Group Discussion Notes

What is a Group Discussion (GD)?

• A GD is a formal discussion where a small group of participants (usually 6–12) exchange views on a given topic
within a set time (10–20 minutes).
• It is commonly used in campus placements to assess communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• It is a discussion where recruiters secretly judge your performance among your peers.
Why do companies conduct GDs during placements?
GDs help recruiters evaluate:
• Communication skills (clarity, fluency, confidence)
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Ability to think critically and logically
• Leadership and initiative
• Knowledge of current affairs and domain topics

Why do companies love GDs?

Because they can see if you:
• Talk sense
• Work in a team
• Think fast
• Handle pressure
How should I prepare for a GD?
• Stay updated on current affairs and industry trends - Read news & trending topics (tech + general).
• Practice speaking concisely and confidently - Work on voice, clarity & confidence.
• Learn to structure your thoughts before speaking.
• Practice talking for 1–2 mins on random topics.
• Practice mock GDs with friends.
• Improve listening skills - respond to others’ points instead of repeating them.
How do I start a GD if I get the chance?
• Greet the group – Smile and Greet.
• Say the topic and explain the topic in simple words.
• Share 2–3 relevant points to set the context.
• Speak clearly and confidently - Avoid rushing.
• Speak for about a minute.
• Use a 1-min speech template as a reference. (next slide)
A Quick 1-Minute Speech Template ( Example Topic: Sustainable Energy )

Step 1 – Greet & Introduce Topic (5–10 sec)

• Good morning everyone, The topic I will be talking about is Sustainable Energy. I’ll share my thoughts on it.

Step 2 – Define & Give Context (10–15 sec) : Explain the topic in simple words.
• Sustainable energy means energy we can use now without harming the future. It’s becoming a global priority due to climate
change. In simple terms, it’s the energy from sources like the sun, wind, and water that we can keep using again and again
without running out or damaging our planet.

Step 3 – State Two Key Benefits (10–15 sec)

• It offers two major benefits. One, Reducing pollution. Two, Lowering long-term energy costs.

Step 4 – Explain Both Benefits (20–25 sec)

• For the first benefit, Reducing pollution:- Solar and wind energy produce zero emissions once installed, making them ideal for
cities like Mumbai and Bangalore, fighting with air pollution.
• For the second benefit, Lowering costs:- Although the setup can be expensive initially, renewable energy sources save money in
the long run by cutting fuel expenses.

Step 5 – Conclude Smoothly (5–10 sec)

• To conclude, sustainable energy is both environmentally and economically smart. It’s a win-win for our future.
• Thank you all.
What if I don’t know much about the topic?
• Listen carefully to others, build on their points.
• Use general knowledge, analogies, and logical reasoning.
• Ask clarifying questions if the topic is unfamiliar.
• Ask smart questions.
• Use examples from life.

How do I ensure I get noticed in a GD?

• Speak at least 3–4 times with valuable points.
• Use facts, examples, and logical reasoning.
• Maintain eye contact and good body language.
What should I avoid in a GD?
• Speaking forever – speaking too long at once.
• Repeating the same points.
• Copy-pasting others’ points.
• Ignoring other speakers.
• Shouting over people.
• Interrupting aggressively.
• Showing negative body language - Staring, Frowning, Slouching, Rolling eyes.
How is performance in a GD evaluated?
Recruiters usually rate participants on:
• Attitude and confidence
• Content quality
• Communication skills
• Listening skills
• Teamwork
• Leadership
How can I improve my chances of leading the discussion?
• Start or Summarize the GD well.
• Keep the group focused on the topic.
• Encourage quieter members to speak.

How can I summarize a GD effectively?

• Recap key points discussed.
• Give a neutral, balanced conclusion.
• Thank the group for their contributions.
How loud should I speak?
• Loud enough for the farthest person to hear you, but not so loud that security comes to check.

What’s better - quality or quantity of points?

• Quality every time. One sharp point beats five vague “timepass” statements.

Should I agree with everyone to look nice?

• Nope. Disagree politely, back it up with logic. Respect + Confidence = Win.

14. Can I use humor in a GD?

• Yes, if it’s relevant and light. But remember - you’re in a GD, not a stand-up comedy show.
What do I do if people keep interrupting me?
• Smile, wait for a pause, jump back in. Don’t fight - this isn’t WWE.

