N.M.S.S.

Vellaichamy Nadar College

Department of English
Material for Communicative English III
Unit -3

Group Discussion

Group Discussion Meaning

Group discussion is a form of communication where individuals come together to discuss a

specific topic or issue. It is usually structured and facilitated by a moderator or group leader,
allowing participants to express their ideas, opinions, and perspectives.

Non Verbal Cues and its Importance in Group Discussion

This is a well-established fact that communication is very important in today’s competitive world
and surroundings. Before we understand what are non-verbal cues or prompts, we need to know
what verbal and non-verbal mode of communication is.

Verbal Communication: As we know that when we express our thoughts and feelings through
words, it is called verbal communication. Verbal communication can include various languages.
Through our verbal communication, we tend to inform others about a scenario or a topic or just
simply need to send a message.

Non-verbal Communication: This means of communication may include facial expression,

body language, sitting posture and eye contact, etc. But this mode of communication can be little
tricky. If it is misunderstood, it can be disastrous. Hence, it is essential to use this mode of
communication sensibly.

Now that we understood what verbal and non-verbal communication is and what is the primary
difference between both let’s see the importance and need of non-verbal cues and its
significance.

The Importance of Non-Verbal Cues in a Group discussion

It shows agreement/disagreement: Not only through your words you can show your agreement
or disagreement to a particular point, your body language and non-verbal expressions also has
the power to demonstrate it. Nodding of the head, waving of hands and the movement of your
face can tell clearly whether you are agreeing to some point or not.

Affirmation: Remember that you are not the only one during the group discussion to speak.
There are other people as well who are there to put forth their points. A simple nod of the head
shows that you are validating or approving someone’s point.
Hand Movements/Gestures: Suppose someone is giving a presentation, but his hands are pulled
behind tightly and closed. How would it look like? It will seem as if he has just gobbled all the
information and throwing it out. Will you feel interested in such presentation? Probably not. So,
moderate hand movements and gestures will make others feel that you yourself are well aware of
the topic that you are going to present.

Paying Attention: When you maintain an eye contact, it shows that you are listening to what the
other person is saying. And when you do not maintain eye contact, it somehow shows your
distracted mind during a group discussion, which may have a negative outcome. So, whether or
not you are paying attention to the point will be visible through your body language itself.

Your Interest/Inclination: You believe it or not, but your body language speaks a lot whether
you are taking a keen interest in the discussion or not. If you are crossing your arms or not
maintaining proper eye contact or look here and there instead of paying attention to the
discussion, this means you are not taking interest. So, check that.

Your Voice Tone/Pitch: This also sets the tone of the discussion in a right or wrong manner. I
met some people whose normal voice seems like they are arguing with someone whereas some
people may have a very feeble voice and you might find it difficult to listen to them properly.
Your voice is also an important aspect as to how loud or how low your voice is.

Facial Expression: Our entire face is very expressive if we know how to utilize it in a correct
way. All the feelings including sadness, happiness, anger, disgust, fear, panic – all are visible on
our face only to an extent. Our face is capable of showing many feelings and emotions. So, your
frowning and shrinking of eyebrows will show it all whether or not you are in support of the
point.

Conveys Emotions: Though there should be no place for emotional eruption during a group
discussion, the non-verbal mode of communication conveys a lot about your emotions. For
example, shrinking nose, raising eyebrows, yawning, rolling eyes, deep sigh, folded or open
arms - all these non-verbal communications tell a great deal about your present mental/emotional
condition.

A Mix of Verbal and Non-verbal Communication: During a group discussion, there cannot be
just one kind of communication going on. There will be an amalgam of verbal as well as non-
verbal communication which may include facial expression, eye behavior, gestures, voice and
tone, movement of head or nodding, the pitch of the voice and overall physical appearance.

Here, this also needs to be kept in mind that non-verbal cues can also be misinterpreted at times
as they have no fixed meanings attached to it. It varies from person to person, culture to culture
and context to context. But if you can notice them, it can add to your advantage during a group
discussion. Right kind of non-verbal cues can set your first impression very right and in your
favour. It helps in understanding our customer’s behavior, their mindset, and their inclination.

