GROUP DISCUSSION

Group discussion is commonly known as GD, as the name suggests, it is a group

activity.   People are grouped in a bunch for a common purpose:
 share knowledge
 exchange opinions
 brainstorm [find solutions innovative look for improvements]
 job selection process
It is a systematic purposeful interactive oral process.   Here the members of the group
share certain common objectives.
It is characterized by the formal and structural exchange of views on a particular topic
/ issue / problem.
Importance of GD
 GD is used as a technique for personality assessment of candidate for job selection
or admission to professional courses.
 GD aims at problem solving, decision making and personality assessment
 Group of 6 – 8 members are formed and are given topic may be an opinion / a
problem / a case.
 Members of the selection committee closely evaluate the different skills reflected by
the candidates and those with leadership qualities emerge as natural leader/s are
normally short listed.

Characteristics of Successful GD
a)      Agreement on group goal
b)     Goal oriented interaction
c)      Agreement on procedure
d)     Co-operative and friendly atmosphere
e)      Effective communication techniques
f)       Equitable distribution of participation
g)     Shared leadership

Areas of Evaluation in selection GDs

a)      Subject knowledge
b)     Oral communication skills
c)      Appropriateness of language
d)     Clarity of expression
e)      Non-verbal clues
f)       Leadership qualities – initiative, analysis, objectivity
g)     Team management – adaptability, positive attitude, co-operation

A group Discussion can be categorically divided into three different phases:

i)          Initiation / Introduction           –    quotes, definition, question, short story,
general statement.
ii)        Body of the GD                           –    develop the concept / core unit
iii)       Summarization / Conclusion –    emphasizing central ideas (avoid raising new
points; avoid stating only your view point keep brief and concise)

Key Points for GD

1)   Team spirit 5)   Inspiring ability

2)   Reasoning ability 6)   Awareness
3)   Leadership 7)   Listening
4)   Creativity

Misconceptions: A GD is intended for testing debating skills, and as such they are
expected to take control of the debate, thereby not allowing others to voice their views
and facts in support of their argument. They also try to contradict the views of other
participants, hoping they will be noticed and appreciated.

To make a Successful GD:

Content: Fairly good knowledge of the topic and awareness of the current situation
will help prevent ideas from drying up fast and keep the GD alive and lively. If you are
unfamiliar with the topic, wait for someone else to come up with important
information and facts, then quickly formulate you stance and come with your
perspective.

Communication: The language should be simple and lucid, use the right word at the
right time that gives clarity to the GD and highlights your role in generating ideas in
the group. Not to exhaust your ideas at one go. Every time you contribute, make your
talk relevant and brief. It is necessary to listen with great attention and react with
pertinent comments.

Constant interruption while others are speaking must be avoided. The

discussion becomes meaningless if all the participants speak at the same time. Some
candidates try to interrupt and even make fun of other participants. This strategy will
adversely affect them.
           
No points will be lost even if a candidate openly supports or agrees with the
views of the other candidates. Valid reasons must be given as to why you support a
particular point of view. In case your views are strongly criticized, there is no need to
be upset. Criticism taken positively will act in the candidate’s favour.
Thinking: Listen and understand the arguments of other participants and at the same
time decide what points you should raise and how.

Group behaviour: Expressing your views emphatically will be appreciated in a GD, it

is equally important that you draw the more reticent participants into the discussion
and involve them in the decision-making process. The participant should be tactful
while contradicting the views of other participants. Blunt statements such as ‘Your
arguments are baseless’, or ‘You are absolutely wrong’, are to be avoided strictly. The
participant has to disagree without sounding rude by saying things such as ‘I beg to
differ’ or ‘Sorry to disagree with you’.
 
 
Types of GDs: Broadly divided into two types:

 Concrete and fact-oriented topics, which need factual content in combination

with the right perspective to be successful.

 Abstract topics where more than facts, you need interpretations and creative
thinking. Here, the perspective from which the interpretation is made and the
themes you build into them will be more significant and valuable.
Structuring a GD
The following language may be used in structuring a GD:

Entering a discussion: Make comments on previous contributions and show one’s own
relation to them. Change the trend of discussion by agreement, disagreement, and
amplification or by restriction.

