group discussion

GROUP DISCUSSION

Table of Content Definition of Group Discussion

Characteristics of Group Discussion

Prerequisites of a Group Discussion

Benefits in Group Discussion

Why Companies have GD?

How to Prepare for GD

Assessment of GD

Discussion Etiquette

Important points in Group Discussion

Suggestion

Definition of Group Discussion

• Group Discussion is a novel way to assess person’s personality.

• It is both a technique and an art to judge the capacity of the person and his aptness for the job.

Characteristics of Group Discussion

• The term suggests a discussion or exchange of views and thoughts among a group of persons.

• The group will have members around 5-10 who will express their views, ideas freely in a friendly manner, on the given topic.

• The abilities of the members of the group is measured on certain scale as time limit, skills, knowledge etc.

Prerequisites of a Group Discussion

• Topics given by panelists

• Planning and preparation

• Knowledge with self-confidence

• Communication skills/ power of speech

• Presentation

• Body Language and personal appearance

• Being calm and cool

Benefits in Group discussion

• It helps you to have better understanding of the subject

• It stimulates critical thinking

• It helps the group to make decisions consensually.

• It improves your listening skills.

• It increases your confidence in speaking.

• It helps you to understand your strength and weakness.

• It improves your Leadership Skills.

Why Companies have GD?Companies conduct group discussion to check

• Interactive skills • Ability to work in team• Flexibility• Neuroticism• Listening• Extrovertism• Leadership• Your Analytical skills and Subject knowledge• Your Problem solving and Critical thinking skills.• Your attitude and confidence.

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 to enhance your fluency, practice tone modulation, and try to speak in front of mirror on some topic.

Content Preparation:Choose the current affair topic from different perspectives like personal, social, political, cultural, academics, etc.

Listening preparation: Participate in some discussions as an active observer

and try to evolve one’s thought process by adding different perspectives.

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.

Discussion Etiquette

DO’S • Take initiative.

• Stay with the topic .

• Think before you speak

• Make original points & support them by substantial

reasoning .

DO’S • Listen to the other participants actively & carefully.

• Be polite to the group

• Regulate you voice through tone modulation

• Try to get your turn

• Be aware of your Kinesics.

Discussion Etiquette

DON’T• Argue

• Be nervous or shy ;it isolates u from G.D

• Interrupt another participant before his claim or

discussion is over

• Speak in favor ; example: Establish your position

and stand by it stubbornly

Discussion Etiquette

DON’T• Change opinions

• Don’t make mockery of any participant even if his

arguments are funny.

• Excessive Use of personal anecdotes and

experiences.

Discussion Etiquette

Important Points In Group Discussion

• Be Assertive: An assertive person is direct , honest and careful about not to hurt others ‘self-respect’.

• Be Patient Listener: Listening to another person is one way of showing appreciation.

• Use Appropriate Language : Words can make friends & right words at the right time make the best results.

• Be Precise and Authentic: It is necessary to make relevant points which can be supported with facts and analyzed logically.

Accept Criticism

• If any member of the group criticizes or

disapproves a point, it is unwise to get upset or

react hastily.

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

pointed out politely.

• Show leadership quality: A group discussion also

evaluates your leadership qualities.

• Accept other's point of view

• Express your argument with few facts, cases, %,

Newspapers publications etc.

• Express without hurting others feelings.

Accept Criticism

• Never try to bluff.

• Control your emotions.

• Focus on Quality of content rather than quantity

• Get noticed - But for the right reasons

• Practice group discussion with friends , family on different

subjects.

• Remember !Speech is a powerful weapon.

Suggestions