During the group discussion, if you correctly show or understand the non-verbal cues, you can
build great rapport with your fellow and the entire discussion can go smooth. Like smiling
gently, in the beginning, can increase sociability and affinity with other members.
When there is a right mix of verbal and non-verbal communication, understanding of the
message gets better. This institutes a better perspective towards what is being said. If you are
preparing for a group discussion or interview, it is essential to check and practice before you
appear for the same.

The mirror can be a great help to check and reform your body language. Firstly you have to
identify the non-verbal signal you send out during a discussion, and then you can re-organize, re-
define and rehearse for the correct body language. This comes in handy when you appear for any
interview.

Recruiters pay a lot of attention towards your body language. The moment you enter the
interview hall, your way of walking, sitting, smiling face and a firm handshake can tell a lot
about you and can help put the foundation of your first great impression.

It is also imperative to determine whether your verbal communication and non-verbal cues are in
sync. Not only your communication but your posture will tell whether you are confident enough
or not. So, your speaking and body language should complement each other.

Do’s and Don’ts in Group Discussion

15 do's of group discussion

Here's a list of several do's of group discussions you can review to excel at your next meeting:

1. Listen to other participants

Group discussions involve hearing other people's perspectives and expertise and growing a
conversation from shared ideas. Listening carefully to what others say can help you learn or
understand a topic better. It also shows respect to the other members because they see you're
valuing what they're saying.

2. Maintain eye contact with the group

When you're speaking in a group discussion, make eye contact with the members of the group.
Try to make each person feel important by looking at them for a few seconds before moving on
to the next person. This can make your dialogue feel more personal. Making eye contact when
you're speaking also shows others you'd like their attention. When you're listening to others
speak, also make eye contact with the speaker to show them you're engaged.
3. Give others time to speak

It's important to let others have time to speak in a discussion because it allows them to share their
ideas, including what they've agreed or disagreed with about the topic. Try to set speaking limits
for yourself mentally, such as aiming to speak for 30-40 seconds before letting someone else
have a turn. Additionally, if you notice someone who hasn't spoken yet, encourage them by
asking for their thoughts on the subject.

4. Keep potential disagreements polite

Politely disagreeing with someone shows maturity, which is important in a group discussion
because you're acknowledging your differences while continuing the conversation. Here are a
few statements to use when politely disagreeing with someone in a discussion:

• I understand what you're saying, even though I don't feel the same way.
• I can see why you think that, but I don't agree with you.
• I recognize your valid point. However, I don't agree.
• I'm sorry, but I disagree with you.

5. Dress professionally

What you choose to wear can have a positive effect on your performance and perception by your
peers in a group discussion. If you wear professional clothes, it can communicate you're serious
about the conversation because you've put effort into your appearance. It can also help you feel
empowered, which might improve your performance.

6. Support your claims

If you know the subject of a group discussion before the meeting, research data to support your
claims. Supporting your claims brings more validity to your argument and can help create a
sense of trust between you and your group members. Knowing you've done your research can
help them better ensure what you're saying is factual.

7. Welcome counterarguments

In a group discussion, other members may counter-argue your points. A person may disagree
with you entirely or they might agree with you, but not with your evidence. It's best to handle
these encounters by being polite in your counterarguments and acknowledging the opposing
viewpoint respectfully. You can take a moment to consider the counterargument and then
provide details or data, if relevant, to disprove it.
8. Prepare for the discussion

Although you might not know what a group discussion is going to be about, there are still some
ways you can prepare for it. Here are some general topics you can review in anticipation of the
conversation:

• Domestic and foreign current events

• History facts
• Pop culture
• Literature

9. Acknowledge others before speaking

When it's your turn to speak after someone, it's respectful to acknowledge what they said before
you explain your idea. This can show the other person you listened to their ideas. Here are some
statements you can use to acknowledge another speaker:

• I agree with what you said about that idea. You made a great point with the evidence you
shared.
• Thank you for sharing that. I want to expand on that some more.
• Going off on what they shared, I want to expand further on that idea.

10. Initiate the conversation

Depending on your role in a group discussion, it may be helpful for you to help begin the
conversation. Providing the group with direction may help you ease any tension in the room.
Initiating a group discussion can also show group members where and how the conversation
might progress.

