group discussion introduction

1. GD – Group DiscussionGD – Group Discussion

2. Group Discussion is the methodology used
by an organization to gauge whether the
candidate has certain personality traits.
A topic / situation will be given to a group,
given few minutes to think about the
same and then asked to discuss among
themselves for 15 – 20 minutes
Group Discussion - IntroductionGroup Discussion - Introduction

3. o Communication Skills
o Reasoning ability
o Leadership skills
o Initiative
o Assertiveness
o Flexibility
o Creativity
o Ability to think on one’s feet
Personality TraitsPersonality Traits

4. Your functionality as a part of a Team,
either as a Leader / Team member
Understanding of Subject
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving
Listening Skills
Changing Attitudes
GD – Company PerspectiveGD – Company Perspective

5. Observe
How others make critical comments
How do they ask questions
How do they disagree/support arguments
What special phrases do they use to show
politeness even when they are voicing
disagreement
How do they signal to interrupt?
Strategies for ImprovingStrategies for Improving

6. Practice
Start practicing discussion skills in an
informal setting or with small groups
Start asking questions to your peers
Participate
Grab every opportunity in social/informal
discussions
Strategies for ImprovingStrategies for Improving

7. Factual Topics – socio-economic, current
affairs
Controversial Topics – Maturity, Temper
Abstract Topics – Lateral Thinking
Case based GD – No perfect question/ans
Types of GDTypes of GD

8. Be as natural as possible, Be yourself don’ t try
to become somebody else
Take time to organize your thoughts
Seek information if you have any doubts on the
subject
Don’t start speaking until you have clearly
understood the subject
Workout on various strategies such as initiation,
passing through discussion, Termination
Opening the discussion is not the only way of
getting attention and recognition
GD – EtiquettesGD – Etiquettes

9. Body Language - Gestures and Mannerisms
Be assertive not dominating, have a balanced
tone
Always be polite, avoid strong phrases such as ‘I
strongly object’ ‘I disagree’ , instead use ‘I
would like to share my views on …’ , ‘One
difference between your point and mine…’ , ‘I
beg to differ with you’
Brush up your leadership skills; motivate others
to speak but make it positive
Alertness
GD – EtiquettesGD – Etiquettes

10. Initiation
Body of discussion
Summarization/Conclusion
GD – A processGD – A process

11. Initiation - Implicit/Explicit
High risk zone in GD – not only grab opportunity to
speak, but also you grab the attention of panels
and peers
If you are done here, you are almost through this
round
Never stammer/stutter/ quote wrong facts and
figures – can’t be repaired
Don’t become passive after initiation – negative
impact
GD – A processGD – A process

12. • Body of discussion – purely implicit
• Quotes
• Question
• Shock statement
• Facts, Figures and Statistics – approx
macro/accurate micro
• Short stories
• General Statement
GD – A processGD – A process

13. Conclusion / Summarization (I/E)
Most of the GD will not have conclusion but every
GD has summarization
Points to remember
Avoid raising new points
Avoid stating only your viewpoint
Avoid dwelling only on one aspect of GD
Keep it brief and concise
Incorporate all effective points that came out
during GD and don’t add anything after this.
GD – A processGD – A process

14. Emotional outburst
Quality vs Quantity
Egotism Showing
Speaking without Listening and Understanding
Don’t evaluate just participate
GD – Mistakes that cost JOBGD – Mistakes that cost JOB

15. Normal Duration of GD?
How many Panels?
How long we can get prepared for GD?
Should I address the panel or members?
Seating arrangement?
I know more on the given topic should I say all?
Should I encourage others to speak?
Can we take a piece of paper?
Can we appoint a leader among ourselves?
Can we distribute time explicitly among us?
GD – FAQsGD – FAQs

16. If I don’t understand the topic can ask
panels/moderator?
Can we ask for change in topic?
What if I don’t know anything on subject if I am
said to initiate?
Can I use Technical Jargons or acronyms?
What is the right time to enter a GD?
How do I participate when there is crest?
What if my fluency is not good?
How long/How many times I need to participate?
GD – FAQsGD – FAQs

17. What can I do if somebody tell my points?
How about slang?
Can use other language apart from English?
What if I am short tempered?
Is GD an elimination tool/selection tool?
Do I need to motivate others?
What can I do if somebody is aggressive?
How can I interrupt?
Yes I agree, I think u r right
Polite refusal
GD – FAQsGD – FAQs

18. Speak pleasantly and politely in the group
Respect the contribution of every speaker
Remember discussion is not an argument. Learn
to disagree politely
Think before answering the questions
Stick to the discussion
Be aware of your body language
Start agreeing if you find it interesting
GD – DOsGD – DOs

19. Lose your temper.
Shout. Use a tone and moderate tone and
medium pitch
Use aggressive gestures
Dominate in the discussion. Motivate others
Use your own experiences
 Interrupt. Wait for others to finish.
GD – DONTsGD – DONTs

20. Q ?Q ?

21. Thank YouThank You