Group discussion

1. Group Discussion (GD)
Definition:
 Group discussion is define as form of group communication in which the
participants share ideas and exchange information on a common
topic.
 In this form of communication, a particular number of people meet face to
face and through free oral interaction, originate, share, and discuss
ideas to arrive at a decision or solution to a problem.
 Group discussions are widely used in many organizations for decision
making and problem solving.
 They are also used as a personality test for evaluating several candidates.
 They help to shortlist candidates for a final interview.
 To select personnel for positions of responsibilities.
 Select students for admission to professional courses.
 The participants sit facing each other almost in a semi-circle and express
their views on the given topic/issue/problem.
Objective of Group Discussion
• G- Generating Ideas
• R- Reviewing policies and plans
• O - Organizing teams/ tasks
• U - Understanding perspectives
• P - Problem solving
• D -decision making
• I - Information exchange
• S -strategic planning
• C-conflict resolution

2. • U - unity among people
• S -studying cases
• S -Socializing people
• I - Instruction
• O - Oneness of group participants
• N – negotiation
Types of Group Discussion Topics
GDs can be topic-based or case-based.
Topic based GD can be classified into three types:
1. Factual Topics
2. Controversial Topics
3. Abstract Topics
Factual Topics:-
Factual topics are about practical things, which an ordinary person is aware of
in his day-to-day life.
E.g. The education policy of India, Tourism in India, State of the aged in the
nation.
Controversial Topics:
Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature. They are
meant to generate controversy.
E.g. Reservations should be removed, Women make better managers
Abstract Topics:
Abstract topics are about intangible things. These topics test your lateral
thinking and creativity.
E.g. A is an alphabet, Twinkle twinkle little star, the number 10
Case-based GD:

3. Another variation is the use of a case instead of a topic.
The case study tries to simulate a real-life situation. Information about the
situation will be given to you and you would be asked as a group to resolve the
situation.
Reasons for having a GD
o It helps you to understand a subject more deeply.
o It improves your ability to think critically.
o It helps in solving a particular problem.
o It helps the group to make a particular decision.
o It gives you the chance to hear other students' ideas.
o It improves your listening skills.
o It increases your confidence in speaking.
o It can change your attitudes.
Strategies for Improving GD Skills
Observe
Attend as many seminars and tutorials as possible and notice what other
students do. Ask yourself:
o How do other students make critical comments?
o How do they ask questions?
o How do they disagree with or support arguments?
o What special phrases do they use to show politeness even when they are
voicing disagreement?
o How do they signal to interrupt, ask a question or make a point?

4. Practice
Start practicing your discussion skills in an informal setting or with a small
group. Start with asking questions of fellow students.
Participate
Start by making small contributions to tutorial discussions; prepare a question
to ask, or agree with another speaker's remarks.
What to do in a GD?
 Speaking is important; do not sit Silently. Speak freely.
 Do not monopolize the conversation or talk too much.
 Give everyone a chance to speak.
 Maintain eye contact with everyone in the group.
 Show active listening skills.
 Do not interrupt anyone while they are speaking.
 Keep the topic on track and don’t be irrelevant.
 Encourage someone who is silent to talk.
 Do not argue with anyone.
 Do not debate with anyone, while the group looks on.
 Do not repeat what has been said; be attentive; try to develop on ideas
expressed or give out new ideas.
 Clarify your doubts and then proceed.
 Be brief.
 Do not commit grammatical errors while talking.
Preparing for a Group Discussion
Reading:

