The document discusses strategies for improving group discussion skills using the POPP method of preparing, observing, practicing, and participating. It provides tips for various stages of the discussion including introduction, leading, participation, and concludes with learning outcomes such as improved communication, critical thinking, and decision making skills. The goal is to help individuals perform better in group discussions, which are often used in interviews and teaching to evaluate traits like leadership, teamwork, and reasoning ability.

1. GROUP DISCUSSION
By : Dr.P.Muthukumar

2. Contents
 Intention of conducting GD in Interviews and as a teaching
tool
 Strategies for Improving ones Group-Discussion Skills using
POPP – (Prepare, Observe, Practice & Participate)
 The Process
 Introduction
 Leading
 Through the Discussion
 Additional Tips for the Discussion
 Do’s & Don’ts
 Peer Group Practice
 Group Discussion - Learning Out Come

3. Group Discussion in
Interviews
Group Discussion is a methodology used to gauge
the candidates
 Communication skills
 Personality traits
 Ability to work in a team
 Reasoning ability
 Leadership skills
 Initiative
 Assertiveness
 Flexibility
 Creativity

4. Group Discussion as a
Teaching Tool
Reasons: It helps to improve the
 understanding of a subject more deeply.
 critical thinking and analyzing ability
 problem solving capacity.
 decision making capability.
 listening skills.
 confidence level.
 communication skills
 self understanding of ones level.
 attitude of one-self.
 exchange of thoughts

5. Strategies for Improving ones
Group-Discussion Skills - POPP
 Prepare
 Reading Current Topics
 Logical Reasoning
 Analytical and Critical View point
 Interrogation Questions
 I CAN & I WILL Attitude
 Confidence Building
 Communication Skill Development
 Observe
 Attending & Observing as many seminars as possible
 Asking yourself:
 How do other students make critical comments?
 How do they ask questions?
 How do they disagree with or support arguments?
 What special phrases are used to be polite even when voicing
disagreement?
 How do they interrupt, ask a question, agree, disagree or make a point?
 Practice & Participate
 Small Group Practice
 Simple Concepts
 Informal Discussions
 Asking opinions
 Asking for information

6. Introduction & Initiation
 Introductions should be dynamic
 Introducing yourself and group members
 State the purpose
 A good level of general awareness will come in
handy so that you aren't at a loss of words on
certain issues
 Understand the topic and analyze it mentally
before speaking

7. The Leader
 Any one you takes up the following
responsibilities would be considered as the
Leader of the GD
 introducing yourself and the members of the
group
 inviting quiet group members to speak
 directing when misled.
 summarizing the discussion

8. Through the Discussion
 Be clear about the purpose and content of your viewpoint
 One should be able to communicate his views in an effective
manner to everyone. Be clear in speech, audible but not too
loud and above all remain confident
 Remember the six C's of effective communication -- Clarity,
Completeness, Conciseness, Confidence, Correctness and
Courtesy
 You should maintain eye contact with all others in the group
and not focus on a particular person
 Be responsive to ideas from other people and seem to be very
receptive and open-minded but don't allow others to change
your own viewpoint.

9. Through the Discussion – Cont.
 Starting the discussion is considered to be good however it
isn't that important; what is important is that you speak for a
period long enough for you to be able to communicate your
viewpoint
 Always maintain your calm and never get aggressive.
 If you haven't been able to talk then one can cut in saying
"Excuse me, but what I think is .........." or something of that
sort
 Never lose your temper and never attack anyone on a
personal front. Your attitude should be one of cooperation
and not one of conflict
 Don't lose sight of the goal of the discussion
 Listen to any criticisms and give them a thought before trying
to defend your views

10. In A Group Discussion
 Knowledge is strength. A candidate with good reading habits
has more chances of success. In other words, sound
knowledge on different topics like politics, finance, economy,
science and technology is helpful.
 Power to convince effectively is another quality that makes
you stand out among others.
 Clarity in speech and expression is yet another essential
quality.
 If you are not sure about the topic of discussion, it is better
not to initiate. Lack of knowledge or wrong approach creates
a bad impression. Instead, you might adopt the wait and
watch attitude. Listen attentively to others, may be you
would be able to come up with a point or two later.
 A GD is a formal occasion where slang is to avoided.

11. In A Group Discussion – Cont.
 A GD is not a debating stage. Participants should confine
themselves to expressing their viewpoints. In the second
part of the discussion candidates can exercise their choice
in agreeing, disagreeing or remaining neutral.
 Language use should be simple, direct and straight forward.
 Don't interrupt a speaker when the session is on. Try to
score by increasing your size, not by cutting others short.
 Maintain rapport with fellow participants. Eye contact plays
a major role. Non-verbal gestures, such as listening intently
or nodding while appreciating someone's viewpoint speak of
you positively.
 Communicate with each and every candidate present. While
speaking don't keep looking at a single member. Address the
entire group in such a way that everyone feels you are
speaking to him or her.

12. Group Discussion Etiquette
Do’s
 Pleasant and polite speaking.
 Respect others.
 GD is not an argument - Polite disagreement.
 Think before you speak. How best can you answer the question/
contribute to the topic?
 Stick to the topic.
 Body language.
 FREE
 Agreement & Disagreement.
Don'ts
 Lose temper
 Shout. Use a moderate tone and medium pitch.
 Use too many gestures when you speak.
 Dominate the discussion.
 Draw too much on personal experience or anecdote.
 Interrupt.
 Don't introduce irrelevant information

13. Peer Group Practice
 Dividing the students into groups based on their
knowledge and communication skill and allotting a
leader to help the group practice.
 Giving homework to gain knowledge on wide range
current issues and interview based topics.
 Conducting GD between the groups to assess
group strength and individual performance.
 Motivating Non-performers to participate by
separating the active participants.

14. Group Discussion – Learning Out Come
 Listening skills.
 Presentation Skills
 Communication Skills
 Reasoning ability
 Leadership skills
 Initiating Skills
 Critical thinking
 Analytical ability
 Problem solving capacity.
 Decision making capability
 Assertiveness
 Flexibility
 Creativity
 Confidence

15. Group Discussion – Assessment of
learning outcomes
Assessment is based on:
 Initiation
 Participation
 Communication Skills
 Relevance of responses
 Team spirit