Group discussions are used by organizations to evaluate candidates on personality traits like communication skills, analytical abilities, and creativity. In a group discussion, candidates are given a topic to discuss in a group for 10-15 minutes and are evaluated based on criteria like content, reasoning, and organization of ideas. Effective group discussion requires listening to others, using body language appropriately, and displaying assertiveness without being aggressive. Candidates should prepare by keeping themselves informed on current affairs through newspapers and reviewing topics of national and international importance.

1. G R O U P D I S C U S S I O N
Communication practical.

2. A B O U
T• "Group Discussion", popularly labeled as GD, is a methodology used by an
organization (company, institute, business school, etc.) to gauge whether
the candidate has certain personality traits.
• GDs form an important part of the short-listing process for recruitment or
admission in a company or institution.
• In this methodology, the group of candidates is given a topic or a
situation, typically given some time to think about the same, and then
asked to discuss it among themselves for a specific duration .
• Organizations conduct GDs to find out whether you possess the critical
qualities/skills to contribute effectively to the goal accomplishment
process.

3. Average
Duration in
Group
discussion
10 -15
Minutes
• Longer the GD Goes on The more seriously the Panel
looks at the quality of the content – facts , analysis,
argument and explanation
• Nobody is supposed to act on the assumption that
GD will end after the 15th min.
• It may be stopped abruptly or one or more
contestants could be ask to summarize.
• The summary must only include recapitulation and
not any point which wasn’t discussed. The whole
summary needs to be free from speakers perspective

4. What are
Various types of
Group
discussions?• Topical GD: are based on current affairs or static
matters. The topics which don’t change with time
frame
• Case studies: which present group with complex
business situation that requires a decision to be
made. Such discussions have multiple problems
embedded, Which require analysis, identification and
suggestions.

5. What is the
Evaluation criterion
in
Group discussion?
CONTENT ANALYTICAL SKILLS REASONING ORGANISATIONAL SKILLS
COMMUNICATION CREATIVITY

6. Two perspectives
Relevance ,
Comprehensivene
ss
• It is possible that a participant has
talked a great deal in GD but has
significantly deviated from the subject.
• If the content has been relevant, the
panel examines your treatment is
superficial or in depth.
C O N T E N T

7. Can you explore
Why and How ,
Of the subject?
• The panel is of course interested in your
facts but much more in its ‘why and
how’.
• This is taken into as sternest test by the
panel.
A N A L Y T I C A L S K I L L S

8. How effectively you
Strengthen or
Weaken
The Argument• The panel looks at how you support
your standpoints and how you respond
to that of others.
• It is expected that you contribute to
the GD with your ideas and opinions,
but also try and steer the conversation
towards a goal.
R E A S O N I N G

9. Creating
Impact ,
With correct order
• You may have the facts, the support,
the explanations but are you able to
present them in correct sequence to
maximise the impact?
• Disorganized and hectic
communication damages productivity.
You must speak and write in a clear and
coherent manner to have 100%
certainty that your message is well
O R G A N I S A T I O N A L
S K I L L S

10. Get the message
across
With simplicity that
Everyone understands.
• If you have all the skills stated erlier, this
becomes the decider.
• Good communication skills avoid
professional glitches in a team
discussion. Good communication
skills help to avoid misunderstandings.
C O M M U N I C A T I O N
S K I L L S

11. Bringing about
A breakthrough
solution
For a problem.
• It is tested whether you are able to
bring to the table a novel perspective
to look into a topic to the table.
• Can you interpret an abstract topic in a
way others don’t understand?
C R E A T I V I T Y

12. G R O U P S K I L L S
In Group discussion
LEADERSHIP LISTENING BODY
LANGUAGE
GROUP
BEHAVIOR

13. Holding the
Group together, in
pursuit
Of common goal.• One or two participants can paly the
role of anchor and offer initial analysis,
define topic and the introduce
keywords to discuss upon.
• This way one shoes some leadership
qualities and earn some extras.
However one cant earn upon speaking
first or loud voice.
L E A D E R S H I P

14. Honest listening
Is the spirit
Of group discussion.
• Most participants feel they are
concerned only with speaking and feel
that they are done with their job as
soon as they have spoken, which is
entirely against the spirit of GD.
• Lack of eye contact, ppor summary at
the end infer you poor listening and
ultimately reflects you weren’t
interested in GD as well.
L I S T E N I N G

15. The human body
Has intelligence of its
own
Let it use itself wisely.
• The speaker must maintain constant eye
contact with the group to create mutual
confidence.
• The body language beautifully enhances the
effect of words but if used unwisely, create
unnecessary distraction. Voice modulation is
also one aspect. Remember, body language
cant be faked.
B O D Y L A N G U A G E

16. Broad distinction-
Assertive or aggressive
Avoid the later ALWAYS.
• Assertiveness is a display of dominance
through subtle intimidation
• Assertiveness allows room for flexibility,
which a desired trait that every recruiter
hunts for.
G R O O U P B E H A V I O R

17. Recommended background for
preparation
GD is not an elimination
process. It is one of the several
selection processes.
Content is the most vital component. As current affairs
tend to dominate the GD’s a conscious effort to build the
fact bank is necessary.
Review the timelines of international and national affairs
and subsequent developments therein
Follow at least 2 local, 2 national and two international
newspapers daily.
Concentrate on information on finance, sports and
editorial pages

18. T H E E N D .
THANK YOU
DIVYANSHU
BHOYAR
CSE SEM1 ROLL NO 17 , GCOE, NAGPUR