Group Discussion

These days the Group Discussion has become a mandatory elimination process either for
securing seats in higher education or for gaining lucrative job positions. It has become an
integral part of assessment for entry into premier institutes such ac business schools,
international institutes and weightage is given to GDs The multinational corporations, most
of the times, conduct group discussion to assessing the significant personality traits relevant
for their organizations.

A Group Discussion can be defined as a formal discussion involving 8 to 10 participants in a

group. They are given a topic. After some time, during which they collect their thoughts, the
group is asked to discuss the topic for 15 to 20 minutes.

The GD process is to assess a candidate’s personality traits.

Objectives to:
develop the dynamics of GD.
learn techniques that can make an effective participant in GD.
meet up the future challenges with success.
be familiar with different types of interviews.
develop a complete inventory of skills.

Various Types of GD

Topical Abstrac
Case- t
Studies

Most Group Discussions can be divided into 3 kinds:

Topical Group Discussions, which are based on current affairs or ‘static’ matters – for example,
a GD on the topic of the recent demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes would be the
former, whereas a GD on whether India should adopt a presidential model of democracy would
be the latter, as it has no limitation of a time frame.
Case-studies, which present the group with a complex business situation that requires a decision
to be made. Such cases usually have multiple problems embedded in the given situation, and
both the individual participants and the group are required to analyse the situation, identify the
problems, and suggest a way out.

Abstract Group Discussions, which are called so because they offer us no definite framework
of the topic, and hence no definite direction to take in the discussion. Instead, the participants are
required to interpret the topic in their own ways and demonstrate innovative thinking in doing so.
Such topics could be single-worded, such as ‘Blue’, or a short cryptic sentence, or even an
image.
Contrary to popular perception, no one kind of GD is necessarily easier or more difficult than
any other, as the quality of response in any case depends largely on the preparation of the
individual and the way they generally think.

Dynamics
Flexibility -You must be open to other ideas as well as to the evaluation of your ideas.
That is what flexibility is all about. But first, remember: Never ever start your GD with a stand
or a conclusion. By taking a stand, you have already given your decision without discussing the
topic at hand or listening to the views of your team members.

Assertiveness: You must put forth your point to the group in a very emphatic, positive and
confident manner

Initiative - A general trend amongst students is to start a GD and get the initial kitty of points
earmarked for the initiator. But that is a high risk-high return strategy. Initiate a GD only if you
are well versed with the topic.

Creativity - An idea or a perspective which opens new horizons for discussion on the GD topic is
always highly appreciated. When you put across a new idea convincingly, such that it is
discussed at length by the group, it can only be positive

Team Player - It lays great emphasis on this parameter because it is essential for managers
to be team players. Management aspirants who lack team skills cannot be good managers.

Reasoning Ability - Reasoning ability plays an important role while expressing your opinions or
ideas at a GD.

Leadership - leader would have the following qualities: S/he shows direction to the group
whenever group moves away from the topic. S/he coordinates the effort of the different team
members in the GD. S/he contributes to the GD at regular intervals with valuable insights. S/he
also inspires and motivates team members to express their views.

Inspiring ability -A good group discussion should incorporate views of all the team members. If
some team members want to express their ideas but are not getting the opportunity to do so,
giving them an opportunity to express their ideas or opinions will be seen as a positive trait.

Awareness - The content or awareness generally constitutes 40 to 50 percent marks of your GD.
Apart from these qualities, communication skills, confidence and the ability to think on
one’s feet are also very important.
 Initiation- Initiating a GD is a high profit-high loss strategy. When you initiate a GD, you not
only grab the opportunity to speak, you also grab the attention of the examiner and your fellow
candidates.

GD Summarisation- A conclusion is where the whole group decides in favour or against the
topic. You can summarise what the group has discussed in the GD in a nutshell. Keep it brief and
concise. It must incorporate all the important points that came out during the GD. If the examiner
asks you to summarise a GD, it means the GD has come to an end. Do not add anything once the
GD has been summarised.

