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GROUP DISCUSSION

Frequently Asked Questions about GD


1. What is a GD ?

Ans. :GD is a discussion by a group of people which involves an exchange of thoughts and ideas. Group Discussions are largely used by institutes where there is a high level of competition. 2. What is Evaluated ? GD is a means to assess ones overall personality and different skills. Ans. :The skills judged are : PERSONALITY KNOWLEDGE COMMUNICATION SKILL LEADERSHIP An Examiner can easily make an assessment of candidates on above parameters in a GD. All that one observes in a GD can be categorised into two broad areas: the Content and the Process. The content is all about the matter (or the what) spoken in the GD. Whereas, the process refers to the how, when and why of the GD. Both are equally important and need adequate attention at all stages. A high quality contribution with no regard to the process is as suicidal as one which is high on packaging with little content. 3. How does a GD Take Place ?

Ans. :A Group of 6-15 candidates are made to sit in a circular or a semi-circular (U Shaped) fashion so that they can see each other and take part in the discussion easily Roll Numbers may be allotted to participants for easy recognition. Before the GD, the examiner (observer) announces the topic for discussion and informs candidates about the time-limit. He may also draw attention towards the etiquette, rules and regulation, procedure to be followed. He also clears any doubts/queries. The individuals of the group might be given some initial time to put down their thoughts on the topic. The examiner observes the proceedings of the discussion from a distance without directly interfering into it. He examines the performance of each candidate without any prejudice or favour. 4. Are the topics decided on the basis of the academic background of the participants? Ans.: No, The grouping of members and the topics is done by the institutes admission team. Topics basis academic background are rarely asked. 5. Can a definite stand be taken ?

Ans.: If you have complete conviction on your stand TAKE IT (esp. in case of ethical topics) Its important to be true and fair first to yourself and then to others. But, at the same time appreciate others point of view and evaluate their judgment without bias. Taking one side of the topic initially and then moving to another or oscillating between the two sides during the GD shows signs of indecisiveness. Remember, Managers are Effective Decision Makers. In most groups, you would find close to a 50:50 situation for and against a topic. Even if you are a minority take the stand. Even, in the MBA selection process, you are a minority one out of 200! 6. What is the right time to enter to ensure I am heard ?

Ans.: If the order is preset by the examiner then you will have your chance as per your turn The opportunities to enter are : First Members Last Members Middle Members The best time to enter is in the first so that you maintain uniqueness of your points, but at the risk of losing out on others points which you could build on. If you find it uncomfortable to be the first to take the plunge listen out others and then enter along with the middle/last members. Frankly, there is no right or wrong time to enter or not. Just make sure that you speak out your points in the initial round of discussion. 7. How necessary is it to use examples for illustrating an idea ?

Ans.: Using an example simplifies the understanding of your point to the group. Substantiation is like putting a seal of authenticity to your statement. Try and use relevant facts/figures wherever possible. Use an example or two for a point that you wish to project. 8. What is summarization ? C Me Ans.: Converting the entire discussion into 4 or 5 points without any bias to fully represent the thoughts of the group. In tho some cases, everyone might be asked to summarize soO must form a habit of summarizing. you M PU dic Do M RP al; 9. What should gm do if one member is very stubborn and aggressive ? DPAyou O Oft A Fre OlLit U OS gro Ad Ans.: Dont get into a argument with the member Dont let his virus INFECT you. Objectively and calmly present your OlMen Orqu A tle - ati NI E up eq Fri point of view vis--vis his. You could ask other groupBE members to comment (to break the deadlock) and take the -Oint - Ai Phent LS gause An Ov Mc, Lo C K OF PE T Bri has uat Ve en discussion AS ver De TS onof -forward nisaly era S-Un T Te Ang err ml ly Ou Ve LE AT N RS DI H Ve dly ef Or sen Th e ry Gr all cis E upt - ess etioff L inf Lis atico ticnse ll Un Me TeAp SE tst ry A IO O SC O A Av ry at co der se ou inf Co Av an ion En Te I c ntr Laeac F Su ten onthe al or R op Im nta G, mp peac SSGo DE N US VI N U era Po Ac ntr ly, of ght or op mo An oid 10. How do you--participate when an noise level is high ? W the d su Ma dur am Ini ngma Flu ing of era Ab Ra D Ho To pre l Lis Geera ara Mhie ibu h Co per din od RS SK LE AL Go SI O G ge( Po or( hie ibu att dir , Re ma era sp im abl To kin anfici Spi tiat uabje entio Ski ide ilit ngtiv De talstil ssitle Sta stu me ncve EN oth nfu 10 g( (A HI IL D od( IT H U O B+ or( C+ ve ent ect de lev tio tiv her ate -e( tal g ce rit ive ge cy lls as ns y er pth : sed onal te ct re n nt e e ss Td 0 25 5 O)1 2 80 20 4 +) 3N P L GE 60 15 3 A) Y R T 4 ) 40 10 5 B 2 20 5 1 0 d ) ns ive ion ep ant n e 20 -5 -1 C)

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