11. Plan your entry points

Planning your entry point can help you know what to say and when to say it in a group
conversation. After someone finishes speaking about something you have a lot of knowledge of,
consider talking after them. You may also direct the conversation toward your area of expertise if
it relates to the overall topic of the group discussion.

12. Plan your exit points

Finding your exit point allows you to plan when to stop speaking in a group discussion. If your
points are clear and concise, you may be able to share your thoughts briefly and exit the
conversation. If your thoughts take longer than two minutes to explain, you can split the idea up
and share part of it during the discussion. Then you may finish sharing your idea later in the
discussion.
13. Take notes

Taking notes during a group discussion can help you process information better and review it
later. Consider writing key ideas discussed, such as topics to research later or something new you
learned during the conversation. It may also be helpful to write any thoughts or questions you
want to ask the group.

14. Ask for clarification

If someone says something that you're unsure of, ask them for clarification. It's helpful to you
and the group if a person elaborates further on their ideas. This way, you can understand the
conversation and continue to contribute your ideas.

15. Show confidence

When you appear confident during your discussion, it may prompt your group members to listen
to what you're saying. Speaking in a strong, even tone is one way to show confidence. You can
also sit with a straight posture and position your feet in a wide stance to signal that you're
receptive to others speaking.

15 don'ts of group discussion

Here's a list of several don'ts of group discussions you can review for your next meeting:

1. Enter the conversation quickly

Quickly entering the conversation may show that you're unprepared. To avoid this, listen to what
others say and look for when you can enter the conversation. If you aren't sure what to say, but
you know you're required to say something, plan when would be the best time for you to
contribute your thoughts.

2. Overspeak

To avoid overspeaking, keep your points succinct. If you feel you're talking too much, try asking
a fellow member for their viewpoint on the discussion topic. This way, you can share your points
and allow another member to speak. You can also speak again later if you want to share more
ideas.

3. Speak about other topics

To avoid moving the discussion away from the main topic, make sure what you're adding is
relevant. Before you speak, ask yourself if it pertains to the overall conversation. If another
group member talks off-topic, try to help connect it back to the overall conversation by seeing if
you can contribute a related idea.

4. Repeat other participants

Repeating other participants' points during a group discussion may not add value to the overall
conversation. To avoid this, it's best to listen carefully to those who are speaking. You can
analyze their answers and then plan your answers for the discussion.

5. Speak or gesture boldly

To avoid speaking or gesturing boldly when disagreeing with someone, take a few deep breaths.
Think about what they said and how you can address it politely. Creating a trustworthy space to
share opinions among the group is essential to learning.

6. Interrupt others

Wait for others to finish speaking before you contribute your thoughts. Listening and thinking
about what others are saying is essential for having group discussions in which everyone can
share their ideas. Patiently waiting your turn to share your thoughts also allows you to show
respect to your group members.

7. Bring irrelevant or false statistics

To avoid sharing irrelevant or false statistics, verify them before speaking. If you aren't
completely sure your information is correct, it's best not to share it. Ask yourself before sharing
the statistics if they add value to the conversation.

8. Appear insecure

Not maintaining eye contact or looking disinterested in your group members are ways you might
project insecurity. To avoid appearing insecure, keep your arms uncrossed and your head up.
Appearing secure shows you're ready to engage in the group discussion.

9. Share information that isn't valuable

In a group discussion, the person facilitating may require each participant to share something.
When it's your turn, consider if what you're planning to share adds value to the conversation. If it
doesn't, you might wait until there's another opportunity to enter the discussion when you have
something more meaningful to share.
10. Have negative body language

Projecting negative body language can show disinterest in a discussion. Instead, use positive
facial expressions and try to mirror the body language of the other group members. This can help
you show that you're paying attention and interested in the conversation.

11. Share participant's space

When you're sitting next to someone in a discussion, be mindful of the surrounding space. To
avoid sharing another participant's space, stay within your designated area. If you strongly
disagree with someone, remain calm and in your own space when expressing your feelings.

12. Make eye contact with the evaluators

Making eye contact is a great way to show your confidence, but try not to make eye contact with
the evaluators of the discussion. Do your best to focus on your fellow members since they're
involved in the discussion. Not looking at the evaluators can show them you're invested in the
conversation.

