5 (1) - Group Discussion
5 (1) - Group Discussion
5 (1) - Group Discussion
Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone you are not. Be yourself.
A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The evaluator wants to hear you
speak. Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say. Seek
clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject.
Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate the discussion or agree
with someone else's point and then move onto express your views.
Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are more likely
to reflect your attitude than what you say. Language skills are important only to the effect
as to how you get your points across clearly and fluently.
Always be polite: Try to avoid using extreme phrases like: `I strongly object' or `I
disagree'. Instead try phrases like: `I would like to share my views on…' or `One
difference between your point and mine…' or "I beg to differ with you"
The interviewing committee would ensure that they bring together, people from
diverse backgrounds.
1
There will be around 2 to 3 Moderators who will be monitoring and judging the
Group Discussion. They will be silent observers of the entire proceedings. They will
intervene only in case of fights or heated arguments.
Understanding a GD
o Confidence
o Communication skills
o Awareness of the world around/ Current Affairs
o Depth of understanding
o Perception and thought process
o Analytical skills
o Ability to think independently
o Ability to articulate thoughts
o Ability to perform in a team
o Level of maturity in terms of handling a counter argument
o Levels of aggressiveness and assertiveness.
o Leadership qualities
o Capability of differentiation between an argument and discussion.
o Body language
o Influencing Skills
o Interpersonal skills
o Quality of Contribution
No two individuals can think alike. Hence Group Discussion also tests your
ability to appreciate other's viewpoints and perspectives and take them in the right
stride.
You must ensure that you put forth your point. However assertiveness must not
get transformed into aggressiveness.
2
You must snatch a chance to express yourselves without actually cutting short
anybody.
When someone else is talking, look at the other people too in the discussion,
instead of just continuously looking at the speaker. This creates a feeling of greater
inclusiveness.
Give examples!
Also do not use accent. This doesn't give you extra marks. Instead adds a
question about your originality.
Make sure that your sentence flow is such that one idea automatically follows
the other.
In case you need more inputs before you actually start contributing in the Group
Discussion, wait for the discussion to start. This will enable you to pick up the
threads of the discussion and give more clarity on the subject.
It is very important to listen. Ensure that you listen to people and not just hear
them.
Be attentive throughout the GD. If necessary note down certain points in the pad
provided to you.
Communications is not only communicating with words but also through Body
Language. You need to send out the right signals through your Body Language.
3
Show attentiveness by looking into the eyes of the speaker, by leaning forward,
which shows interest, address the group.
Keep your voice audible and friendly. Try to speak in a Conversational style.
Your facial expressions and emotions should go together.
Summarize. Every so often, pause to ask the group, "Where are we at this point?
Where do we need to go from here?"
Men: Men may wear a formal shirt with a formal trouser, and a matching tie.
Black or brown leather shoes. Blazers or business suits are optional depending upon
the season.
Women: Women may wear a simple & elegant sari of the right material or a
Business suit. Use minimal makeup. Use bare minimum accessories. If possible use
a formal bag that goes well with your sandals.
While entering the room walk straight, erect and confidently. Wish the
Interviewer and the other candidates. Smile and make polite conversation.
Thank while walking out of the hall and never ask for a comment on your
performance.
Try and make your viewpoints on the various issues i.e. whether you agree or you
disagree and why?
Make notes or file newspaper clippings of the news items that you think are
important especially on topics related to the discipline in which you intend to
specialize.
Read General knowledge books and keep yourself abreast of the latest happenings
world over and more importantly India specific.
4
Positive Behaviour in Group Discussion
False starts are extremely expensive. They cost you your admission. It is very important
to listen and understand the topic before you air your opinions. Spending a little time
analyzing the topic may provide you with insights, which others may not have thought
about. Use a pen and paper to jot down your ideas. Remember, you are the participant in
the GD, not the evaluator. So, rather than evaluating others and your performance,
participate in the discussion.
Some mistakes are irreparable. Starting off the group discussion with a mistake is one
such mistake, unless you have a great sense of humor.
Initiating
Clarifying
Encouraging
Active listening
Information and opinion giving
Harmonizing
Compromising
Summarizing
5
Lecture 13
Practical session
Various topics would be given to groups of 5- 6 students. Topics would vary from
Personality, to current affairs, to management perspectives, societal perspectives or even
any controversial issue.
After the discussion is over, the remaining students (observers) in the class would be
asked to speak about their observations with regard to the body language, content &
attitude.