What is Group discussion

Sunil Kumar Gupta

Contents:
• Introduction
• Preparation
• Benefits in Group Discussion
• Salient Features
• Do’s and Don'ts in Group Discussion
Introduction:
1. Modern Method of assessing Students personality traits
• An important tool in the recruitment process

2. It’s both technique and an art and a comprehensive tool to

judge the worthiness of the student and his appropriateness
for the job.
• Helps to gauge the compatibility factor(assessment of
personality traits)

3. The term suggests a discussion among a group of persons.

• Latin word-discutere :to shake/inquire thoroughly
Preparation:
• Extensive reading concerning current topics/case
studies(especially editorials)
• Watch discussions over television(panel), interviews
• Watch Channels like BBC, STAR etc
• Participate and engage yourselves in no of mock G.D. sessions
• Enrich yourself with the good vocabulary, phrasal verbs,
commonly used idioms etc
• Develop the art of making yourself be heard and noticed
(even if you are not thoroughly equipped with thoughts on
the given topic)
Benefits in Group Discussion:
• Stimulation of thinking in a
new way
• Expansion of academic
knowledge
• Understanding strengths and
weakness
• Your true personality is
revealed and qualities of
leadership exhibited
• Provides the chance for
exposure
• Language/ oratory skills
• Team work
• General
Knowledge/Awareness
• Enhances creativity, and
widens the horizon of
rational and analytical skills
• Manifestation of group
behaviour
• Assessment of adaptability
and flexibility
• Enhances communication
skills
Salient Features:
• Topic maybe given to judge your public speaking skills
• G.D. could be on topic or case study
• Topic-factual/controversial/abstract
• Its an art of exchanging of views concerning a given topic in an
engaging, informal yet professional way for the allotted time
period
• Involves discussions in a group involving 5-15* candidates
who are seated in a particular manner
• Specific emphasis on dress code/body language/ etiqutte
• Certain Do’s & Don'ts to be adhered to
• The examiner /moderator does not (normally)interfere*
Do’s and Don'ts in Group Discussion:
• Do’s
1. Appropriateness to the issue.
2. Listening ability- to other participants’ viewpoints
3. Whatever you say must be with a logical flow and validate it with an
example as far as possible.
4. Modulate the volume, pitch and tone(intonation)
5. Try to get your turn-should be able to seize the opportunity to make
yourself be heard
6. Be assertive and polite when you are in the interaction process
7. Talk with confidence and self assurance
8. Proper body language should strictly be adhered to
9. Proper dress code and grooming is essential
10. Address the participants as friend-gentleman/lady
11. Be concise and lucid
Do’s and Don'ts in Group Discussion:
• Don’ts
1. Be shy/nervous/keeping yourself isolated from GD
2. Interrupt another participant when the he /she is speaking*
3. Make fun of any participant even if his arguments are funny or illogical
4. Repeat and use irrelevant ideas /speak for long
5. Address yourself to the examiner
6. Use harsh or indecent words
7. Misquote/bluff statistics