GD – Points Marked on
1. Audibility: Communication skills.
2. Analysis: supported by facts & examples
3. Content: Obtain by good reading
4. Team Work
5. Demeanor: Body Language counts, don’t sit cross-legged
6. Leadership: People should listen and agree to you.
GD Techniques: 60

A few simple techniques

Prepare If you know what the topic of the discussion will be, there is a lot you can do to
prepare in advance. You can read round the topic to make sure you are aware of
the main issues and arguments, and spend some time deciding what your own
position is.
Listen An effective discussion is one in which people listen to each other. Listening is
a very important discussion skill and make sure you listen and respond to what
other people have to say.
Be polite In a discussion, it’s important to stay calm and be polite, even if you feel
strongly about the topic under discussion. Using words like please, thank you,
I’d like to… May I…? Would you mind…? Could you…? Make you sound
polite and respectful.
Take / make It’s a good idea to have a pen and paper handy. You can jot down any useful or
notes important words or ideas that might come in handy later in the discussion – or
afterwards.
Speak clearly Practise your pronunciation and speak clearly and confidently. If you need time
to collect your thoughts, you could say something like Hmmm… just let me
have a minute to think about this.

Parts of a GD: – (considering a 15 minutes GD).

• Chaos period. (1-2 minutes).
• Generating ideas. (7-8 minutes).
• Building on ideas. (5-6 minutes).
• Conclusion. (rarely comes; ½ – 1 minutes)

Roles in GD
Group enterprise roles: These roles are constructive to the group.
Initiator-contributor: Generates new ideas.
Information-seeker: Asks for information about the task.
Opinion-seeker: Asks for the input from the group about its values.
Information-giver: Offers facts or generalization to the group.
Opinion-giver: States his or her beliefs about a group issue
 Elaborator: Explains ideas within the group, offers examples to clarify ideas.
Coordinator: Shows the relationships between ideas.
Encourager: Praises the ideas of others.
Harmonizer: Mediates differences between group members.
Standard Setter: Suggests standards or criteria for the group to achieve.
Follower: Goes along with the group and accepts the group’s ideas.
Dysfunctional roles: These roles are destructive to the group.
Aggressor: Attacks other group members, deflates the status of others, and other aggressive
behaviour.
Blocker: Resists movement by the group.
Recognition seeker: Calls attention to himself or herself.
Self-confessor: Seeks to disclose non-group related feelings or opinions.
Dominator: Asserts control over the group by manipulating the other group members.
Help seeker: Tries to gain the sympathy of the group.
Special interest pleader: Uses stereotypes to assert his or her own prejudices.

Body Language
The panelists will surely take note of your body language.
1 Pointing fingers It generally signifies talking in anger and accusing someone with your finger and
also it exhibits your aggression. This should be completely avoided.
2 Playing with pen or Playing with pen, paper or just moving your hands shows careless attitude.
paper Whether you remain silent or talk while playing with such objects, it will show
your lack of interest.
3 Stooping or You should sit straight while in a GD. Don’t slouch or bend forward. That is an
slouching informal posture and is not at all welcomed in GD rounds
4 Sitting with crossed When you sit with crossed arms/legs or both, it refers to a closed mind-set and a
arms or legs person who is not ready to accept/listen to others’ point of views.