13. Focus on only one participant

When you're making eye contact with group members, try to look at everyone rather than just
one person. This way, one group member doesn't feel you're speaking to only them. This also
allows you to fully engage with everyone else.

14. Use judgmental language

A group discussion is a place to learn, so there's a chance people may have more or less
knowledge than you. To avoid judging others, understand everyone works at a different pace and
has a different educational background. Try to focus on sharing your knowledge with the group
instead.

15. Worry if the topic is unfamiliar

If you find that you're unsure of the discussion topic, try to relax. Take a few deep breaths if
needed and listen to everyone speak. After hearing from others, try to find a moment where you
can share your thoughts or ask a question to learn more about the topic.

Types of Group Discussions

Group discussions can be categorized into 4 types: Factual, Opinion-Based, Case-Studies and
Abstract. Factual is based on verified information; opinion-based, which revolves around
personal viewpoints; case study, where a specific case is analyzed in detail; and abstract, which
involves discussing topics with a broader scope and open-ended interpretations. These categories
help in structuring the discussion and guiding the flow of ideas effectively.

Factual Group Discussion

A factual group discussion is a formal discussion where participants exchange information and
facts on a particular topic. The discussion focuses on presenting and analyzing objective data and
information rather than subjective opinions or personal experiences.
Factual group discussions can be used in various settings, such as academic institutions, research
organizations, and business meetings. They are particularly useful when decision-making is
based on factual data and analysis, such as in scientific research or policy-making.
Factual Group Discussion Topics
• Should plastic bags be banned? Discuss the environmental impact of plastic bags and the
effectiveness of alternative solutions.
• Is renewable energy future? Discuss the advantages and limitations of renewable energy
sources like solar, wind, and hydropower.
• The impact of COVID-19 on the global economy. Discuss the pandemic’s short- and long-
term economic effects on businesses, industries, and individuals.
• Should euthanasia be legalized? Discuss the ethical considerations and arguments for and
against euthanasia.
• The impact of social media on mental health. Discuss the correlation between social media
usage and mental health issues and the measures one can take to address this problem.
• The future of space exploration. Discuss exploring space’s potential benefits and challenges,
including space tourism, colonization, and scientific research.
• The benefits and drawbacks of online education. Discuss the impact of online learning on
traditional education, the accessibility of education, and the effectiveness of online learning.
• The impact of artificial intelligence on the job market. Discuss the potential effects of
automation and AI on the job market and the measures we can take to mitigate negative
impacts.
• The effects of globalization on culture. Discuss the impact of globalization on culture,
including the spread of popular culture and the loss of traditional cultures.
• The ethics of animal testing. Discuss the ethical considerations and arguments for and against
animal testing and the potential alternatives to animal testing.
Opinion-Based Group Discussion
In an opinion-based group discussion, participants share and exchange their opinions, thoughts,
and experiences on a particular topic. The focus is on personal viewpoints rather than objective
facts or data.
Opinion-based group discussions are commonly used in various settings, such as educational
institutions, community gatherings, and social media platforms. They are particularly useful
when individuals have different perspectives or experiences and want to share and learn from
each other.
 Opinion-based Group Discussion Topics
• Which is better, watching movies in theatres or at home?

• Should schools have mandatory dress codes?

