Group Discussion

• Definition of group discussion

• Group discussion is a mordern method of assesing students personality.
• It is both a technique and art and a comprehensive tool to judge the worthiness of a student anf the appropriteness of the job.



• Group Discussion

• The term suggest a discussion among a group of persons.
• The group will have 8 & 12 members who will express their views freely, frankly in a friendly manner, on a topic o current issue.
• Within a time limit of 20 to 30 minutes, the ability of the member of the group is meseared.



• Prerequisites of a group discussion

• Planning and preparation.
• Knowledge with self-confidence.
• Communication skills / power of speech.
• Presentation
• Body language and personal appearance
• Being calm and cool
• Extensive knowledge base related to state, country and globe.
• Area are plitics, sports, science and trade commerece, industry and technology, MNC, etc.
• Analyze the social, economical issues logically.
• Listening skills
• Co - operation



• Benifits in Group discussion

• Stimulation of thinking in a new way.
• Expansion of knowledge.
• Understanding of your strength and weakness.
• Your true personality is revealed and qualities of leadership crystallize.
• Provides chance to expose
• Lnaguage skills
• Acamedic knowledge
• Leadership skills
• People handling skills
• Team work
• General knowledge



• Salient features of G.D

• Topic may be given to judge your public speaking talent.
• Discussion revolves around a specific subject.
• The examiner does not interfere once he announced the topic.
• Maintain cordiality and free expression of thought and opinion.



• Do's in a group discussion

• Approprite to the issue.
• Make original poiints and support them by substantial resoning.
• Listen to the other participants actively and carefully.
• Whatever you say must be with a logical flow, validate it with an example as far as possible.
• Make only accurate statements.
• Modulate the volume, pitch and tone.
• Be considerate to the feelings of others.
• Try to get your turn.
• Be an active and dynamic participant by listening
• Talk with confidence and self-assurance.



• Don'ts during group discussion

• Being shy / nervous / keeping isolated from GD
• Interrupting another participant before his arguments are over.
• Speak in favor. example: Establish your position and stand by it stubbornly.
• Chnaged opinions
• Dont make fun of any participants.
• Dont engage yourself in sub group conversation.
• Dont repeat and use irrelavant materials.
• Addressing yourself to the examiner.
• Worrying about making any grammatical mistakes, for your interest the matter you put across are important.



• Important points in group discussion

• Be aasertive: An assertive person is direct, honest careful about not hurting others.
• A patient listener: Listening to others is one way of showing appreciation.
• Right Language: Words can make friends & right words at the right time make the best results.
• Be analytical and fact oriented: It is necessary to make relevant points which can be supported with facts and analyzed logically.



• Accept Criticism

• If any member fo the group criticizes or dissaproves a point, it is unwise to get upset or react sharply.
• In case the criticism is flimsy, the same can be pointed out politely.
• Maximize participation : one must try to contribute fully, vigorously and steadily throughout the discussion.
• Show leadership ability: A group discussion also evalutes your leadership qualities.
• Accept someone's point of view.
• Praise the argument.
• Accept the contradicts view.
• Express your argument with few facts, cases, %, newspaper publications, etc.
• Express without hurting others feelings.



• Suggestions

• Never try to bluff.
• Practice group discussion with friends on different subjects.
• Remeber! speech is a powerful weapon.



• Topics of importance frequently discussed

• Is india shinning.
• Mobile phones/ Internet - a boon or nuisance.
• Students focusing on software industry - good or bad.
• Child marriage.
• India 2020
• Daughters are more caring than sons.
• Influence of western culture in Indian Universitites.
• Influence of computers in medical science.