Group Discussion: Introduction, Communication skills in group discussion, Non verbal clues in group discussion

1. Communication skills
UNIT - V
Mr. Vinayak R. Bodhankar
Asst. Professor, Ph. D. Scholar
Srinath College of Pharmacy, Aurangabad

2. Contents
 Group Discussion: Introduction
 Purpose & different forms of group discussion
 Characteristics of group discussion
 Communication skills in group discussion
 Non verbal clues in group discussion
 Do’s and Don’ts of group discussion

3.  GROUP DISCUSSION (GD)
 It is systematic and purposeful interactive oral process.
 The meaning of discussion is to talk about a subject in detail, so it refers to a
communicative situation that allows its participant to express views and opinions
about a topic, issue and problem.
 It is a mass communication (i.e. one to many)

4.  PURPOSE OF GROUP DISCUSSION
 Share and exchange information and ideas.
 Collect information and feedback on any object policy or scheme.
 Arrive at a decision on important issue.
 Solve a problem concerning the organization as whole.
 Discuss issues involving the group itself or foe the benefit of a larger audience.
 DIFFERENT FORMS OF GROUP DISCUSSIONS:
1. Meetings
2. Seminars
3. Symposium
4. Panel discussion
5. Conference
6. Convention

5.  CHARACTERISTICS OF GROUP DISCUSSION
To make a group discussion successful the important points are:
 The group members agree the group goals, concentrate on group activity and provide
direction to the group.
 May develop norms of interaction to avoid dominance.
 All participants should develop cooperative and friendly atmosphere to achieve
common goal.
 Always use effective communication technique to avoid barriers in group in
communication.
 There should be a shared leadership.

6.  COMMUNICATION SKILLS REQUIRED IN GD
 Listening skills
 Language skills
 Clarity of expression
 Positive speech attitude
 Use of body language
 Good vocabulary
 Fluency
 DURING THE SESSION TAKE CARE OF FOLLOWING:
 Be well groomed and have professional attire.
 Be confident and calm.
 Know the names of other participants and indication of their general personality.
 Be aware of the personality attributes that the moderator is looking for.

7.  NON VERBAL CLUES IN GD
Body language signal Intended meaning
Tilted head Interest
Dropping shoulders Lack of interest
Tapping foot Impatience
Open palms Sincerity, openness
Folded arms Nervousness
Looking away Irritation
Hand wringing Anxiety, worry
Head rubbing Stumped by question
Narrowing eyes Disbelief
Raised eyebrows Disbelief
Smiling Friendly
Hand to cheek Evaluating

8. Open palm

9.  DO’S AND DON’TS IN GROUP DISCUSSION
 Do’s
 Initiate the proceeding of GD.
 Create the atmosphere in which all members feel free to participate.
 Encourage non participants to speak.
 Make each member feel that is / her contribution is important.
 Control talkative members.
 Maintain friendly attitude and atmosphere.
 Be alert at all time during the discussion.
 Keep notes of what speaker says.
 Be careful about your body language.
 Be careful about verbal communication – speak clearly, correctly
 Be polite.

10.  Don’ts in group discussion
 Never lose your temper, even at the arrogant behavior of any participants.
 Don’t try to monopolize the discussion.
 Avoid comment on everyone and everything.
 Avoid conflict between ideas.
 Don’t lose your temper if somebody does not agree with your views.
 Don’t get involved in cross talk and never talk with others when the discussion is going
on.
 Don’t force the group to start the discussion.
 Don’t talk loudly to draw the attention of others, speak one at one time.