• Is social media making us more disconnected from each other?
• Should college education be free for all students?
• Should governments be allowed to access citizens’ personal data in the name of national
security?
• Is it better to have a small circle of close friends or a large network of acquaintances?
• Should companies be held responsible for the environmental impact of their products and
operations?
• Should smoking be banned in public places?
• Is it important for people to learn a second language?
• Is it better to work for a large company or a small startup?
Case Studies Based Group Discussion
A case studies-based group discussion is where participants analyze and discuss a specific case
study. The case study can be based on real-life events, hypothetical scenarios, or both. The
discussion focuses on analysing the case study, identifying the problem or issue, and proposing
potential solutions or courses of action.
Case studies-based group discussions are commonly used in educational settings, such as
business schools, law schools, and medical schools. They are also used in professional settings,
such as management consulting and law firms, to simulate real-life scenarios and to develop
problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Case Studies Based Group Discussion Topics
• The Volkswagen emissions scandal: What ethical considerations were overlooked and how
could the company have handled the situation differently?
• The BP oil spill: What environmental and social impacts did it have, and what lessons can be
learned from this disaster?
• The Flint water crisis: What were the root causes of the crisis, and how could it have been
prevented?
• The United Airlines passenger removal incident: What could the company have done
differently to handle the situation, and how can other airlines avoid similar incidents?
• The Facebook-Cambridge Analytica data scandal: What ethical considerations were
overlooked, and how can social media companies better protect users’ data?
• The Theranos scandal: What led to the company’s downfall, and what lessons can be learned
from this case?
• The Boeing 737 MAX crashes: What were the root causes of the crashes, and what steps
could the company have taken to prevent them?
• The Enron scandal: What led to the company’s collapse, and what lessons can be learned
about corporate fraud and unethical behaviour?
• The Johnson & Johnson talc powder lawsuits: What ethical considerations were overlooked,
and what impact did the lawsuits have on the company and its reputation?
• The Uber workplace culture scandal: What led to the toxic workplace culture at Uber, and
what steps can other companies take to avoid similar issues?
Abstract Group Discussion
Abstract group discussion is where participants are given a broad and general topic without any
specific details or constraints. The purpose of this type of discussion is to encourage participants
to think creatively and critically and to explore different perspectives and ideas. Unlike other
group discussions, abstract group discussions do not have a specific problem or issue to solve but
rather an overarching theme or concept.
Abstract group discussions are often used in creative fields, such as design thinking, innovation,
and ideation sessions. They are also used in academic settings, such as philosophy or literature
courses, to encourage critical thinking and analysis.
Abstract Group Discussion Topics
• The impact of automation on employment: Will robots and AI ultimately replace human
workers, and how can society adapt to this shift?
• The rise of social media influencers: What impact are they having on traditional advertising
models, and what are the ethical considerations of influencer marketing?
• The future of transportation: From self-driving cars to hyperloops, what technological
advancements shape how we travel, and its implications.
• Mental health in the workplace: How can employers create supportive environments and
reduce stigma around mental health issues, and what role should governments play in
promoting mental health?
• The ethics of gene editing: Should we be using CRISPR to eliminate genetic diseases or to
create “designer babies”, and what are the potential consequences of manipulating human
DNA?
• The impact of climate change on global food systems: How will rising temperatures and
changing weather patterns affect agriculture and food security? Additionally, what we can
done to mitigate these effects?
• The future of work: Will we see a shift towards remote work and the gig economy, and how
can workers and employers adapt to these changes?
• The rise of renewable energy: How can we accelerate the transition to clean energy sources,
and what challenges must be overcome to make this a reality?
• The role of technology in education: How can technology be used to enhance learning and
improve educational outcomes. Also, what are the potential downsides of relying too heavily
on technology in the classroom?
• The ethics of artificial intelligence: How can we ensure that AI is developed and used in
ethical and beneficial ways for society? Moreover, what are the risks of creating more
intelligent machines than humans?
Conclusion
Group discussions can take various forms, including factual, opinion-based, case study,
and abstract discussions, each fostering a unique dialogue and analysis. These diverse formats
facilitate rich and multi-dimensional conversations, encouraging participants to approach topics
from different angles and perspectives, thereby enhancing the depth and breadth of the
discussion. It’s a versatile tool in both educational and corporate settings, fostering critical
thinking and collaborative problem-solving.

Mock GD

The group discussion (GD) is like a meeting in a corporate boardroom, and you should behave as
if you are taking part in a real one. And if you don’t get to speak at all in the GD, start supporting
the participant who seems like a leader.

Sometimes students are given real life case studies as topics in GDs. “The topic can be anything
under the sun like ‘Should Bharti take over Zain Telecom’ or they can ask you to discuss this
year’s budget,”

What is mock GD?

Mock GD. Mock Group Discussion (GD) sessions are carefully designed to sharpen our
students' ability to engage in thoughtful conversations and debates. It is aimed to simulate real-
life business scenarios to closely reflect the rigorous conversations that might encounter in the
professional journey.