Group Discussion

A Group Discussion can be defined as a formal discussion involving ten to 12 participants in a

group.

It is a methodology used by an organization to gauge whether the candidate has certain

personality traits and/or skills that it desires in its members. In this methodology, the group of
candidates is given a topic or a situation, given a few minutes to think about the same, and then
asked to discuss the it among themselves for 15-20 minutes.

As in a football game, where you play like a team, passing the ball to each team member and
aim for a common goal, GD is also based on team work, incorporating views of different team
members to reach a common goal.

Here are some of the most important personality traits that a candidate should possess to do
well at a GD:

• Team Player
• Reasoning Ability
• Leadership
• Flexibility
• Assertiveness
• Initiative
• Creativity/ Out of the box thinking
• Inspiring ability
• Listening
• Awareness

1. Team Player

It is essential for managers to be team players.

The reason: Managers always work in teams.
At the beginning of his(manager) career, a manager works as a team member. And, later, as a
team leader.
Management aspirants who lack team skills cannot be good managers.

2. Reasoning Ability

Reasoning ability plays an important role while expressing your opinions or ideas at a GD.

For example, on India's growth and its effect's:

Any Answer for this should be based on reasons, not assumptions.

3. Leadership

There are three types of situations that can arise in a GD:

~ A GD where participants are unable to establish a proper rapport and do not speak much.
~ A GD where participants get emotionally charged and the GD gets chaotic.
~ A GD where participants discuss the topic assertively by touching on all its nuances and try to
reach the objective.

Here, a leader would be someone who facilitates the third situation at a GD.

A leader would have the following qualities:

~S/he shows direction to the group whenever group moves away from the topic.
~S/he coordinates the effort of the different team members in the GD.
~S/he contributes to the GD at regular intervals with valuable insights.
~S/he also inspires and motivates team members to express their views.
Caution: Being a mere coordinator in a GD does not help, because it is a secondary role.
Contribute to the GD with your ideas and opinions, but also try and steer the conversation
towards a goal.

4. Flexibility

You must be open to other ideas as well as to the evaluation of your ideas: That is what flexibility
is all about.
But first, remember: Never ever start your GD with a stand or a conclusion.

Say the topic of a GD is, 'Should India Ban night work for Women at night hours?'

Some participants tend to get emotionally attached to the topic and take a stand either in favour
or against the topic, ie 'Yes, India should', or, 'No, India should not'.
By taking a stand, you have already given your decision without discussing the topic at hand or
listening to the views of your team members.
Also, if you encounter an opposition with a very strong point at the 11th hour, you end up in a
typical catch-22 situation:

~If you change your stand, you are seen as a fickle-minded or a whimsical person.
~If you do not change your stand, you are seen as an inflexible, stubborn and obstinate person.

5. Assertiveness

You must put forth your point to the group in a very emphatic, positive and confident manner.
Participants often confuse assertiveness with aggressiveness.
Aggressiveness is all about forcing your point on the other person, and can be a threat to the
group. An aggressive person can also demonstrate negative body language, whereas an
assertive person displays positive body language.

6. Initiative

A general trend amongst students is to start a GD and get the initial kitty of points earmarked for
the initiator.
But that is a high risk-high return strategy.
Initiate a GD only if you are well versed with the topic. If you start and fail to contribute at
regular intervals, it gives the impression that you started the GD just for the sake of the initial
points.
Also, if you fumble, stammer or misquote facts, it may work against you.
Remember: You never ever get a second chance to create a first impression.

7. Creativity/ Out of the box thinking

An idea or a perspective which opens new horizons for discussion on the GD topic is always
highly appreciated.
When you put across a new idea convincingly, such that it is discussed at length by the group, it
can only be positive.
You will find yourself in the good books of the examiner.

8. Inspiring ability
A good group discussion should incorporate views of all the team members.
If some team members want to express their ideas but are not getting the opportunity to do so,
giving them an opportunity to express their ideas or opinions will be seen as a positive trait.
Caution: If a participant is not willing to speak, you need not necessarily go out of the way to ask
him to express his views. This may insult him and hamper the flow of the GD.

