Group Discussion

Contents
• Definition

• Prerequisite of GD

• Benefits and salient features

• Do’s and Don’ts

• Important points
 Group discussion is a
modern method of it is both a technique
assessing students’ and an art
personality

Group
Discussion
It involves all
A comprehension tool
members of a group
to judge the
to express their
worthiness of an
opinions freely and
individual and his
their abilities are
appropriateness for
judged within a time
any job
limit of 20-30 minutes
 Topics given Planning and
by panelists preparation

Communication
Knowledge with skills/ power of
self-confidence speech and
listening

Prerequisites of a Body language

Presentation and personal
Group Discussion appearance

Extensive
knowledge base
Cooperation
on diverse topics
and scales
 Stimulation of thinking in an innovative way

Expansion of knowledge

Understanding of your strength and

weaknesses
Benefits of
Your true personality is revealed, and qualities
group of leadership crystallize
discussion Enhances linguistic skills and academic
knowledge

Teamwork and people handling skills

General knowledge
Salient features of GD

The examiner
Topic may be
Discussion does not interfere
given to judge
revolves around a once he
your public
specific subject announces the
speaking talent
topic

Maintain cordial
and free
expression of
thoughts and
opinions
Do’s in a group discussion
Make original Whatever you say
Listen to the other
points & support must be with a
Appropriate to the participants
them with logical flow &
issue actively and
substantial validate it with an
carefully
reasoning example

Modulate the
Make only accurate Be considerate and Be and active and
volume, pitch and
statements wait for your turn dynamic listener
tone

Talk with
confidence and
self-assurance
Don’ts during group discussion

Speak in favour;
Interrupting another
Being shy/ nervous/ example: Establish
participant before
keeping isolated your position and Changed opinions
his arguments are
from GD stand by it
over
stubbornly

Don’t make fun of Don’t engage in sub-

any participants group conversation Worrying about
even if his or repeat yourself making mistakes
arguments are funny unnecessarily
Important points in group discussion

Be assertive: An assertive A patient listener: listening

person is direct, honest to another person is one
careful about not hurting way of showing
others “self-respect” appreciation

Be analytical and fact-

Right language: Words
oriented: it is necessary to
can make friends & right
make relevant points which
words at the right time
can be supported with facts
make the best results
and analyzed logically
Accept criticism
If any member of the group criticizes or disapproves a
point, it is unwise to get upset or react sharply

In case the criticism is flimsy, the same can be pointed

out politely

Maximize participation; one must try to contribute fully,

vigorously & steadily throughout the discussion

Show leadership ability: a group discussion also

evaluates your leadership qualities

Accept others point of view and difference of opinion

Why companies have GD?

- Interactive - Ability to work - Flexibility &

- Neuroticism
skills in team Listening

- Analytical and - Problem

- Extrovertism - Attitude and
subject solving & critical
and Leadership confidence
knowledge thinking skills
How to prepare for GD

GD preparation involves three basic aspects:

• Group speaking preparation

• Content preparation

• Listening preparation
How to prepare for GD

Group Speaking Preparation

• Enhance your vocabulary for better fluency, practice tone modulation, and
try to speak in front of a mirror

Content preparation
• Choose an up-to-date topic from different perspective like personal, social,
political, cultural and academics etc.

Listening Preparation
• Participate in some discussions as an active observer and try to evolve
one’s thought process by adding valuable information
 Assessment of GD

Leadership skills- ability to take initiative and able to lead,

influence and carry the team along to achieve the organization’s
objectives

Communication skills- candidates will be assessed in terms of

clarity of thought, expression and aptness of language

Interpersonal skills- interacting and managing the people is an

important aspect of any job

Persuasive skills- the ability to analyze and persuade the

people
Group Task
• In a group of 6 people prepare a presentation (7-8 slides)
• Select a topic of your choice
• The assignment must be properly formatted and sequenced for
easy understanding of your audience.
• Try to make it interesting and knowledgeable
• Submission deadline: Before the end of class timings