Group Discussion

It is procedure to check interpersonal skills in quite less time. In this there are 6 to 12 candidate who are given one topic to be discussed in proper way and in particular time that is aproximately 10 to 15 minute and at last they have to conclude the topic called GD. During this 15 min. a panel observes everyone. But before a group starts discussion they are given 10 min. to jot down some ideas on paper. Afterwards it comes to PI. P stands for personal and I stands for interview. It means an interview to check interpersonal skills. Now some people are out during GD only but those who are still in take part in personal interview.

Current topics are given most of times during GD. But besides this many a other type of topic can be given such as general problem of our country or world or sometimes evelis are given to be discussed. To check acumen of one problem are given to be solved. Its potential was grasped initially by defence forces who incorporated it into their battery of test for recruitment of officers. Since then group discussions have become immensely popular with different recruiting bodies because of their simplicity, ease and time-plus cost-effectiveness.

Prerequisites of a group discussion :-
Knowledge: This is the most important prerequisite. The group discussion assesses the personality traits of an individual, including the intellectual and dynamic qualities, the social attributes and the power to motivate and influence others into participation. A candidate needs in depth knowledge about the topics in order to succeed on all these points. Here, the knowledge has to be extensive and one can’t limit oneself.one needs to be versatile. Today, such people are more successful than those who have command over a particular subject only. If you lack knowledge, you can’t speak fluently no matter how gifted a speaker you are. You will beat about the bash and end up talking about irrelevant things.

Listening: Listening inculcates more knowledge than speaking. It is not always possible to know every subject, but if you keep your ears open, you will get some idea about the subject and be able to formulate some thoughts that can be verbally delivered. Skilful or active listening calls for active participation. One can improve listening skills through ‘convenient listening’. For instance, when the government is criticised for any action, most people usually speak gibberish and castigate politicians rather than criticising policies. A skilful listener should disregard personal castigation and register the correct criticism, which will help him in long run.

Presentation: Only being knowledgeable is not adequate, even your presentation should have positive impact of your knowledge. Always fine-tune whatever you have learnt and don’t get complacent. Many times, despite a complete command of subject, a candfidate fails to impress the co-ordinator, thanks to a poor presentation. A presentation should have a proper beginning and a logical conclusion.

Initiation: Most of people are selected who initiate discussions. But this is due to their knowledge and command over topic. Do not be under the illusion that if you initiate the discussion, you automatically stand selected or it reflects your leadership qualities. Only initiate a discussion if you are quite acquainted with topic. Else, listen well and then speak at no. 3 or 4. Once a candidate initiates, she should “define” the topic before voicing an opinion. Infact , an initiater’s task is comparatively easy- in simply explaining the topic, he can consume the usual time limit of one and a half minutes. Initiating also gives you one more leeway, but you can only capitalise on this if you have sufficient knowkedge about the topic chosen.

Body Language: This plays a vital role in selection as it transmits signals about frame of mind. Facial expressions and body gestures more than spoken words. It incudes not only movement of your body but expressions, eye contact, sitting posture and the tone of voice indicate the amount of interest a person has and also his feelings. A smile while airing your views – even if you are against the topic – helps in creating a friendly ambience and inducing the other participants to agree with your views without hostility.

Communication Skills: As one knows it is very important to communicate in dominating way. It is hard to explain what is good communication in some word but I would say when the message sent by sender is received and understood by receiver and the receiver then sends a message to the effectively communicating your thoughts to listenerts. In group discussion, effective communication implies timely interaction as well as the manner of interaction. If you learn how to counter arguments without antagonising other paricipants. This, in nutshell, is the art of communication.

Cooperation: A cooperative attitude helps a candidate avoid unhealthy conflict. You have right to disagree and state your reasons for this, but you should not be disagreeable. Good support ensures a good relationship with others and eventually brings success. Rapport building starts from the very first step of paying compliments, exchanging pleasantries and sharing experiences with others. Remember, good manners can sometimes open doors that the best educaqtion cannot.

Lets have some myths regarding Group Discussion

1. You should be Aggressive
2. You should speak more
3. You should speak in favour
4. You should cut down your opponents
5. You shoud make others agree to your point
6. You should be an individual speaker
7. You should project yourself in style

Points given above are absolutely wrong. These are myths in our mind.

There are many things in GDs what we should always remember. We can call them “PEARLS OF DISCUSSIONS”.
Pearls of group discussion :-

1. Listen to others. It is not necessary to initiate a Group discussion.
2. Initiate the discussion if you are familiar with topic.
3. Intervene if discussion is turning out to be hostile. It reflects your leadership.
4. Speak to the point without repeating.
5. Back your points with facts and figures.
6. Be gentle with presentation.
7. Be Natural, calm and maintain your composure.
8. Be Paticipative and reciprocative.
9. Say ’Thank You’ before ending your presentation.
10. Think before you speak.
11. Say what you feel, without going in “favour” or “against” it.

Now you have got a lot to do but learn some those things what you are not supposed to do given below:-

1. Do not be loud or aggressive.
2. Do not go overboard with enthusiasm if you are familiar with the topic.
3. Do not interrupt other speakers.
4. Do not deprecate other speakers.
5. Do not change your opinions.
6. Do not exhibit your emotions.
7. Do not get nervous if the previous speakers have presented their opinion in a better way.