5 Throwing your hand Don’t throw your hands in such a manner that it enters your next group member’s
space. Everyone has their own personal space and entering that disturbs the entire
group coherence.
6 Fidget You should not keep fidgeting or moving uncomfortably in your chair.
7 Not to be stiff When it is advised that you should not keep fidgeting, it is also meant that you
should not be absolutely stiff in your position. You should have a relaxed posture.
8 Scratching, pricking, You should not engage your hands in inappropriate activities such as scratching,
and rubbing pricking, rubbing etc. This will again show your lack of interest in the GD and too
much obsession with yourself.
9 Control your facial Control your facial expression and avoid showing your anger/disgust/frustration
expressions reflect on your face. Also don’t smirk, smile or laugh unnecessarily. Don’t make it
too stoic.
10 Moving your legs Continuous movement of legs will show your impatience. If you keep moving
your legs, you will communicate that you want to get rid of the GD process.
 DOS
of participating in a group discussion
*carefully listen to the subject
*put down your thoughts on a paper
*initiate the discussion if you know the subject well
*listen to others if you don’t know the subject
*support you point with some facts and figures
*make short contribution of 25-30 seconds 3-4 times
*give others a chance to speak
*speak politely and pleasantly.
*respect contribution from other members
*disagree politely and agree with what is right
*summarize the discussion if the group has not reached a
conclusion.
Important Questions
What is G.D.?
What are the dynamics of G.D.?
Discuss the different types of personalities in GD.
What are the types of G.D.?
Write the Dos and Don’ts of G.D?
TOPICS
New
Is the Aadhaar database secured enough?
Digital India: Whom Does it Benefit?
Future of Crypto Currencies
Should India have a One Child Policy?
Role of Engineers in Disaster Management
Tobacco must be banned. Yes or No.
Impact of Social Networking Sites
General Interest
Is India a Soft Nation?
Should Research on Human Cloning be banned?
Nuclear War cannot be won and should not be
fought
Science Is A Boon Or Bane
Should Animals be used for Testing New Drugs &
Medical Procedures?
Security Cameras & Privacy
Advertisements Cheat People, Hence Should Be
Banned
Capital Punishment should be Banned or Allowed?
Is Dependence on Computers a Good Thing?
Social
Films are corrupting the Indian Youth
Morals & Values among Indians is Degenerating
Women Empowerment - A Cause for Increasing
Divorce Rate in India
Showing Violence and Crimes should not be
allowed in films and on television.
DON’TS
*initiate the discussion if you do not have
sufficient knowledge about the given topic.
*over speak, intervene and snatch other’s chance
to speak.
*argue and shout during the GD Look at the
evaluators or a particular group member 64
*talk irrelevant things and distract the discussion
*pose negative body gestures like touching the
nose, leaning back on the chair, knocking the table
with a pen etc.
*mention erratic statistics.
*display low self-confidence with shaky voice and
trembling hands.
Current
Chinese Goods vs Indian Goods
Is compulsory attendance really needed in
college?
Polythene bags must be banned!
Problems unite us, Religion divides us
Should national anthem be played in cinema
halls?
Management
We Need More Entrepreneurs than Managers
Is an MBA necessary to succeed in life?
Family owned business vs. professionally run
businesses
Role of Ethics in Business
Do Women make Good Managers?
Engineering Students are wasting their Time
in Management Studies; they have Another
Way to go
Economics & Business
Multinational Corporations: Are they Devils in
Disguise?
Are Indians Less Quality Conscious?
Is the Consumer really the King in India?
Privatization will lead to Less Corruption
Skilled Manpower Shortage in India
Should the public sector be privatized?
Creative Topics
Do Beauty and Brains Go Together?
Food Comes First, Ethics Later
Our Culture is Decaying
The education system needs serious reforms
Marriage is a social trap
Sports
Cricket in India has lost its Sheen
Modern Day Sport in Industrialized Society is an Backwardness?
Industry
Cricket as a National Obsession is a Detriment to Need for Good Leaders in India
Other Sports
Useful Phrases for Group Discussions
Asking for Opinions
 Could you tell me….?
 What do you think about/of….?
 What’s your opinion about…?
 Do you think/feel….?
 How do you feel about….?
 May I ask you….?
Asking for an explanation
 Could you explain to me….?
 Could someone please tell me….?
 Just tell me the reason why….?
 I don’t really understand….?
 I just don’t see why/what/how….
 Are you saying that….?
 What do you mean by that?
 I beg your pardon?
 I didn’t quite get that. Excuse me, did
you say that…?
Giving an explanation
 Look, it’s like this:
 What I mean is…
 The reason for this is…
 The main problem is….
 Just let me explain….
 Well, the reason is…
 Well, the thing is …
 Above all we must keep in mind that….
A Person should not be too honest; Straight
Trees are cut first
The Nostradamus Code: World War III
Politics
Is our Political System Reason for our
Educational qualification for Politicians
Corruption is the Price we pay for Democracy
Giving your opinion
 In my opinion/view….
 If you ask me…
 As far as I can see/I’m concerned….
 It seems to me that….
 I have the/a feeling that ….
 I think/feel/reckon/believe….
 Well, I’d say…
 If you want my opinion….
 You can take it from me that…
 First of all/To start with I’d like to
point out …
 What we have to decide is…
 There can be no doubt that…
 It’s a fact that….
 Nobody will deny that….
 The way/As I see it Everyone knows….
 Let me put it this/another way….
 Let’s get this clear (first)….
 Sorry to interrupt you, but….
 The point I’m trying to make is…
 Personally (speaking) I think….
 I’m absolutely convinced that…
 My view/point of view is that….
 The way I look at/see it is this
 What I actually meant was….
Agreeing with an opinion Qualified agreement
 I (quite) agree.
 I agree completely/entirely.  Yes, perhaps, but…
 I couldn’t agree (with you) more.  Yes, possibly, although….
 I entirely/completely agree with you on that.  Yes, but on the other hand….
 That’s true/right.  Yes, up to a point.
 That’s just it.  I agree up to a certain point,
 Quite/Exactly/Precisely/Right/Certainly/Definitely. but….
 You’re quite/so right.  Yes, in a way.
 I think so, too.  Maybe, I suppose so.
 I don’t think so either.  Well, it depends.
 That’s just my feeling/opinion.  I don’t think it’s as simple as
 That’s just how I see it/feel about it, too. that…..
 That’s a very good/important point.  I see what you mean, but I think
 You’ve got a good point there. that’s not the whole story
 Yes, of course/definitely/absolutely Marvelous.  You may be right there.
 That’s exactly what I mean/say.  Yes, but there’s also another
 Yes, that’s obvious. aspect to consider.
 That’s exactly how I see it.
 That’s what I think
 How very true.
 So do I/So am I
 Yes, indeed.
 I’m all in favor of what you’ve been saying.

