GROUP DISCUSSION: 1.1

 GROUP DISCUSSION: 1.1

A GD is a methodology used by an organization to gauge whether the candidate has certain personality traits and/or skills that it desires in its members. In this methodology, the group of candidates is given a topic or a situation, given a few minutes to think about the same, and then asked to discuss it among themselves for 10-15 minutes.

 

Some of the personality traits the GD is trying to gauge may include:

• Ability to work in a team            
• Communication skills
• Reasoning ability
• Leadership skills
• Initiative
• Assertiveness
• Flexibility
• Creativity
• Ability to think on one's feet

Improving GD Skills

Asking questions and joining in discussions are important skills. If you find it difficult to speak or ask questions, try the following.

A. Observe

If you are weak in required GD Skills, start with observing others whether in class or outside:

• How do other students make critical comments?
• How do they ask questions?
• How do they disagree with or support arguments?
• What special phrases do they use to show politeness even when they are voicing disagreement?
• How do they signal to interrupt, ask a question or make a point?

B. Practice

Start practicing your discussion skills in an informal setting or with a small group. Start with asking questions of fellow students. Ask them about the course material. Ask for their opinions. Ask for information or ask for help.

C. Participate

Take every opportunity to take part in social/informal discussions as well as more structured/formal discussions. Start by making small contributions to classroom discussions; prepare a question to ask, or agree with another speaker's remarks.

  Discussion Etiquette 

(Minding Your Manners)

Dos

• Speak pleasantly and politely to the group.
• Respect the contribution of every speaker.
• Remember that a discussion is not an argument. Learn to disagree politely.
• Think about your contribution before you speak. How best can you answer the question/ contribute to the topic?
• Try to stick to the discussion topic. Don't introduce irrelevant information.
• Be aware of your body language when you are speaking.
• Agree with and acknowledge what you find interesting.

Don'ts

• Lose your temper. A discussion is not an argument.
• Shout. Use a moderate tone and medium pitch.
• Use too many gestures when you speak. Gestures like finger pointing and table thumping can appear aggressive.
• Dominate the discussion. Confident speakers should allow quieter students a chance to contribute.
• Draw too much on personal experience or anecdote.
• Interrupt. Wait for a speaker to finish what they are saying before you speak.  

Note: Leading a Discussion: You may be in a group that requires you to lead a group discussion, or lead a discussion after an oral presentation. You can demonstrate leadership by: a. Introducing yourself and the members of the group, b. Stating the purpose of the discussion, c. Inviting quiet group members to speak, d. Being objective, e. Summarizing the discussion .

[to be continued...]