Group DISCUSSION

Topics Definition of Group Discussion Group Discussion Prerequisites of a Group Discussion Benefits in Group Discussion Salient features Do’s and Don’ts in Group Discussion Important points in Group Discussion Accept criticism Suggestion Topics of importance frequently discussed

Group discussion is the first criteria for screening the candidates for face- to-face interviews.

Why Group Discussion???? First thing Group Discussion is used for mass elimination! And second thing group discussion selection criteria’s are based on actual company requirements.

Definition of Group Discussion Group Discussion is a modern method of assessing students personality. It is both a technique and an art and a comprehensive tool to judge the worthiness of the student and his appropriateness for the job.

Group Discussion The term suggests 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 of current issue. Within a time limit of 20 to 30 minutes,the abilities of the members of the group is measured.

Prerequisites of a Group Discussion Topics given by panelists Planning and preparation Knowledge with self-confidence Communication skills/ power of speech Presentation Body Language and personal appearance Being calm and cool

Prerequisites of a Group Discussion Extensive knowledge base related to state, country and globe. Areas are politics,sports,science & trade commerce, Industry and Technology, MNC,etc. Analyze the social,economical issues logistically. Listening skills Co-operation.

Benefits 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

Benefits of group discussion provides chance to Expose Language skills Academic 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 group discussion Appropriate to the issue. Make original points & support them by substantial reasoning. Listen to the other participants actively &carefully. Whatever you say must be with a logical flow,&validate it with an example as far as possible. Make only accurate statements.

Do`s in group discussion Modulate the volume, pitch and tone. Be considerate to the feelings of the 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 G.D Interrupting another participant before his arguments are over Speak in favour. Don’t make fun of any participant even if his arguments are funny.

Don`ts during group discussion Don’t engage yourself in sub-group conversation. Don’t repeat and use irrelevant materials. Addressing yourself to the examiner. Worrying about making some grammatical mistakes, for your interest the matter you put across are important.

Important points in group discussion Be assertive: An assertive person is direct, honest careful about not hurting others ‘self-respect’. A patient listener: listening to another person 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 of the group criticizes or disapproves 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 & steadily throughout the discussion. Show leadership ability: A group discussion also evaluates your leadership qualities.

Accept someone's point of view Praise the argument Example: Remedial English communication is necessary for college students because they fail in communication skill test. Status of literacy of women, is increased from 30% to 70% when compared to past years, in employment sectors organized,in the IT & ITES field.

Accept the contradicts view Express your argument with few facts, cases, %, Newspapers publications etc. Express without hurting others feelings.

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

Topics of Importance frequently discussed Is India Shining 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 Universities Influence of computers in medical sciences

Evaluation Components  During a GD employers evaluate potential for leadership and ability to work in a team.  The four components generally evaluated in a group discussion are:  Knowledge  Communication skills  Group behaviour  Leadership potential

Communication Skills Candidate assessed in terms of: Active listening Clarity of thought and expression Apt language Appropriateness of body language Lucidity (Easily Understandable lang)

Tone: Quality or character of the voice expression a particular feeling or mood Voice: Power of speech Articulation: Act of speaking or expressing an idea in words Fluency: Speaking or writing in an easy, flowing style Modulation: Variations in rate, tone, or volume of voice Good delivery: The ideas expressed fluently in the right voice, right tone, and right articulation. It isn’t sufficient to have ideas. They have to be expressed effectively.

Apt Language o Fluency and accuracy in use of language free from grammatical errors. o Directly, clearly and precisely put ideas in a organized fashion. o Simplicity and unambigusity o Using too much of jargon or high- sounding words or ambiguous expressions may project as a show- off and may not endear to group members.

Effective Use of Body Language  Looking attentively at the speaker and nodding  While speaking, ensuring no one is ignored. Looking at everybody.  Avoiding overt gestures  Avoiding pointing out fingers  Avoiding monotonous posture by shifting slightly in the chair or placing arm on the back of your chair  Not showing interest or dislike in the topic.  Even if one does not like the topic he should try to develop interest and reveal interest and enthusiasm through appropriate facial expression.

Group Behaviour ( Team Spirit) group behaviour is reflected in ability to interact with other members of the group on brief acquaintance. Emotional maturity and balance promotes good interpersonal relationships. One is expected to be more people centric and less ego centric. Remaining objective, empathetic, and non-threatening, and behaving maturely as a good team player

Essence Consistency participation Keenness in listening and observing Time sharing and orderly conduct Ability to handle turbulent situations Ability to cut excessively exuberant participants down to size Ability to dominate the proceedings without bullying others Avoiding personal comments

Leadership Skills o The success of any team depends to a large extent, on its leader. o The candidate who possesses both functional ability and coordinating ability would emerge as the leader. o Functional ability involves knowledge, mental and physical energy, emotional stability, objectivity, communication skill, integrity and emotional intelligence

Dos Dos Sitting comfortably Listening to topic Organizing ideas Speaking at the earliest Identifying supporters/ opponents Keeping track of time Sharing time fairly Maintaining eye contact Taking notes Aiming for summary if needed

Don’ts Don’ts Being in a hurry Being silent Dominating vocally/physically Assuming role of chairman Introducing topic Taking extreme stance Looking at faculty Moving excessively Throwing all ideas at one shot Speaking fast Digressing Indulging in ill conversation Paying attention to bull dozers Using slang Getting emotional

What skills are judged in group discussion? How good you are at communication with others. How you behave and interact with group. How open minded are you. Your listening skill. How you put forward your views. Your leadership and decision making skills. Your analysis skill and subject knowledge. Problem solving and critical thinking skill. Your attitude and confidence.