How do I handle someone dominating the GD?

• Politely say, “Let’s hear from others too” - boom, instant teamwork points.

Should I take notes during a GD?

• Yes, jot down key points - helps in summarising like a pro

What if I accidentally repeat someone’s point?

• Acknowledge them: “Adding to what X said…” - makes it collaboration, not copying.
Is it okay to use technical terms?
• Only if they’re relevant and you can explain them in simple words. Keep it inclusive.

How do I avoid going blank?

• Have a mental toolkit - examples, quotes, and simple frameworks like “Problem → Impact → Solution.”
“Problem → Impact → Solution” framework
• It is a structured way to organise your thoughts so your point sounds clear, logical, and complete
• Helpful especially in GDs, interviews, or presentations.

1. Problem – State the issue clearly.

Example: “Traffic congestion is a major problem in most Indian cities.”

2. Impact – Explain its effects or why it matters.

Example: “It leads to longer commute times, higher fuel consumption, and increased air pollution.”

3. Solution – Suggest a practical fix.

Example: “Promoting public transport and improving metro connectivity can help reduce congestion.”

Why it works in GDs?

• Keeps your points structured and easy to follow.
• Shows logical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Makes you sound practical instead of just theoretical.
Quick Recap: How should I prepare for a GD?

1. Build Knowledge 5. Master the GD Framework

• Read newspapers, tech blogs, and placement prep portals. • Start: Define the topic & set context.
• Stay updated on current affairs, trending topics, and industry • Middle: Contribute facts, examples, and logical reasoning.
news.
• End: Summarize all points fairly.
• Learn basic facts about your branch/industry.
6. Watch Your Body Language
2. Practice Thinking on Your Feet • Maintain eye contact with the group.
• Pick random topics and speak for 1-2 minutes daily.
• Sit upright, use natural hand gestures.
• Join mock GDs with friends to simulate pressure.
7. Stay Calm & Confident
3. Improve Communication Skills • Don’t fear making mistakes - stay composed.
• Work on clarity, tone, and pace of speech.
• If you don’t know, listen first and speak later.
• Use short, structured sentences - avoid jargon unless you
8. Follow P-E-E Method
can explain it.
• Point
4. Develop Team Skills
• Explain
• Listen actively, don’t interrupt.
• Example
• Build on others’ points instead of just competing.
The P-E-E method
It is a simple way to structure your speaking or writing so your points are clear and convincing.

P – Point
State your main idea clearly.
Example: “One major benefit of electric vehicles is reducing air pollution.”

E – Explain
Give more details to support your point.
Example: “Unlike petrol or diesel cars, electric vehicles produce no exhaust fumes.”

E – Example
Back it up with a real-life example, data, or case.
Example: “For instance, Delhi’s introduction of electric buses has helped cut harmful emissions in crowded areas.”
Common Frameworks used in GD
1. Past → Present → Future
• Past: Briefly state background or history.
• Present: Describe the current situation.
• Future: Suggest what should happen next.
• Example: Work-from-home culture → Before COVID, rare in India → Now common in IT sector → In future, hybrid
models may dominate.

2. Cause → Effect → Remedy

• Cause: What led to the issue?
• Effect: What is the outcome?
• Remedy: How to fix it?
• Example: Plastic waste → Caused by single-use plastics → Harms marine life → Ban single-use plastics and
promote biodegradable alternatives.
Common Frameworks used in GD

3. What → Why → How

• What: Define or state the concept.
• Why: Explain its importance.
• How: Give steps, solutions, or applications.
• Example: Cybersecurity → Critical for protecting data → Train employees, use secure systems, update software regularly.

4. Pros → Cons → Conclusion

• Pros: List advantages.
• Cons: List disadvantages.
• Conclusion: Give a balanced summary.
Example: AI in healthcare → Pros: Faster diagnosis → Cons: Job loss concerns → Conclusion: Use AI to assist, not
replace, human doctors.
5. Problem → Options → Best Option
• Problem: State the issue.
• Options: Present 2–3 possible solutions.
• Best Option: Recommend the most effective one.
Example: Traffic jams → Options: Carpooling, Metro expansion, More flyovers → Best: Invest in metro expansion
for long-term benefit.
Thank You