9. Listening
Always try and strike a proper balance between expressing your ideas and imbibing ideas.

10. Awareness
You must be well versed with both the micro and macro environment.
Your awareness about your environment helps a lot in your GD content, which carries maximum
weightage.

GD Tips

GD FAQ

Common Mistakes

GD Preparation

Facing GD

Need for GD

GD for MBA

GD Types

common gd tips
Groupd Discussion Common Tips From FreshersHome.com Team!

The tips given below are appicable in any GD. The only difference between most other GDs and the GDs
conducted by the IIMs after CAT or other top B Schools is the intensity of the competition.

• Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone you are not. Be yourself.
• A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The evaluator wants to hear you
speak.
• Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say.
• Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject.
• Don't start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject.
• Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate the discussion or agree
with someone else's point and then move onto express your views.
• Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition. If you
do not give valuable insights during the discussion, all your efforts of initiating the
discussion will be in vain.
• Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are more
likely to reflect your attitude than what you say.
• Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your points across
clearly and fluently.
• Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussion and
analysis.
 • Don't lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to. The key is to stay
objective: Don't take the discussion personally.
• Always be polite: Try to avoid using extreme phrases like: `I strongly object' or `I
disagree'. Instead try phrases like: `I would like to share my views on…' or `One
difference between your point and mine…' or "I beg to differ with you"
• Brush up on your leadership skills; motivate the other members of the team to speak
(this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to say "let us
hear what the young lady with the blue scarf has to say," or "Raghu, let us hear your
views" - Essentially be subtle), and listen to their views. Be receptive to others'
opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive.
• If you have a group of like-minded friends, you can have a mock group discussion
where you can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback.
• Apart from the above points, the panel will also judge team members for their alertness and
presence of mind, problem-solving abilities, ability to work as a team without alienating certain
members, and creativity.

