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GD Essentials
- 1. Group discussion bestpractices An IIMB NSRCEL & Goldman Sachs Supported Firm
- 2. Group Discussion Overview Ø Group Discussion(GD) is a discussion in a formal setting conducted as a part of selection process in examinations and campus placements Ø Why GD Ø To test your ability to work and contribute towards team Ø To test your communication skills Ø To shortlist candidates when pool is large Ø Some Facts About the GD Ø Its DISCUSSION not DEBATE Ø More than HOW MUCH you speak, WHAT you speak is also very important Ø You role in GD should be CONTRIBUTOR not DOMINATOR Ø LISTENING is as important as SPEAKING
- 3. Group Discussion Types § Factual Factual topics are mostly ‘reality’ and fact based. They are based on social, economical, business issues in current or past. e.g. India - the rising world power § Controversial These topics are mostly two sides and hence argumentative in nature. e.g. IPL: Its just not cricket but entertainment ! § Abstract They are very vague or non descriptive in nature. They test candidate’s creativity and out of box thinking on a given topic. e.g. If Elephants can fly, RED, Blue Sky etc. § Case Study A problem statement is given and candidate’s ability to understand and solve the problem in a group is tested
- 4. What recruiters arelooking for? § Begins or concludes discussion (with good content) § Quality of Content & clarity of thought process § Listening Skill (Demonstrated by how you respond to others points) § Communication Skills § Behavioral skills/Body Language § Leadership Skills § Build on points by others § Sharp and arrogant interruption of others (negative) § Frequent and Consistent Participation
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- 6. Do’s for GD Ø Think before you speak. Start the GD only when you are sure to make a good start Ø Speak in short and clear manner Ø Be attentive and show interest when others are speaking Ø Be objective rather than opinionated Ø Inspire others to make their contribution Ø Be aware about your body language Ø Use only the valid data and statistics to support your point
- 7. Don’ts for GD Ø Do not force your point on others Ø Do not use exaggerated hand movements Ø Do not bluff or throw arbitrary figures Ø Do not cut others short Ø Do not ask questions Ø Do not go into one to one conversation Ø Do not elaborate on only one aspect of the topic
- 8. FAQs 1. Should Ialways start the GD? If you have good understanding of topic, please try to start or at least speak early in the conversation. 2. What is best time to speak in GD? As indicated above, try to start as early as possible. Make also sure that you participate consistently in the discussion. 3. Should I support, oppose or take a balance stand? Take it objectively, cite examples / facts on whatever stand you take. However, if someone else provide an opposing view which is logical/ factual, acknowledge that don’t be glued to your stand only. 4. I don’t feel confident in GD because of my bad English, what should I do? Please do practice within groups, practice speaking in front of mirror or video record yourself and improve. 5. What should I do if discussion is losing focus? Try to bring everyone attention that group is deviating from the topic
- 9. FAQs 6. What Ican do in a fish market situation? – Try to bring order first – Say something logical (use loud voice for entering into discussion and then speak moderately) – Don’t speak for the sake of speaking – Don’t look flustered, confused, helpless etc. in the fish market situation, listen to the person who is saying logically and respond appropriately, if required 7. Is it OK if I encourage others to speak ? It is OK, but not at the cost of your time. If you have content focus more on participating rather than encouraging others. In case you don’t have anything to speak, then only you can use this one or two times, post that gather your thoughts and participate.