GROUP DISCUSSION

Form of group communication often involving

8-10 people
Interactive oral process
Two-way communication
Purposeful & goal-oriented e.g finding a
solution
Systematic & structured
Time allotted 20-25 mins

IMPORTANCE OF GDS

Helps to share information / ideas

Helps to understand a subject more deeply
Helps to improve ones ability to think
critically
Helps to solve a particular problem
Most common method used to recruit staff /
admit students to a particular course / prog.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESSFUL GDS

Agreement on Group Goals/topic of

discussion
Goal Oriented / focused interaction
Cooperative & friendly atmosphere
Use of effective communication techniques
Equitable distribution of participation
Shared leadership

QUALITIES LOOKED FOR IN GDS

Domain / subject / topic knowledge

Reasoning ability / justification
Listening & comprehension skills
Oral communication skills like:
Appropriateness of language
Clarity of expression with clear articulation
Use of non-verbal communication
Leadership skills & team management
Flexibile approach
Convincing ability

LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Taking initiative: initiate the proceedings of

discussion; creating an easy atmosphere; clarify
points when required; summarising; providing
conclusion
Ability to give direction
Analytical ability : analysing concepts, ideas, facts
Assertiveness
Self-confidence
Objectivity: being impartial
Motivating all members
Persuading: persuade other members
Team managemnent skills: co-operation,
consideration, co-ordination, conflict
management, negotiation

STRATEGIES FOR GDS

Getting the GD started / providing an

introduction
Keep It (points) Short & Simple
Make even contributions
Make periodical conclusions
Follow the principles of oral communication
Provide opportunities for others to speak
Effecting closure

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS : YOUR ROLES

Topic analysis : what is the topic/issue? What do I

know about it? Does it require any opinion? What
will be my stand? What facts & figures are
required?
Giving & asking for opinions / information
Supporting/justifying opinions
strong-I have no doubt that
neutral I think that .
tentative It appears to me .
Procedure facilitator like noting things down
Cont

INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Making & requesting suggestions

strong There is no other way
neutral I suggest that
tentative One alternative could be
Agreeing & disagreeing : strong & neutral
Maintain eye contact
Give patient / attentive listening
Use non-verbal gestures to indicate
participation

SOME DONTS

Speak loudly / shout on somebody

Criticise / accuse / charge other members
Uncontrolled gestures
Swing legs while sitting
Sudden speaking in between need to
attract attention first
Being non-participant
Casual approach