Soft Skills
Lecture 42
Group Discussion Part I
Dr. Binod Mishra
Department of HSS, IIT Roorkee
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Group Discussion
“Discussion is an exchange of knowledge;
argument an exchange of ignorance.”
-- Robert Quillen
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A sample Group Discussion sitting
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What is a group?
“Whenever two or more individuals come together
and influence one another, they may be said to
constitute a social group.”
-- Ogburn and Nimkoff
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Group Discussion
Group discussion is a formal and systematic face-
to-face communication among participants to
express and exchange their views on a topic.
A discussion among participants who have an
agreed topic.
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Group Discussion: Aims & Objectives
Group Discussion : a dialogic learning process
: cooperative, not competitive
: sharing thoughts, opinions, views
: digging new insights
: every member be given an
opportunity to speak
: unstructured
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Differences between GD & Debate
Particular point of view
Particular issue
Cooperative and not competitive
Two parties: for and against
Rigidity
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Types of G.D.
Topic G.D. Case G.D.
Announced on the spot A printed case given
To be seated in a circular/ Discussion on the basis of
semicircular pattern passage
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Case study
Begin with a brief summary.
Interpret the situation.
Emphasize the need to solve the problem.
Suggest ways and means.
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Language & Style
Simple, concise and appropriate words
Free from errors of grammar and usage
Precise and exact expressions
Persuasive
Difficult and unfamiliar words to be avoided.
Flowery language to be restricted.
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Some sample of expressing yourself
Strong:
• I strongly feel/ believe/am convinced
• I am pretty sure/it is pretty clear
Neutral:
• I think that/ I feel that/as I find
• According to me/personally I think
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Discussing techniques
I would like to raise the subject of…….
I think it is important to consider the question of …
May I make a point about………
While supporting
That is just what I also think
I fully agree with what ……..
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To bring a discussion back to the mainstream
I am afraid we are deviating/ drifting from the point.
Could we stick to the topic?
That’s very interesting but I don’t think it is indeed to
the point.
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Advantages of G.D.
Groups have more resources.
Groups have more points.
In built correcting mechanism.
Can make better decisions.
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Contd.
Helpful in academic discussion
Meetings
Resolving crisis
Personality development
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What does GD evaluate
Candidate's knowledge/awareness
Ability to interact in group
Behaviour in team
Group dynamics more important than content.
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Contd.
• Initiative
• Motivation
• Assertiveness
• Candidness
• Listening
• Leadership
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Group Responsibilities
Commit yourself to the goals of the group.
Fulfil your individual assignment.
Avoid interpersonal conflict within the group.
Encourage full participation.
Help keep the group on track.
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Group Behavior
1. Participation
2. Leadership
Drivers
Amiable
Democrat
Bulldozers
3. Time Sharing
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Individual Behavior
1. Ideas
2. Articulation
3. Listening
4. Body Language
5. Initiative
“Help Each other Learn”
“A group swims and sinks together.”
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