Some Patterns of starting a discussion:

 We have assembled here to discuss …
 We are here today to discuss …
 Let us get down to business …
 Let’s start how to proceed with the discussion …
 Let’s start off with No.1 …
 Shall we make a start?
 Shall we set the ball rolling?
 Can you please give your views on?

Some patterns for interrupting a discussion:

 Sorry to interrupt you …
 Excuse me, but …
 Could I make a suggestion, please?
 Could I say something ….?
 Sorry to disagree with you …
 If I could make a point here …
Some patterns of ending a discussion:
 I think that covers everything
 It is time to wind up
 Shall we close the discussion then?

Comments:
What I think is …
I feel that …
The main point I wish to make is …
I agree up to a certain point but …
I must disagree with your opinion …
I would question whether …
It seems to me that …
As far as I am concerned …
I don’t agree with the previous speaker …
Please don’t interrupt. Let me finish
Can you wait till I finish?
I think we are moving away from the main point.
If I may turn now to …
Turning now to …
I want to comment briefly on …
I intend to make … points about …
Now to elaborate on the first point …
I strongly believe that …
With all due respect
I am not in a position to say anything about …
If we look at it in another light …
On the contrary …
I don’t think any one could disagree with …
I can’t help thinking …
Can I finish please …?
Finally …
Advantages of a GD:
• Ideas can be generated, shared and tried out.
• Groups provide a support and growth for any endeavor.
• Combine talents to provide innovative solutions.

Characteristics of Group Discussions

Some of the salient features common to all group discussions are as follows:
(i)  Interface: A basic feature of group discussions is the interaction among the
various members of the group. They see, hear and communicate with each other orally
by paying attention to each other.
 (ii)  Leader and Members: Group discussions are effective only when there is a group
of members and a leader. The leader has to summarize facts and information,
integrate them, stimulate thinking and agree to a unanimous solution of the problem.
The members of the group become actively related to each other in their respective
roles.
(iii)  Participation: The effectiveness and efficiency of a group discussion depend, to a
large extent, upon the active participation of the members.
(iv) Interpersonal Attraction: Another characteristic feature of a group discussion is
interpersonal attraction. As long as interaction continues, the likes, dislikes, behavior
and temperament of members are known to each other. Among them, empathy
develops and as such they share each others problems.
(v)  Pressure to Conform: In a group discussion, there is always an element of
pressure to conform to norms. The pre-defined and established standards are always
enforced and followed.
(vi) Conflict: A conflict is a difference or disagreement among the members of the
group, which often arise during deliberations and discussions. A conflict is inevitable
and usually develops when alternative solutions are present. It can stimulate the
members to find new solutions to the problem. Thus, conflict is not necessarily bad.
But if it arises due to the political behavior of the members it will have dysfunctional
consequences.
Successful GDs
A good and successful group discussion is one where the topic has been discussed
threadbare.

v  Analyse the topic word by word. Identify the frame of reference you would be using
during the discussion.
v  Look at the topic from the point of view of all the affected parties.
v  Look at the topic from all the various angles and all the possible perspectives.
v  At the end of a discussion or when you know that the discussion time is almost up, it is
necessary to give an appropriate conclusion. To do this, quickly recap the important
points that have come up during the discussion, emphasize the points on which there
were differences and where there was convergence of opinion and make the concluding
remark.

Points to be remembered:
 Prepare well by reading and reflecting on the topic.
 Anticipate the points of others.
 Listen keenly and understand the points made by others.
 Break in and make your point without waiting to be called upon to do so,
ensuring relevance to the context.
 Be loud enough to be heard by everyone.
 Make brief remarks often rather than giving long speeches.
 Be open minded and conciliatory rather than dogmatic.
  Try to be group-centred rather than self-centred.
 Avoid personal attacks and name-calling. Accept criticism with dignity and
rebut it with strong arguments.
 Back your arguments with evidence and authority.
 Use appropriate gestures and expressions.
 Maintain eye contact with group members.
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

Do’s and Don’ts in a GD:

Do’s in a GD
 Make sure your first entry is well planned. The first impression goes a long way in
establishing your credentials. Enter the discussion with a strategy, rather than a
random input.
 If you are the first speaker understand the difference between starting and initiating
the discussion. Initiating is about imparting an overall direction to the discussion and
panning out an agenda for the group. Starting is merely speaking for the sake of
speaking.
 Establish eye contact with the key participants, but do not ignore the other
participants. While the active participants need to be acknowledged more frequently,
the passive ones should not be completely overlooked. You may follow Pareto’s 80-20
rule here, with 80% of the attention being given to the key participants and the
balance 20% being given to the other lot.
 Use a strong voice, clear diction and correct grammar. This gives you an
operational advantage.
 Try getting as many likes as possible. Eventually the discussion boils down to
group dynamics and collaboration. Creating likeability may help you to navigate
more effectively through the course of the discussion. However this doesn’t
imply lack of constructive arguments wherever required.
 Do take counter arguments gracefully and display good listening skills,
projecting you as a good learner.
 Do acknowledge the previous speaker before putting across your point of
view.Discussion implies an action-reaction interface. Not reacting to the
preceding input may show your inability to do so.
 Do support your viewpoint with examples and facts. These will add conviction
to your point of view and corroborate your stand.
 Do demonstrate an ability to look at a topic from multiple dimensions. This
reflects your ability to think laterally and treat the topic in a more mature and
wholesome manner.
 Do try to understand the right exit points. Please appreciate that the challenge
is not to hold the main-stage all through, but to add value at appropriate points
of the discussion. Your exit strategy is as crucial as the entry strategy.
 Do recapitulate the main points of the discussion when required. This helps you
to consolidate the flow of the discussion at critical points and also demonstrates
your ability to assimilate the view points of others.
 Do present yourself as a team player with an ability to balance individual
excellence and group performance. The group discussion is not just about your
perspective; you have to respond to the others’ perspectives as well and enlarge
the scope of the discussion.
 Address group members with respect and dignity. This shows professional
courtesy and etiquettes.
 When asked to conclude, summarize the main points of discussion. The
conclusion is not about what you feel about the topic; it is about what the
group felt as a whole. This needs reference to the main points which emanated
in that span and the overall stand of the group.
 Maintain a calm and balanced disposition throughout the discussion. This
demonstrates your ability to manage stress effectively.
Don’ts in G.D
 Don’t start for the sake of starting. This may project you as an impulsive person
with lack of planning and organizing skills, which totally discounts your
candidature for a management program.
 Don’t speak randomly without a plan and structure. This may give an
impression to the panel that you are speaking and not adding any value to the
discussion.
 Don't be arrogant, overaggressive or vain. This may evince a negative attitude
with poor interpersonal skills.
 Don't show a lack of attention or energy. This may show that you are indifferent
to the task at hand. Kindly appreciate that energy is the capacity for doing work
and any compromise on adequate energy levels will portray you as someone
who is not task driven.
 Don't look at only the key speakers in the discussion. It is your responsibility to
respect all members of the group. The key speakers should definitely be given
 more attention, but this should not imply that the passive speakers are totally
neglected.
 Don't condemn or severely criticize anyone’s view point. Everyone has a right to
his/her opinion. It is possible that some members of the group get aggressive
while expressing themselves but they need to be managed in a certain other
way.
 Don't indulge in cross discussions when the main discussion is in progress.
This amounts to transgression and does not conform with formal etiquettes.
 Don't form cartels to visibly monopolize the discussion. This is seen as an act of
violating the essence of an open, natural discussion. This also projects you a s a
person vying for undue control/power.
 Don't get restless and jittery when someone counters your point. It is natural
that in a discussion your point gets contradicted. You are supposed to respond
with facts/examples/illustrations/logic.
 Don’t get into unnecessary arguments or futile conflicts with other speakers.
This will only add to the opportunity cost.
 Don’t look at the panel while making a point. This may project you as an
attention seeker and an insecure person.
 Don’t fold your arms or cross your legs to slip into an over casual posture. It is
a formal occasion and you cannot portray an informal/casual
appearance/attitude.
 Don’t enter your neighbour’s private space while making a point. This is a
violation of his/her intimate space and will be seen as a breach of a code of
conduct.
 Don’t over gesticulate. This may project you as an impulsive person.
 Don’t scream and shout to prove your point as it negates the importance of
poise and composure.

