Group Discussion :

       Group discussion is a process wherein a group of candidates is given a topic and asked to discuss about it for a given period of time. It is a test of the candidates’ interpersonal communication skills, group behavior and logical thinking. During the campus selection process, it’s often found that GDs are used as a process of elimination. Please remember that GDs are formal occasions, just like your interviews. The size of the group may range from 6-15 and the time for discussion from 10-45 minutes. The group is normally seated either in circular or semi-circular fashion so that each member can address the others easily. Usually lots are drawn to decide the seating position.

GDs can be of different types :

• A topic is given to the group and they are asked to start the discussion either immediately or say after 2-3 minutes.

• Once the topic is given, the students are given turns to speak for 2-3 minutes and then the floor is opened for discussion.

• Once the time for discussion is over, sometimes either one or each of the candidates may be asked to sum up about the discussion. The participants may also be given a summary in writing.

• A printed matter or a case may be given and the candidates allowed time to go through it for some 3-5 minutes, before the commencement of the discussion.

GD topics could broadly be classified into three :

• General topics

• Knowledge based topics

• Case studies

       General topics are those on which anybody should be able to comment on, like “Brain drain is better than brain in the drain”. The topic doesn’t call for any specific knowledge. What it requires is putting together your thoughts and presenting them to the other members of the group. Knowledge based topics like “The effect of WTO on India’s trade policies” would require at least some idea about what is going on this area, so as to contribute effectively. For campus selections, some times, simple cases drawn from common life situations are given for discussion.

       Irrespective of the type of topic, the content of the discussion is given a lot of importance. You need to come up with some good points. Organizing your thoughts in a systematic manner and presenting them to the group in a proper way is the key. The moderator would be looking for a person with balanced thinking. The participants should never get emotionally involved with the topic. For example, if the topic is “Should politics be allowed on campus”, irrespective of your view, however strong they maybe, what is required is an objective and balanced approach to the topic.

       Different invigilators use different criteria and weight age to assess the participants. However, some of the common criteria used are as follows:

• Logical thinking and Presentation : Your logic and your thought process are of prime importance. To add on to this, the way you present your ideas should bring out your clarity of thought.

• Knowledge base : This is the key particularly in knowledge-based topics. You should improve your knowledge levels in various areas by regular reading; particularly on current issues and areas related to the field of activity of the companies, which come to campus.

• Content : The content of the discussion and your contribution in making the discussion meaningful are very important. Your points should be relevant.

• Communication : This determines how well and how clearly you present your viewpoints in a manner that the others can understand. Neither does this mean speaking loudly nor does it mean speaking the most.

• Listening skills : This is a very important point often missed out by many during the heat of the discussion. Please remember that the process is a discussion and not a debate.

• Group Behavior : Norms of acceptable behavior in a group is to be followed strictly. The attitude should of give and take and of mutual respect. Immature, curt and aggressive behavior is not acceptable. You can be firm but polite.

• Body Language : You should address the group when you speak and try to avoid cross talk. Your sitting posture, hand/body movements, facial expressions should all radiate a feeling of confidence and involvement in what is going on.

       During the GD, the candidate should not be worried about the presence of invigilators. They should not look at them, but concentrate on the topic in hand. Look around the group when you speak. Don’t address the group members by name; just say, “As he/she said….”. You should be alert to grab any opportunity that comes your way, to be an effective player in the group. For example, you may be able to pick on a point or even a word that someone has said and expand it into a new idea altogether. When you speak for the first time, make sure that you come out loud and clear with some meaningful contribution. You have then established your presence in the group. Never get personal and avoid irritating people. Do not make vague statements like “there are so many millions of illiterate people in our country…”. Statistics are good to make your point. However don’t overdo it. Don’t go just by your personal experiences like “I know of somebody who is…” And extend that to make a generalization.

       All should develop a framework for the discussion in a systematic manner. The meaning of the words and the various elements involved should be arrived at quickly. The topic should be viewed from all angles so that the analysis becomes easy.

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