Polite disagreement
 I disagree (with you), I’m afraid.
 No, I really can’t agree, I’m afraid.
 I don’t quite agree there.
 I’m not so certain/at all sure if that’s true/correct
 I’m not (quite) so sure (really).
 I’m sorry I can’t agree.
 Do you really think so/believe that?
 I’m not convinced that …
 Well, that’s one way of looking at it, (but) Well, I
have my doubts about that
 You can’t really mean that.
 You don’t really mean that, do you?
 I wouldn’t say so.
 I don’t think so.
 I don’t think you’re right/that’s right.
 Surely you don’t mean that?
 I don’t want to argue with you, but….
 I can’t go all the way with you on that point.
 Are you seriously suggesting that…?
 I have my problems with what you’re saying.
Strong disagreement
 I doubt that very much
 I think you got that wrong
 Don’t you dare say so! Rubbish!
 Bloody hell, no!
 Shame on you!
 You’re pulling my leg!
 On the contrary!
 That doesn’t convince me at all.
 You’re contradicting yourself.
 I’ve never heard of such a thing.
 You’re wrong, you know.
 You can’t be serious!
 It’s not like that at all!
 That’s not correct.
 You’re contradicting yourself
 You don’t understand.
 I’m afraid; I don’t think you quite
understand.
 I don’t think so, really!
 That’s not fair!
 That’s out of the question.
 I can’t believe that I’m afraid
 I can’t accept your view, that…
 Do you really think that’s a good idea?
 I’m afraid, I can’t agree with you there
 Well, you would, wouldn’t you?
 Really? Don’t be silly/stupid!
 How stupid can you get?
 What a silly/stupid thing to say!
 That’s (simply) not true!
 I don’t think, you can say…
 Surely you’re not serious, are you?
 I doubt it/that very much
 You can’t be serious!
 Oh, come on, think about what you’ve
just said!
 I doubt if …
 I’ve got my doubts about that.
 I don’t agree with you at all.
 I disagree entirely/completely.
 Oh, come on, you must be
joking/kidding!
 That’s out of the question
 That’s not how I see it It’s not as
simple as that!
 That’s no excuse I believe you’re
mistaken
 That doesn’t make sense to me.
 Let’s be sensible about this.
 You’re hopeless/wrong.
 You won’t listen to reason.
 I think you got that wrong
 I’m not impressed
 For heaven’s sake!
 Well that’s one way of looking at it,
but…
Making a complaint
 I can’t quite understand how/why…
 I’ve come to complain about …
 I’m disappointed with I’m fed up
with…
 It really is terrible/ridiculous that…
 I’m sorry I have to say this, but….
 Forgive me for mentioning it, but….
 That’s what I want to know.
 Do you realize that….?
 Are you aware that….?
 I’m disappointed to hear that…..
 What are you going to do about it?
 Something ought to be done about it.
 Look, I really must protest about…
 Can’t something be done to/about…
Reacting to a complaint
 I’m (awfully) sorry to hear that
 Î really must apologize for this.
 Well, there’s nothing we can do about
that, I’m afraid
 This isn’t my/our fault, you know.
 What do you expect us/me to do?
 I’ll find out what has happened
 I’m sorry you should take it that way.
 I’ll see what I can do.