LESSON 5 / Lecture 12

Group Discussions: Also consult notes on Leadership Qualities

What is a Group Discussion?

A Group Discussion is an essential part of a job selection process, especially in more

reputed companies, where the candidature list is very large.
The basic aim of the Group Discussion (GD) is to evaluate the effectiveness of the
candidate in a group activity. This effectiveness is judged through the content,
leadership qualities and communication skills displayed by the candidate.
An Overview

Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone you are not. Be yourself.
A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The evaluator wants to hear you
speak. Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say. Seek
clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject.

Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate the discussion or agree
with someone else's point and then move onto express your views.

Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are more likely
to reflect your attitude than what you say. Language skills are important only to the effect
as to how you get your points across clearly and fluently.

Always be polite: Try to avoid using extreme phrases like: `I strongly object' or `I
disagree'. Instead try phrases like: `I would like to share my views on…' or `One
difference between your point and mine…' or "I beg to differ with you"

Wise men learn from others mistakes,

While the less fortunate, from their own.

Before the GD begins:

 A Group Discussion typically consists of anything between 6- 8 people.

 The interviewing committee would ensure that they bring together, people from
diverse backgrounds.

 The group is seated in a room in a semi circular or a U shaped manner.

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  There will be around 2 to 3 Moderators who will be monitoring and judging the
Group Discussion. They will be silent observers of the entire proceedings. They will
intervene only in case of fights or heated arguments.

 The group is assigned a topic that is of relevance in the political, economic,

social or Corporate spheres. It may also be any general topic to assess your
thought process.
 Normally the time limit would be 7 mins. You will be given a topic a few minutes
before the discussions, during which time you need to organize your thoughts.

Understanding a GD

 Normally the topics assigned are such that they test:

o Confidence
o Communication skills
o Awareness of the world around/ Current Affairs
o Depth of understanding
o Perception and thought process
o Analytical skills
o Ability to think independently
o Ability to articulate thoughts
o Ability to perform in a team
o Level of maturity in terms of handling a counter argument
o Levels of aggressiveness and assertiveness.
o Leadership qualities
o Capability of differentiation between an argument and discussion.
o Body language
o Influencing Skills
o Interpersonal skills
o Quality of Contribution

 No two individuals can think alike. Hence Group Discussion also tests your
ability to appreciate other's viewpoints and perspectives and take them in the right
stride.

 You must ensure that you put forth your point. However assertiveness must not
get transformed into aggressiveness.

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 You must snatch a chance to express yourselves without actually cutting short
anybody.

 When someone else is talking, look at the other people too in the discussion,
instead of just continuously looking at the speaker. This creates a feeling of greater
inclusiveness.

 You would be spotted as a leader if you:

o Initiate the Discussion.
o Interpret the topic correctly
o Carry the topic forward by giving new inputs and introducing diverse
perspectives.
o Create an opportunity for other group mates who have not spoken to
express themselves.
o Do not boss around but instead give a patient ear to dissenting views.
o Ensure that the group does not drift away from the main topic.
o Succeed in ensuring that the receiver understands exactly what you intend
to communicate.

 Give examples!

 Don't take the discussion personally.

 Also do not use accent. This doesn't give you extra marks. Instead adds a
question about your originality.

 Ensure that a logical reasoning backs the argument.

 Make sure that your sentence flow is such that one idea automatically follows
the other.

 In case you need more inputs before you actually start contributing in the Group
Discussion, wait for the discussion to start. This will enable you to pick up the
threads of the discussion and give more clarity on the subject.

 It is very important to listen. Ensure that you listen to people and not just hear
them.

 Be attentive throughout the GD. If necessary note down certain points in the pad
provided to you.

 Communications is not only communicating with words but also through Body
Language. You need to send out the right signals through your Body Language.

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  Show attentiveness by looking into the eyes of the speaker, by leaning forward,
which shows interest, address the group.

 Keep your voice audible and friendly. Try to speak in a Conversational style.
Your facial expressions and emotions should go together.

 Summarize. Every so often, pause to ask the group, "Where are we at this point?
Where do we need to go from here?"

Dress Code & body language for a GD

 Dress Code should be Formal. Casual dressing is not appreciated.

 Men: Men may wear a formal shirt with a formal trouser, and a matching tie.
Black or brown leather shoes. Blazers or business suits are optional depending upon
the season.

 Women: Women may wear a simple & elegant sari of the right material or a
Business suit. Use minimal makeup. Use bare minimum accessories. If possible use
a formal bag that goes well with your sandals.

 While entering the room walk straight, erect and confidently. Wish the
Interviewer and the other candidates. Smile and make polite conversation.

 Thank while walking out of the hall and never ask for a comment on your
performance.

 Do not show your anxiety about the results.

How to speak content in a GD

 Read newspapers, current affairs magazines and business magazines regularly.

 Try and make your viewpoints on the various issues i.e. whether you agree or you
disagree and why?

 Make notes or file newspaper clippings of the news items that you think are
important especially on topics related to the discipline in which you intend to
specialize.

 Read General knowledge books and keep yourself abreast of the latest happenings
world over and more importantly India specific.

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Positive Behaviour in Group Discussion

Get noticed - But for the right reasons

False starts are extremely expensive. They cost you your admission. It is very important
to listen and understand the topic before you air your opinions. Spending a little time
analyzing the topic may provide you with insights, which others may not have thought
about. Use a pen and paper to jot down your ideas. Remember, you are the participant in
the GD, not the evaluator. So, rather than evaluating others and your performance,
participate in the discussion.

Some mistakes are irreparable. Starting off the group discussion with a mistake is one
such mistake, unless you have a great sense of humor.
 Initiating
 Clarifying
 Encouraging
 Active listening
 Information and opinion giving
 Harmonizing
 Compromising
 Summarizing

Negative Behaviour in Group Discussion

 Displaying aggression, both verbally as well as physically.

 Attention seeking
 Blocking
 Withdrawing
 Talk too much without attentively listening to others
 Too conscious of the presence of observers
 Merely act as facilitator and contribute little in discussion
 Hesitate to disagree even with good reasons
 Too nervous
 Inappropriate non-verbal communication, e.g.
o Volume of voice
o Facial expression
o Eye contact
o Posture
o Deviate from the subject
o Treat the discussion as a forum to air personal views.
o Lose objectivity and make personal attacks.

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Lecture 13

Continuous Evaluation (20) Parameters (each worth 5 marks) :

1. Formal Clothing / Participation

2. Awareness
3. Communication
4. Leadership skills

Practical session

Various topics would be given to groups of 5- 6 students. Topics would vary from
Personality, to current affairs, to management perspectives, societal perspectives or even
any controversial issue.

After the discussion is over, the remaining students (observers) in the class would be
asked to speak about their observations with regard to the body language, content &
attitude.

Individual cases would be discussed and improvisations would be recommended.