What is a Group Discussion (GD)?
Group
discussion is an important activity in academic, business, ssb interview and administrative
spheres. In this article we will try to understand basics of a group discussion, objective of group discussion, importance of group discussion (GD),and also the tips to face a group discussion. It is a systematic and purposeful interactive oral process. Here
the exchange of ideas, thoughts and feelings take place through oral
communication. The exchange of ideas takes place in a systematic and
structured way. The participants sit facing each other almost in a
semi-circle and express their views on the given topic/issue/problem.
How does Group Discussion (GD) differ from a Debate?
Debate is competitive in nature while group discussion
is a co-operative group process. In a debate, a speaker can speak either ‘for’
the topic or ‘against’ the topic whereas in a GD, the speaker can express both.
The final decision or result in a debate depends on voting while in a GD, the
group reaches group consensus.
Why is a group discussion (GD) an important activity at
college level?
As a student, it helps you to train yourself to
discuss and argue about the topic given, it helps you to express your views on
serious subjects and in formal situations. It improves your thinking, listening
and speaking skills. It also promotes your confidence level.
It is an effective tool in problem
solving, decision making and personality assessment. GD skills may ensure
academic success, popularity and good admission or job offer. Thus it is
important to be able to take part in a GD effectively and confidently.
Participants should know how to speak with confidence, how to exhibit
leadership skills and how to make the group achieve the goals.
The objective of a selection in Group Discussion (GD) is mainly to check your team playing skills. You have to understand the other persons’ point of view, while making your point and ensure that your team as a whole reaches a solution or agreement that is both feasible and accepted by all team members.
There are four major areas of evaluation in Selection Group Discussion (GD):
- Subject knowledge
Participants must
possess a thorough understanding of the topic on which they are supposed to
speak. You must prepare yourself to talk on a wide range of subjects.
Be abreast of the current events, national and international affairs,
burning social and economic topics, scientific and environmental issues, key
newspapers’ controversial topics and any experience that may be expected of an
educated person. As a member of the group, you are expected to contribute
substantially to the discussion.
- Oral communication skills
If subject knowledge is important, communication
skills is more important as without expression, the knowledge is of no
use. As the exchange of ideas in a group discussion takes place through
speech, one of the pre-requisites of success in a GD is the ability to speak
confidently and convincingly. Good communication skills include active
listening, clarity of though and expression, apt language and proper nonverbal
clues.
- Leadership skills
The success of any team depends to a
larger extent on its leader. The panel evaluates a candidate’s personal skills
which allow him to prove himself as a natural leader in
the GD. Though there is no appointed leader in a Group Discussion (GD), a leader emerges. Assertiveness, emotional
stability, objectivity, self-confidence, decision making, discretion,
initiative, good communication skills, patience, persuasiveness and
adaptability are some of the leadership qualities that are immensely useful in
proving oneself as a natural leader in Group Discussion (GD).
- Team management.
Your group behavior is reflected in your ability to
interact with the other members of the group. You must be mature enough to not
lose your temper even if you are proved wrong. You must be patient and
balanced.
TO SUMMARIZE:
Advantages
of a Group Discussion (GD):
•
Ideas
can be generated, shared and tried out.
•
Groups
provide a support and growth for any endeavor.
•
Combine
talents to provide innovative solutions.
Roles in a Structured Group Discussion (GD):
•
Initiator
•
Information
seeker and giver
•
Procedure
facilitator
•
Opinion
seeker/giver
•
Clarifier
•
Summarizer
•
Social
supporter
•
Harmonizer
•
Tension
reliever
•
Energizer
•
Attacker
•
Dominator
Expectations of the Panel:
You should have
the following qualities:
•
Team
player
•
Reasoning
•
Leadership
•
Flexible
•
Assertiveness
•
Initiative
•
Creativity
(out of the box thinking)
•
Inspiring
ability
•
Listening
•
Awareness
Phases in a Group Discussion (GD):
•
Initiation/introduction
•
The
central group discussion
•
Summarization/conclusion
What to do in a Group Discussion (GD)?
• Speaking
is important; do not sit silently. Speak freely.
•
Do
not monopolize the conversation or talk too much.
•
Give
everyone a chance to speak.
•
Maintain
eye contact with everyone in the group.
•
Show
active listening skills.
•
Do
not interrupt anyone while they are speaking.
•
Keep
the topic on track and don’t be irrelevant.
•
Encourage
someone who is silent to talk.
•
Do
not argue with anyone.
•
Do
not debate with anyone, while the group looks on.
•
Do not repeat what has been said; be
attentive; try to develop on ideas expressed or give out new ideas.
•
Clarify
your doubts and then proceed.
•
Be
brief.
•
Do
not commit grammatical errors while talking.
Also Read:
1) SSB Group Discussion (GD) | GD in SSB Interview
2) The Group Testing Technique
3) Group Obstacle Race (GOR) or Snake Race in SSB Interview
4) Glance at Individual Obstacles (IO) in SSB GTO Series
5) Tips for Final Group Task (FGT) at SSB Interview