GROUP DISCUSSION (GD) Group Discussion is a discussion on a specific topic by and among group of people. The group members interact among themselves and

GROUP DISCUSSION (GD)

Group Discussion is a discussion on a specific topic by and among group of people. The group members interact among themselves and express their views freely, frankly and in friendly manner on the given topic.

GD in Details

In a group discussion a person is being compared and contrasted, with reference to a group.

Through a GD, we can evaluate a candidate’s ability to express himself logically,

The selecting officer can judge whether a person has self confidence, tact, cool temperament and an alert mind and also whether he can convince others about what he thinks is right.

A group discussion is a methodology used by an organization to judge whether the candidate has certain personality traits and skills. In this ,a topic or a situation will be given to a group, a few minutes to think and then asked to discuss it among themselves for 15 to 20 minutes

The topic of discussion is given at the appointed time Topic may be of current importance or of controversial nature. The

abilities of the members of the groups are measured. The ability to substantiate, defend, testify, refute, convince, argue, etc is considered.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A GD

The GD tests how you function as a part of a team. Therefore how you interact in a team is an important criterion for selection.

It facilitates sharing of views It helps collect and generate views It develop team spirit It solves problems It develops decision making skills It causes change in attitude It develops leadership quality It motivate the participants It develops communication skills

General Guidelines for GD

1. Understand the topic for group discussion.

2. Understand the rules and guidelines given by the organizer.

3. The leader will introduce the topic.4. Individual members of each group should

be given around 10 minutes for preparation.

5. The group should not deviate from the topic of discussion

THE FEATURES OF GD

1. A FORM OF CONVERSATION

The GD is a many sided conversation which is spontaneous and not preplanned. So the discussion starts on many interesting topic.

THE FEATURES OF GD

2. DIFFERENT FROM DEBATE

All the members of a group have fair opportunity to express their views on the given topic freely.

In a debate there is a leader for both the teams.

The group in a debate is divided into 2 parts, Who speak for the motion and the other who speak against the motion.

To conduct the debate there is a chairman or president who calls upon the speaker one by one allots a definite time limit for each speaker.

A GD is quiet informative and not based on any rules and here the candidates can say whatever they like on the subject under the discussion.

Also above and below mentioned points

Debate Group Discussion

THE FEATURES OF GD

3. NO INTERFERANCE FROM THE EXAMINER

The members of a group are quiet free to discuss without any interference from the examiner.

The examiner acts as a silent observer in the background during a GD.

The members of the group sit around a table and face each other.

THE FEATURES OF GD

4. DISCUSSION REVOLVES AROUND A GIVEN TOPIC

In a GD specific subjects or topics are given for discussion and candidates are required to talk on the particular topic only.

They are free to talk “for” and “against”. But they should control the discussion to that topic only.

THE FEATURES OF GD

5. CORDIAL AND FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE

An atmosphere of cordial friendliness reveals in a GD. (While in selection interview there is always some nervousness because the candidates alone has to face the interview with a panel), on the other hand –

In a GD the participants are of similar background and there is no trace of fear or complex and their natural group behavior can be easily assessed.

PROCEDURE OF A GROUP DISCUSSION

1. NO.OF CANDIDATES

Normally there are 4 to 8 candidates in a GD


2. ASSIGNING OF SERIAL NUMBER As soon as a candidate assembles for a

GD, they are assigned different serial no. like 1, 2, 3, 4…….so on. Afterwards, they are to be called as Mr.1, Mr.2 etc and not by their name.


3. WEARING A NUMBER TAG In a GD, candidates should wear a

number tag all the time. The examiner who is in the background notes down the number from the tag without writing the names of the candidates. Therefore, it is essential that every candidate properly displays his number tag all the time.


4. INITIATION OF THE DISCUSSION The candidates are instructed not to

disclose their names or speak in any other language except the one prescribed for the discussion, which is mostly in English.

The examiner or the testing officer does not decide who should speak first and how much time each candidate should take


5. SEATING ARRANGEMENT

The members of a group are generally seated around the table in a semicircle so that they may face each other for discussion and the testing officer is able to watch them from the background.


6. SELECTION OF TOPIC

In some cases candidates themselves select the topic they wish to discuss. However, the examiner may also give two or three topics for discussion and the members of the group are required to select any one for discussion.


7. EXAMINER’S ROLE As soon as the discussion starts, the

examiner goes into the background, leaving the candidates free to carry on their discussion. He then takes notes to assess the personality and group behavior of the members without making his presence felt by the group.


8. GROUP LEADER Normally, none is appointed as a group leader.

The candidates endowed with natural leadership qualities will automatically emerge as a leader and assume the leadership of the group on his own. Such a gifted candidate will be able to carry the group with him despite competition he faces from other participants. The group testing officer, who has considerable experience, is able to spot leadership qualities and observe the candidates in action in order to assess their personality.


9. TYPES OF TOPICS

Generally the subjects are announced by the examiner. The topic may vary from social or serious topics or the current events

DIFFERENT ROLES TAKEN BY THE PARTICIPANTS IN A GD

1. THE INITIATOR

He is the one who starts a GD .The person who starts the GD should be very sure of his understanding of the topic.


2. THE MODERATOR

He is the one who tells the group about the need to reach a conclusion and also avoids the discussion from deviating into other topics.


3. CARE TAKER

In every group discussion there are members who are aggressive and those who do not speak at all. Maintaining a balance between them is crucial. The caretaker motivates the people to participate in the discussion and also helps the aggressive ones make room for others.


4. SUMMARIZER

This person summarizes the important points discussed by the group. This is generally done towards the end of the discussion. Over doing this is not a good thing.

DON’Ts IN A GROUP DISCUSSION

Don’t deviate from the stand once you have taken. You should stick to it. If you change in the middle you will be rated as inconsistent.

Don’t try to impose your views on others. Don’t say which is irrelevant to the topic and don’t keep

interrupting. Don’t accept your opponent’s views easily. Don’t monopolize the time and topic. If you are a beginner, you can’t and should not attempt to present

more than 2 or 3 points. Don’t exhibit unnecessary gestures and mannerism. Don’t stop and never get excited while trying to oppose an

argument. Don’t panic. If you happen to be the last speaker, you can take the

advantage of this position by summarizing the points.

DO’s IN A GROUP DISCUSSION

Be a good listener and attempt to train your mind to analyze logically.

Carry always a small diary with you and note down the random points.

How you think is more important than what you think. Speak first only when you have sufficient knowledge about the

topic. The content is more important than quality. Grab the opportunity to speak and no group discussion will get

you a chance to speak. Give others also opportunity to speak. Try to pick controversial topics, this will project your power to

express and discuss. Speak calmly and in a clear and audible voice.

Documents

GROUP DISCUSSION (GD) Group Discussion is a discussion on a specific topic by and among group of people. The group members interact among themselves and