The Group Discussion (GD) tests Inter-personal skills. It is most popular with public/private sector
undertakings, government departments, commercial firms, and university and other educational
organizations, which use it to screen candidates after a written test. What does a group discussion
evaluate? A Group Discussion primarily evaluates participant’s ability to interact in a group that is
discussing a given topic. An Individual’s behavior in a group means much for his or her success as a
manager or an executive responsible for co-coordinating and organizing activities. The evaluators
therefore focus on group dynamics rather than the content of each participant’s views.
The Group usually consists of 8 to 10 candidates. No one is nominated as a leader, co-coordinator or
chairman. Normally, 20 to 30 minutes are given to complete the discussion. Each candidate has a roll
number by which he or she is to be addressed. For easy recognition, the roll number is prominently
displayed on a tag worn by each candidate. The candidates are seated in ascending order of roll
numbers, usually in a circle.
In a GD all participants are supposed to be equal. No one is officially chosen as the leader. However, a
candidate by his or her initiative, ability to direct the discussion, maturity, clarity of ideas, and
understanding of group dynamics, might gradually begin to direct the course of the discussion and
mediate between opposing views to evolve a comprehensive view. A group discussion is not a debate in
which each participant either opposes or supports the topic. There are no clear-cut positions or
standards required.
? Leadership:-
A GD start without an official leader, the atmosphere allows all participants free and equal
opportunity to express their views. During the course of the discussion, a leader often emerges.
No candidate should try to dominate the group to become the leader. Such an attempt is selfdefeating, because in a group discussion all participants are supposed to be equal.
? GD Techniques:-
a. Ways of addressing other members of the group:
“ Sir/Madam”: too formal.
“ Mr/Ms”: too colloquial.
“ Excuse me”: a bit rude.
By their first name is ideal. The problem is it may be difficult to remember the names of
fellow participants in a short time. In this case, the best way is to address the whole group
instead of an individual.
b. Do not create sub-groups by referring to individual members. The tendency is to speak to
one’s neighbor, but this creates sub-groups and acts against the cohesive team spirit of the
group.
c. Gaining the entire group’s attention-
? To begin speak to the person sitting diagonally opposite you. Alternatively, address
the person who has just finished talking.
? When you have the group’s attention, use the opportunity to take the discussion
forward. Do not let an opportunity pass by if you want to participate in the
discussion.
? Make friends by speaking to those who have been left alone by the rest of the
group.
? Do not invite somebody who has been keeping quiet to share his or her views unless
you have the formal authority to do so, everyone is equal in a group discussion.
? It is best to use language that is formal, simple and correct. I should not be
colloquial or flowery.
? One should dress formally for a group discussion. Men should wear business suits
and women should be on Sarees, Slalwar Kameezes, or formal trousers and shirts.
? Body language is important:-
? Posture should be formal and must reflect enthusiasm (straight back, hands
in front/on the edge of the table.
? Gestures and body movements should not be threating or restrictive to
other participants.
? Excessive hand movements should be avoided.
? Body Language should be natural.
? One should establish eye contact with as many people as possible.
? No one should attempt to be a leader by trying to sum up or conclude when
the group has not clearly reached any conclusion.
Listening:-
In a GD listening too is a participative act. Participants should listen thoughtfully to what others have to
say, with the goal of assimilating and analyzing rather than contradicting or refuting others. Instead of
interrupting others, it is better to try to join the discussion tactfully and use words that demonstrate
that you have been listening to others.
? To join in the discussion, the following phrases can be used:-
I’d like to raise the subject of……
What I think is……
I think it’s important to consider the question of……
If I could say a word about…….
May I make a Point about……….
? When supporting what another participant has said, remember that you should not say
“I agree with him/her”. Instead you should say that you support their views- not the
person). Phrases that can be used are:-
I’d like to support Renuka’s point about…..
That is what I think too.
I agree fully with what Rahul has just said.
? When voicing disagreement, again remember that you opposed to someone’s ideas and
not the person. You can disagree by using polite expressions instead of saying
something curt as “You are wrong”. For instance you can say:-
o Please allow me to differ.
o I beg to differ.
o I think differently on the issue.
o I do not agree, in my opinion…
? To emphasize a point, one can say:-
I am convinced that…
You can’t deny that…..
It is quite clear to me that……
? To bring the discussion back on track, one can say:-
That’s very interesting, but I don’t think it is relevant to the point.
Perhaps we could go back to…….
Could we stick to the subject please?
I am afraid we are drifting from the original point.
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