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 .
 Discussion Etiquette
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.
 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 Criticism
• Accept other's point of view

• Express your argument with few

facts, cases, %, Newspapers publications
etc.
• Express without hurting others feelings.
 Suggestions
• 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.