TYPES OF GROUP DISCUSSION

• Topic-based;
• Case-based, and
• Article-based.

In topic-based discussions, you will be asked to discuss a knowledge-based topic that may
pertain to society / social trends (including education), politics, economics, legal / judicial
system, information technology, sport or current events. Alternately, you could be asked to
discuss an abstract issue or an article from a newspaper.

The moderator in a GD announces the topic for discussion. Sometimes, the moderator may give
2 topics and asks the group to finalise the topic for discussion. Often students are awarded
marks on the approach they take in selecting the topic and the reasons they cite for selecting
the topic.

EVALUATION PARAMETERS
In a GD, members within the group are judged on four parameters. They are:

• Content - quality;
• Communication Skills;
• Group Behaviour and
• Leadership Skills.

(a) Content: Content refers to the quality of ‘what you say’. In a GD, unless you know something
about the topic, you will not be able to make a positive contribution to the topic or give
direction to the efforts of the group. The content that you use is the single most important
factor that determines your success in a GD.

(b) Communication: Here, you are evaluated on 'how you say what you want to say'. DONOT
USE FLOWERY LANGUAGE. Convey your ideas in such a manner so as to ensure that other
participants in the group clearly understand what you are telling them.

(c) Listening: You must be a good listener. Unless you are a good listener, you will find it very
difficult to add to the ideas expressed by the other participants. Moreover, you may be asked to
summarise the discussion and unless you are a good listener, you will not be able to give a
summary of the discussion effectively.

(d) Language: It is important to note that marks are awarded for the confidence and ease with
which you express your ideas. Unless what you speak is relevant to the topic given for
discussion, you will NOT be awarded any marks.

(e) Body Language: Body language plays an important part in non-verbal communication.
Relax and be your natural self. Do not use any offensive gestures. DO NOT hold the pen in your
hands NOR should you play with the pen.
(f) Group Behaviour: You are expected to make points logically and rationally as a mature adult.
Do not get carried away by passion or do not be stubborn while trying to make a point in the
discussion.

(g) Leadership Skills: Thumping the desk or shouting are NOT indicative of your leadership skills.
Avoid such actions. Leadership, in the context of a GD, means showing direction to the group
when the group appears to be stuck up for want of ideas.

IDEA GENERATION TECHNIQUES

Find below three major techniques to generate ideas in a GD:

(a) Use of Key Words (UKW): Identify important KEYWORDS from the topic and try to interpret
the same for relevant ideas for discussion.

(b) Impact on Affected Parties (IAP): Try to identify various Parties that may be affected –
positively or negatively by the topic given for discussion.

(c) Finally look at the topic using the 7 filter approach PEEELTS – each of the letters opens a new
direction for ideas for GD related to the direction Political, Economic, Ethical, Environmental,
Legal, Technological and Socio-cultural (PEELTS). This approach would help you look at an issue
from multiple angles.

Keep in mind the fact that it may not be possible to use each of the above mentioned
approaches for every topic. You should look at using a combination of approaches so that you
generate the maximum number of ideas.

CHECKLIST FOR GD

• Carry a small notepad along with a pen to the GD to take down notes. You might be
asked to summarise the GD verbally or in writing.
• Do not look at the moderator. Address the group. Once the GD starts, for all practical
purposes, the moderator ceases to exist.
• Do not try to start the GD just for the sake of starting it. Start the GD only if you are sure
that you are adding value to the topic straightaway.
• Do not repeat a point that you / someone else may have already made in the GD. If you
are repeating a point that has already been spoken, do it only if you have a
new/different rationale to support the same.
• Make your points in crisp, short sentences. You will find it easier to speak short and
simple sentences.
• It may be a good idea to make 4 – 6 entries in a GD lasting 20-25 minutes with 10-12
participants.
• Do not address any GD participant by name.
• Do not EXPECT intervention of the moderator directly / indirectly at any time during the
GD.
 • Try to discuss the pros and cons of the topic given. Remember, it is a discussion and not
an argument or a debate where you need to take sides.
• DO NOT TRY TO PROVE other participants WRONG
• If someone has quoted wrong data/figures, DO NOT try to correct his/her mistake.
• Do not point fingers at your co-participants or get aggressive with them.
• Do not use slangs or informal language.
• Maintain eye contact with the group.
• Do not touch others
• DO not sit with too much forward lean.
• Do not express radical thoughts
• Do not exhibit any kind of bias – religion/caste/community etc
• You can invite NON CONTRIBUTING participants to speak BUT only when they have
made an attempt to get into the discussion.
• When more than 1 persons are already speaking, you should NOT add to the already
prevailing chaos.

BEST WAY TO PERFORM WELL IN A GD IS TO PRACTICE AS OFTEN WITH DIFFERENT GROUPS

WITH DIFFERENT TOPICS.