1. ALKA CHATURVEDI ,TRAINER &TEACHER
The what & why of
a
GROUP
DISCUSSION

2. Group Discussion

5. Why
Group
Discussion?

6. Purpose of a GD
• Interpersonal skills
(Interaction, team spirit & leadership abilities)
• Clarity of thought,
(power of logical reasoning & creative approach)
• Effective communication & presentation style
• Understanding of Core Issue
• Capability to cope with the dynamics of a situation,
including the limited time available

7. • You should be aggressive - No
• You should speak more - No
• You should speak in favor - Not
compulsory
• You should cut down your
opponents - No
• You should make others agree to
your point - No
• You should be an individual
speaker - N0
• You project in style - Not at all

8. Do ’S of GD
• Be alert throughout the discussion.
• Listen attentively –discuss not debate.
• Initiate and get involved.
• Speak to the point
• Back up your points with facts figures
(source)
• Be gentle with your presentation.
• Be natural, calm & compose yourself.
• Be participative.
• Be flexible and open to ideas of others.

9. • Be loud or aggressive, arrogant
• Go overboard with enthusiasm if you are
familiar with the topic.
• Do not interrupt other speakers.
• Criticize other speakers
• Speak first if you are unfamiliar with the topic.
• Change you opinion. Speak one at a time
• Ask irrelevant questions.
• Stop abruptly
• Get nervous if the previous speaker have
presented their points in a better way
• Exhibit your emotions

10. Welcome Strategy-during GD
• W-Well groomed
• E- Energetic
• L- Leadership
• C- Communicative
• O-Opportunist
• M-Matured
• E- Enthusiastic

11. ‘Body Language and
Tone of words are the
most important
assessment tools ‘
-Christopher Voss

12. Body Language - Speaks Volumes
Our gestures, hand movements, facial expressions
• Positive body gestures are a sign of confidence and security.
• leave a good impression.
• Walking upright, Shaking hands confidently etc.
• Convey a lot of messages that words may not.
• Increases an impact on others.
• Build a rapport with others.
• Understand what others may try to convey.
• Control aggression and conflicts.
• Show you are energetic in a group discussion..
• Have a direct and steady eye contact .

14. Cooperation
• Work together to achieve some target.
• Gives positive vibes to the environment.
• Motivates the environment.
• Reduces nervousness.
• Builds confidence..
• Is a very mutual process.
• leaves a positive impression..
• Avoid quarrels and misunderstandings.

15. Tips
• Define the topic
• Analyze - scope and limitations .
• Initiate and generate the discussion .
• Listen to the views of others intently.
• Encourage and provide uncommunicative members to speak.
• Intervene forcefully but politely-when need be.
• Emphasize the points that you feel significant.
• Make eye contact with members and not panel members.
• Correct pronunciation.
• Summarize the key points at the end.
• State the conclusion reached .

16. INTIATION
• Let's begin/start with ...
Sentence starters
• As far as I'm concerned ...
• I think ...
• In my opinion ...
• As far as I know ...
• In my view ...
• I don't think ...
• I don't believe that ...
• Well, if you ask me ...
• If you want my honest opinion ...
• I've never come across the idea that ...
• It's hard to say.
• It's a fact that ...
• However, ...
• That's why ...

17. Agree/Disagree
• I must admit that ...
• I totally/fully/partly agree.
• I agree/don't agree with you.
• I believe/don't believe ...
• I'm convinced that ...
• The way I see it ...
• It seems to me that ...
• I wouldn't say that ...
• I don't think so.
• You're right up to a point.
• You could be right.
• That can't be right.
• I don't agree at all.
• As a matter of fact, ...
• That's right/wrong.
• Exactly.
• I can understand ...

18. Concluding
• The person concluding must possess the following skills
• Should be an active participant during the discussion
• Noted capturing points –i.e. active listener.
• Buy-in of all members to summarize.
• Crisp and clear communication skills.
• Remember
• No new points to be added.
• No biasness –impartial summing up.
• No repetition of same points-clear, concise ,compact.
• Should end with vote of thanks.
• Discussion should end at a cordial note-preferably handshakes.

19. Criteria for Judgment
1. Voice and language
2. Interpersonal
3. Non-verbal language
4. Listening skills
5. Answering
6. Problem-solving /Decision making
7. Attitude
8. Reasoning/logic
9. Team player/coherence
10. General awareness

20. ACTIVITY -
BALLS

21. The youth of India
is confident or
confused

22. •Indian villages -
our strength or
our weakness?

23. Women are
better at multi-
tasking

24. Rules are meant
to be broken

25. All work and no
play makes jack
a dull boy

26. Multinational
corporations: are they
devils in disguise?

27. Are you
ready?

28. Prof. Alka Chaturvedi
Master Trainer Class @Dale Carnigie inc
Zone Trainer –JCI ,India