GROUP DISCUSSION

A GD is a discussion on a topic by a group of people.

A Group Discussion (GD) is a forum where participants sit together to discuss a topic with
the common objective of finding a solution for an issue or analysing an issue that is given to
them as a topic. Arriving to a conclusion is generally not the ultimate idea, but discussing
the issue at hand in a detailed non-controversial and systematic manner is a pre-requisite.

The companies need to judge candidates on various parameters, which is very tedious and
time consuming. Since lots of candidates can be evaluated on diverse parameters in a very
short span of time during a group discussion, it is generally used during any competitive
short listing, especially during campus placement selection procedure.

The prospect of a GD tends to leave most students petrified. You can get rid of that feeling
of fear by remembering you have experienced group discussions right from childhood.
Remember those heated discussions you had across the dinner table with family members,
friends and relatives? Consciously or unconsciously, they have helped you learn a thing or
two about discussing in a group.

Discussion versus debate

Human beings love debates because we like to win and see others lose. A debate is a
perfect situation for expressing intense emotions. A GD, however, calls for a lot more
maturity and logic.

The purpose of a GD, though conducted in a competitive mode, is not to establish you as a
winner and others as losers. Its purpose, as far as you are concerned, is to help you come
across as a person with sound logical reasoning and the ability to respect another’s
viewpoint.

A critical difference between a GD and a debate is that, while a debate begins with two
groups bidding to outwit each other, a discussion is evolutionary; this essentially means
participants have the opportunity to refine their views in the course of the discussion. Thus,
every member needs to contribute substantially and add to the existing knowledge base
instead of pulling each other down.
Types Of Group Discussions:

Topic Based - A topic is given to the group. The GD coordinator and the students are asked
to discuss it for a duration of 15-20 minutes. In either case, the students will normally be
given a time of 2-3 minutes for preparation before the GD actually starts. The students will
be seated in a circular or a semi-circular pattern.

Case Study- A printed case study is given to the group and the candidates are allowed a
time limit of 3-4 minutes to read and comprehend the passage. Then the group is asked to
discuss the questions based on the case study given. Case studies normally pertain to
standard business situations and are full of facts and figures. Thus the GD coordinator
attempts to examine the comprehending power of a candidate along with the
communication skills. Participants have to discuss the situation and recommend the
appropriate course of action.

Role Play - A role-play type of GD is one where a situation is described and each person in
the group is asked to assume a specific role in a situation. In such cases, you must
completely step into the role and your reasoning will have to be consistent with the role
you have assumed.

Abstract Topics:- Abstract topic checks your Imagination and common sense. There is not a
set meaning of the topic. You need to think out of the box. You first need to discuss the
meaning of the topic and then start with the discussion. Some of the abstract topics are:

 A teardrop on my guitar
 Rainbow and life
 A to Z

WHY GD?

(What do moderators look for?) Group Discussions have become an integral part in the
selection processes for jobs as well as various entrance exams. The main reason is that one
can judge a large no of candidates in very short span of time on wide range of parameters,
thus easing the process for the recruiters. Some of the parameters that the
selectors/moderators generally check for during a group discussion are:

 Knowledge Base & Ideas

  Team Work
 Body language
 Communication skills
 Confidence
 Attentive Listening
 Ability to present your views logically
 Time management
 Leadership Skills
 Assertiveness
 Flexibility
 Creativity

Roles in a Group Discussion

During a group discussion, there are various roles that you portray. Some of these will help
you score big while there are others which should be avoided. Roles to portray

1. Mr Brains: He brings in a lot of matter and comes up with wide interpretations of the
topic.

Downside: It is difficult to stop him, as he is preoccupied with the topic discussion as

opposed to a group discussion. He is happily oblivious to simple things like who is sitting
next to him. At the end of the GD, if you happen to ask him whether the person sitting next
to him was male or female, the answer would most likely be ‘I do not know.’

2. Shopkeeper: He is the sales man who can sell anything, has the gift of the gab, a very
strong ability to relate to people and the ability to be the cynosure of the discussion.

Downside: He does not usually come up with original thoughts himself. Needs Mr Brains to
feed him with readymade ideas he can sell.

3. Watchman: His role is to maintain order in the group. Usually his content
contribution is low. He is pre-occupied with directing the group process such as
controlling entry and exit of participants. He is crucial for meeting time commitments
made to the panel. Especially, in ensuring consensus in group discussions.

