

avoid using their Half a minute to one

(8) Addressing the (9) How long one
names. Instead use minute at every time
members by names can speak?
He /She you speak.

Four to five times in

(10) How many
a span of 30 minutes
times one can
GD with 12 to 15
speak?
members.
TYPES OF GD
( 1)FACTUAL TOPICS:

Factual topics are about practical thing, which an ordinary person is aware of in his day-to-
day life.

E.g., The Education Policy of India.

(2)CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS

Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature.

E.g., Reservations should be removed,

Women make better managers, etc.

(3)ABSTRACT TOPICS

Abstract topics are about intangible things. These topics test your lateral thinking and
creativity.

E.g., A is an alphabet

Children are……………

(4)CASE-BASED GD

Information about the situation will be given to you and you would be asked as a group to
resolve the situation.

In the case study there are no incorrect answers or perfect solutions.

The objective in the case study is to get you to think about the situation from various angles.
 TRAITS /SKILLS TESTED IN A GD

Communication skills

Knowledge

Group behavior

Leadership potential
 COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

The first aspect is one’s power of expression. In a group discussion, a

candidate must speak effectively so that he is able to convince others.

For convincing, one must speak forcefully and at the same time create an
impact by his knowledge of his subject.

A candidate who is successful in holding the attention of the audience

creates a positive impact.

SKILLS REQUIRED IN A GD
KNOWLEDGE AND IDEAS
REGARDING GIVEN SUBJECT
Knowledge of the subject under discussion and clarity of
ideas are important.

Knowledge comes from consistent reading on various topics

ranging from science and technology to politics.

In-depth knowledge makes one confident and enthusiastic

and this in turn, makes one sound convincing and confident.
LEADERSHIP AND
COORDINATING CAPABILITIES
The basic aim of a group discussion is to judge a candidate’s leadership
qualities.

The panel members become silent spectators once the discussion starts.

A candidate should display tactfulness, skill, understanding and knowledge

on varied topics, forcefulness and other leadership qualities to motivate and
influence other candidates who may be almost equally competent.
NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION
IN GD
Your body language must send the right
signals to correspond with what you
speak, because gestures mirror one’s state
of mind.
• Facial expression
• Movements of hands
• Body postures
• Head movements
• Eye contact
MOVEMENTS AND GESTURES
TO BE AVOIDED IN A GD
Tapping of feet

Touching of hair

Looking outside the window

Fiddling with the ring/spectacles/pens

Looking at the watch frequently

Do’s
Sitting comfortably Keeping track of time

Sharing time fairly

Listening to topic

Maintaining eye contact

Organizing ideas
Taking notes

Speaking at the earliest

Aiming for summary if needed

Identifying supporters/
opponents
Don’ts
Moving excessively
Being in a hurry

Being silent Throwing all ideas at one shot

Dominating vocally/physically Speaking fast

Assuming role of chairman Digressing

Introducing topic Using slang
Looking at faculty
Getting emotional
POINTS TO REMEMBER
Knowledge is strength.

A candidate with good reading habits has more chances of success.

Clarity in speech and expression is essential quality.

If you are not sure about the topic of discussion, it is better not to initiate.

A GD is a formal activity where slang is to be avoided.

Language use should be simple, direct and straight forward.

Don’t interrupt the speaker when the session is on.

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