Role Play in a Group Discussion

 Starting point: You will notice that in the group, there will be some member
who likes to initiate. One who is confident enough to start the discussion and
set the tone right at the very first beginning is called the initiator. This position
is a bit risky. If you are the one who is starting the discussion you have to be
extra conscious. But do not think that if you have begun the discussion, you
will keep your mouth shut during the whole conversation. You have to be active
throughout the discussion.
 Clear Facts: Few members of the group will be data driven. They provide
precise data and facts and support their statement with statistics. They provide
all the data in a logical manner and make their point stronger with facts. But it
is also true that with only data you cannot win a discussion. You have to
believe in those figures and put your mind enough to interpret it well. And
yes...all your facts should be clear and truthful.
 Controller: Some members in the group like to control the discussion. They
think whatever they are saying should be approved by others as well which may
or may not be the case. Others in the group can very well disagree to the point
you are putting forth.
 Moderate Referee: This category of the people acts as a coordinator. They
ensure that each member gets sufficient time and chance to speak. When an
argument gets heated up, they try to keep them calm and bring to a normal
discussion by helping others putting across their words. This person is
generally a good listener but might not be taken very favorably by others lest he
should take all the leadership.
 Born Leaders: They are born to lead. They do not have to put in much effort to
lead a team. Their voice, their calm head, their gestures say it all. They do not
fall in the trap of arguing rather support their points by strong logic, facts, and
adequate examples. They have the ability to manage the flow of discussion and
give it a right direction. Towards the end, a leader summarizes the entire
discussion and squeeze out the conclusion.
 Provocative: This person considers himself All in All. They give orders to others
in the group and want everyone to act according to them. Sometimes they are
annoying and provoke others with a high pitch or irritating voice. They eat up
time of others by saying something which is not so relevant to the topic. They
are poor listener and cannot comprehend what other’s points are.
 Fault Finder: There are some group members who intentionally find fault in
everything that the other person is saying. They have objection on anything and
everything about other’s pint of view. They criticize almost every other point.
 Followers: This is just contrary to the above-mentioned category – fault finder
or criticizer. This category of people generally agree and support other’s point.
They show their agreement by nodding their head or with some other gesture
which normally means that they cannot agree more to the point. This kind of
people generally do not score well as they do not show their own significant
points and logics and merely depend on other’s views
 Question Mark: This kind of people, always question others. He/she sometimes
irritate other group members by questioning even for a simple understood fact.
Rather than putting their own opinions, they tend to interrogate and raise a
question in other’s points.
 Stopwatch: These kinds of people are quite interesting to observe. During the
discussion, they just do not get swayed by the flow of topic, rather keep a check
on every other aspect, such as how much time has passed, how much time is
still left, who all have had the chance to give their opinions and who have not,
etc. They are keen to maintain the order and dignity. But it is better for these
category people to come up with their own impactful views.
 Aggressive: These members easily get annoyed and get antagonistic at times.
They care less about other’s points, sentiments, feelings, and values. They
attack verbally in their counterparts and harsh in their tone.
 Audience/Viewer: They do not have their own substantial views and opinions.
They hardly speak up and hardly make any difference. They just see and listen
what others are speaking and never put their own views forward.
 Indecisive: This category of people are unlikely to get selected as they are very
much indecisive and having a fickle mind. They sometimes contradict their own
words and statements. They are unable to express their ideas in an organized
manner. They also get too emotional during the conversation and unnecessarily
divert the topic from the main point. They agree or disagree with anyone and
everyone.
 Capturer: This kind of people record every point what others are saying. They
take down notes and facts, details, etc. They can be referred later on when
someone in the group has forgotten any point.
 The Settler: They can be referred as Harmonizer and can find a mid-way of any
problem. They avoid extremes and contribute in releasing tension within the
group when an argument heats up.
 Gist Maker: This defines the position as someone who summarized the entire
discussion and draws some valid conclusion through the topic of group
discussion.
 Blockhead: This kind of group members does not take any initiative to present
their views. They are lacing innovative or rather any ideas, opinions and logical
views. They do not contribute any positively to the group.