Downside: The quantity and quality of original content is low.

 4. Butcher: He does a great service to the group by enhancing the quality of content —
by not allowing the group to get carried with tangential ideas or letting anybody run
away by saying anything. He is most welcome in a group, which has one or two
aggressive elements in it.

Downside: Too much control can stifle the energy and vibrancy of the group, as even
offbeat ideas can contribute to the development of the discussion and of more solid
arguments.

Roles to Avoid

Critic: He criticises everyone’s ideas, left, right and centre, without contributing anything
new. He has no original ideas to contribute.

Don’t criticise anybody. Rather appreciate if anybody gives a good input.

Spectator or passenger: He is involved in the proceedings but plays a limited role. His
contribution is very limited and he does not affect the outcome of the group task.

If you can speak one or two points you can speak more. You just need to have confidence
in you.

Clown:- He just keeps cracking jokes or making fun of everything. Has no original
contribution, Becomes a Joke himself.

Don’t try to create unnecessary humor. This will not help you at all. You will become a
joke yourself.

Non- Participant:- Does not speak at all as if he is not a part of the discussion.

Don’t sit there idle. Participate in the GD.

Dominator/Attacker:- He just lashes out on everybody. He keeps on speaking and does

not let anyone else speak.

Don’t try to overpower anybody. Don’t put you point aggressively. Be calm. Give others a
chance to speak.

Show off:- He keeps on showing off.

 Don’t show off as you are the only one in the room who has knowledge and everyone
else is a fool.

MYTHS ABOUT GROUP DISCUSSION

There are several misconceptions about Group Discussion. Some of them are:

Myth

If I speak more I will get more marks

Reality

If you speak too much and don’t let others speak then it will attract negative point.

Myth

You should always speak in favor

Reality

Does not matter whether you are for or against. If everybody will speak in favor then how
will the discussion happen? If you think few people are going against the topic and you can
present good points and support your points with relevant data then speak against the
topic and justify it well. But don’t choose a side just because fewer people are choosing it.

Myth

Being aggressive means being confident

Reality

Never ever be aggressive in a group discussion. You should put your point in a calm and
confident manner.

Myth

You should make others agree to your point

Reality

It is a discussion. Give good points and make it count. Even if others don’t agree you will
make a mark.
Myth

You should speak loudly in order to be heard

Reality

Speak in a moderate volume and tone. Speaking in a very loud voice will only irritate
others.

Myth

The first one to speak always makes it

Reality

Initiating a GD surely gives you positive point. But it won’t last if your point is not strong,
or you stay silent trough rest of the GD.

Myth

If you will prepare on few topics given in various GD Books you are all set for GD.

Reality

You need to keep updating yourself regularly on the various scales of current affairs. The
judging panel never refers to books for topic. Yes you can go through these topics as they
are the foundation for you to understand the complex ones.

Group discussion FAQs

a) Can I speak in Hindi during a GD?

Answer: No, unless it is specified, Please speak in English only.

b) What Should I wear for GD? Do I need to be formally dressed for a GD?

Answer: GD is a part of selection procedure where you are judged on your Appearance as
well. Appearance matters. So dress formally. It will give you confidence as well.

c) I have some good points and I want to put it forward, but some participants start
shouting/ speaking in loud voices. What should I do?
Answer: Try to calm down the group. Tell them that shouting won’t help anybody. Once
they are settled then put your point.

d) I have no Idea about the topic given. What do I do?

Answer: Relax! There still is a way out. Listen to what others have to say. When the topic
will be described you can get a fair idea from there. Also, you can pick points during the
discussion and then elaborate them with examples.

e) I did not start the GD, nor could I end. Is there any chance I can still hope for a positive
result?

Answer: Yes. If you have put some good points during the discussion then you will have a
chance. Cardinal sins : Never do these :

Do not use slangs like yaar, univ, princi, etc, or verbal tics such as hmm, like, but, etc.

Do not stage an accent.

Do not use verbal stresses unless a method actor like Al Pacino or Naseeruddin Shah
trains you for it.

Never bluff as the panel will easily know, even if you are an accomplished liar.

No negative words about anyone, one has to attack points and not people. Do not point
at the fellow participants.

Do not criticize on religion/caste/race etc.