5. This is the first and the most key step in preparation. Read both for the thoughts
as well as for data. Also read multiple view points on the same topic and then
create your point of view with rationale.
Mocks:
Create an informal GD group and meet regularly to discuss and exchange
feedback. This is the best way to prepare. This would give you a good idea about
your thoughts and how well can you convince. Also try to interact and participate
in other GD groups. This will develop in you a skill to discuss with unknown
people as well.
During the Group Discussion:
Primary for a Discussion
o introducing yourself and the members of the group
o stating the purpose of the discussion
o inviting quiet group members to speak
o being objective
o summarizing the discussion
Directing a Group Discussion
o introducing the topic and purpose of the discussion,
o making sure all members have approximately the same time, (i.e. no one
dominates the discussion by taking too much time)
o thanking group members for their contribution
o being objective in summarizing the group's discussion and achievements
Expectations of the GD Panel:
You should have the following qualities:

6. • Team player
• Reasoning
• Leadership
• Flexible
• Assertiveness
• Initiative
• Creativity (out of the box thinking)
• Inspiring ability
• Listening
• Awareness
Convincing Skills
These are some of the sub-skills that also get assessed with the skills
mentioned above:
o Clarity of thought
o Group working skills (especially during a group task of case study
discussion)
o Conflict handling
o Listening and probing skills
o Knowledge about the subject and individual point of view
o Ability to create a consensus
o Openness and flexibility towards new ideas
o Data based approach to decision making
Phases in a GD:
• Initiation/introduction

7. • The central group discussion
• Summarization/conclusion
GROUP DISCUSSION TECHNIQUES
1. Make careful physical arrangements.
 Seat the group in a circle (around a table if possible)
 Keep your group small (8-13).
 Have name cards or name tags if necessary.
2. Don’t Lecture!
 Make a short introduction to the lesson.
 Then jump on the "main point” question to be discussed.
3. Ask Questions.
A. What kind of question? (Use the magic words)
(1) First, ask WHAT do you think? (This helps them take a
position)
(2) Second, ask WHY do you think that? (This causes the
person to evaluate the reasons for their position)
B. To whom?
(1) First, to individuals by name to get the discussion
started
(2) Later, to the group in general.
C. In what manner? (with "GREAT EXPECTATIONS")
(1) Believe that you will get an answer from everyone.
(2) Let your voice and manner suggest that you expect an
answer.
4. Listen!
 Just do it!

8.  If you can’t repeat what the group just said, YOU AREN’T
LISTENING.
5. Praise
 Thank the participants for their help.
 Use the magic words of praise such as: GOOD! FINE
POINT! EXCELLENT! INTERESTING
6. Encourage Team Work. (The "WE" feeling)
 By using the term "We" often.
 By using their names.
 By encouraging interaction - "Mathu, can you help us with vinay’s
question?"
7. Serve the Group
 By helping them solve the question being discussed.
 By being interested in the participants.
 By stimulating and guiding their efforts. (Remember that a
quarterback often passes or hands off but seldom scrambles)
8. Summarize Often
 It keeps the group "on the track".
 It clarifies what has happened.
 It reminds them that they are making progress in the discussion.
9. Handle Problems
A. In all situations, remember to put COURTESY FIRST.
 If you must interrupt, let your first words be, "PARDON ME,
BUT…"

9.  When any problem occurs, make sure your comments are
preceded by some statement of courtesy.
B. Specific problems
 Arguments thrive on misunderstandings
 Take the heat out of any disagreement by focusing effort on trying
to understand first. (Mathu, would you repeat what you
understood Mathu to be saying?)
 There are some who dominate the discussion by doing all the
talking.
(4) Avoid this by saying:
 Thank you Mathu. Now Tom, I wonder if we could hear from you
on this point.
 We’re doing a good job on this point. I’d like to hear from some of
those who haven’t spoken yet.
(5) Some are timid.
 Encourage them by asking questions that are easy to answer.
 Indicate the value of their comments by saying "We’d like to hear
what you think about this topic."
 Silently count off 7 seconds while waiting for a response to a
question.
10. Draw a Scriptural Conclusion in the last 5 minutes. (Don’t
leave things hanging)
 Summarize the points discussed.
 Review the scriptural evidence considered.
 Draw a scriptural conclusion.