GD FAQ
1. What is the normal duration of a GD?
A GD is generally of 15-20 minutes duration.
2. How many panel members are there to evaluate?
There are usually 3-4 panel members to evaluate.
3. Is there time given for preparation after the topic is given and before
starting the GD?
Usually some time (2-5 minutes) is given to collect one's thoughts, but there could be
instances when this does not happen, so it is best not to bank on this.
4. Should I address the panel or the group members?
Don't ever make the mistake of addressing the panel members. The GD is between
you and the other members, not the panel members. You must avoid even looking at
the panel members while the GD is in progress. Just ignore their existence.
5. What is the seating arrangement like?
It could be semi-circular, or circular, or seating along side a rectangular table, depending upon the
venue. It is best not to bother about trivial issues like this, which you have no control over.
6. How should I address the other group members?
If you are initiating the discussion, you could do so by collectively addressing the
group as "Friends". Subsequently, you could use names (if the group has had a round
of self-introduction prior to starting the discussion and you remember the names) or
simply use pronouns like "he" or "she".
7. Suppose I have a lot to say on the topic, should I say all of it?
You would not be looked upon favourably if you kept speaking all the time and did not
listen to anyone else. Contrary to the misconception, the person who talks the most is
not necessarily the one who is judged the best. The quality and not the quantity of
your contribution is the success factor.
8. Should I encourage others to speak up?
Do not directly put someone who is consistently silent on the spot by asking him/her
to speak up. If someone has been trying to speak and has a good point but is cut off
 constantly, you may encourage him/her to continue with her point as you would like
to hear her out.
9. Are the group members supposed to keep track of the time or will the panel
keep track?
It would be good if you are conscious of the time, but not to the point of getting so
distracted looking at your watch that you do not contribute to the discussion.
10. Are we allowed to carry a piece of paper during the GD for noting down
important points?
Normally you are, but there may be instances when it is specifically forbidden to carry
paper.
11. Is there any particular seating arrangement, which is favourable to the
participants?
If participants are asked to sit in a circle or a semi circle, one position is as good as
another. But if you are asked to sit on either side of a rectangular table, then choose a
position as close to the centre as possible.
12. Should we begin the GD by appointing a leader amongst ourselves?
No. You should not. Leadership in a GD is established implicitly through one's
performance in a GD.
13. Should we distribute the total time available to all the participants to
ensure that everybody gets a chance to speak?
Since a GD is not a debate or elocution, the participants should not resort to the
strategy of distributing time amongst themselves.
14. Can we take a definite stand in the GD and then later on during the GD,
switch over to another stand?
Yes, provided you do it the right way. In a GD it is quite likely that some other
participant's counter-argument convinces you to your point. If this happens, then it is
best if you accept his argument and explain to the group how your previous argument
was true within a narrow range, and how the new argument is applicable to a broader
range. Naturally, it is safer not to make any rash statements for or against a topic
before you learn the facts of the argument. Blindly taking a stand will definitely lead
you to trouble. This does not mean you should sit on the fence. You may participate
actively by pointing out both sides of the issue in a reasonable and logical manner.
15. If we do not understand the meaning of the topic, should we ask the
moderator to explain it to us?
No. You cannot. Instead of displaying your ignorance in this manner, it is better to wait for some
other participant to explain the meaning of the topic. So listen to the discussion carefully for the
first few minutes and when you have figured out what the topic is about, start participating in the
discussion.
16. Should we address the other participants by their names or their assigned
numbers?
As far as possible, you should try and avoid names or numbers. It is better to use pronouns such
as "he", "she", "you" etc. while referring to the members of the group.
17. Are we expected to stick to the normally accepted line of thought or can we
come up with something radical?
By all means you can. It would demonstrate your creativity and originality. Just make sure it is
relevant to the topic.
18. If I feel strongly about an issue, should I voice my feelings?
It is important to be cool and emotionally objective in a GD. If you react emotionally you are likely
to lose control over yourself during the group discussion. You have to be calm and logical, not
emotional in a GD.
19. Can I use technical terms or jargon, which is clear to me, but not to the
group?
If you have to use technical terms, please do not use abbreviations. After mentioning the term in
full take time out to explain to the group what it means. It is quite likely that other participants of
the group have a different academic background from you, and you should make sure you are all
on a level playing field.
20. Do I begin my participation by requesting the group's permission to do so?
It is not likely that you will get a chance to ask for such permission. It may also go against you (as
appearing weak on your part).
21. What is the right time to enter a GD to ensure that I am heard properly?
In any GD, there are crests and troughs during the discussion. The crest is when the noise level is
at its peak. The trough is when there is almost total silence. Ideally, you should enter the GD
during the trough period. But in competitive GDs, the crests occur more often and troughs may not
occur at all. In such cases, you could identify the stages in the GD, where ideas dear to you are
being discussed and enter the GD irrespective of the noise level.
22. How do I participate when the noise level is too high?
You could try the following strategy - Identify the most powerful speaker in the group, and note
down the points that he/she is making. The moment the noise level reduces a little, enter
supporting the powerful speaker. You will have made a strong ally who will carry you through the
noise.
23. Do I have to be cautious about other participants' feelings (on sensitive
issues like religion, caste etc)?
You certainly do. Insensitivity to others displays a lack of maturity and viciousness. It will act
against your favour.
24. Is it beneficial to be the first speaker in a group discussion?
Being the first speaker is a high risk, high return strategy. If you can make a good opening
statement, which is relevant and sets the tone for the GD, it will go in your favour. If you do this
well, you may automatically become the group leader. However if you bungle it up (by speaking
for the sake of speaking, not really having anything pertinent to say), it will be remembered and
will go against your favour.
25. How critical is my fluency in English to my performance?
Command over English is certainly advantageous but will not compensate for lack of good
content. If your content is good, then even if your English might not be great, you must speak it
out, rather than be inhibited by lack of good English. You will get credit for soundness of ideas.
26. How necessary is it to use examples for illustrating an idea?
Use of examples is helpful in elaborating your point, and helping others understand your idea
better. But please remember to keep it short and simple because in a competitive GD nobody has
the patience to listen to long, drawn out examples.
27. How much or for how long should I participate?
In a 20 minute GD with 10-12 participants, you should try and participate at least 4 times with each
entry lasting at least 25-30 seconds. You could participate more depending on your comfort level
and the need for participation.
28. Is it good to be humorous in a GD?
Depends on the situation. In a GD that is fairly relaxed, it may be acceptable. But in a competitive
situation, where the participants are tensed up, your attempts at humour may fall flat.
29. Should we make an interim summary?
An interim summary is a way of directing the group mid-way through the GD. It helps the group to
pick out and focus on the most important points and thus use the remaining time more effectively.
However it is not necessary to make an interim summary, if the discussion is already well focused.
30. What do I do if someone else has already said what I wanted to say?
You have two choices:

• Agree with the point made by that person and add on to it by displaying the
applicability of the argument to different situations. By doing this you will have
broadened the scope of the argument.

• Drop the point and think of fresh points.

To avoid getting into a situation where someone else has already spoken your points,
do speak up in the first 4-5 minutes of the GD. If you wait longer, it is almost
inevitable that someone would have spoken your points.

31. Is the use of slang/colloquialism permitted?

It is best to avoid using slang.
32. Can I use a language other than English to drive home my point?
No. You will have to stick to English.
33. How is aggression taken and measured in a GD?
The moment you notice people reacting to you negatively or strongly, you may take it that you are
being too aggressive. The degree of the reaction is the measure of your aggression.
34. What level of aggression is seen acceptable?
There is a very thin line between aggression and assertiveness. You should always aim to sound
assertive and not stubborn.
35. Is it true that the person who speaks the most in a GD is the one who is
most successful?
This is a myth. Generally the person who has a sound knowledge of the topic and is a clear
thinker speaks more. This leads the students into believing that whoever speaks most is
successful. But just speaking for the sake of speaking will not take you far.
36. Will I be quizzed about my (or others) participation in the GD?
You may be. Therefore it helps to be alert all through the GD.
37. Is it true that the GD is used more as an elimination technique rather than
as a selection tool?
Depends on the institute. In most premier institutes it is used as a selection tool, not as an
elimination technique.
38. What is the level of accuracy desired in the facts and figures you quote
during the GD?
An error margin of 5% is acceptable.
39. Is motivating other people in the group to speak looked upon favourably?
Depends on how it is done. If you openly request someone to speak, you may be putting the other
person in a difficult spot, and the evaluators will not look that upon favourably. It is therefore better
to use other means of motivation, such as agreeing with a halting speaker, adding on to their
points, implicitly supporting and giving them direction.
40. Does the moderator have any biases or preconceived notions about the
topic?
Ideally the moderator is supposed to be unbiased and neutral. But being a human being, the
moderator cannot be totally free from bias. Since this is not a factor within your control, there isn't
much point losing sleep over it.
41. Can we expect the moderator to stop or cut short the GD much before the
stipulated time is over?
This may happen if the GD becomes too noisy and if the level of discussion deteriorates
abysmally.
 42. Can I be aggressive with a lady participant?
A GD is not the place to demonstrate chivalry. Being rude to any participant (male or female) is
downright unacceptable. You need not extend any special privileges to a lady.
43. Is it all right to ask pointed questions to other participants during a GD?
It is alright to ask questions for the purpose of clarification but not for the purpose of playing the
devil's advocate and proving them wrong. By playing the devil's advocate you hamper the flow of
the GD. The pointed questions unsettle the other participant and the quality of the GD
deteriorates. This would reflect badly on you and will go against your favour.
44. Is it necessary that a group should arrive at a conclusion in the stipulated
time?
Ideally a group is supposed to reach a conclusion. Normally the time constraints do not allow the
group to do so.
45. Is an end-summary absolutely essential?
No. If the group has not reached a conclusion, then it would be good if someone puts the whole
discussion into perspective by summarizing. But if there isn't sufficient time, a summary may be
avoided.
46. Do we have to write a synopsis of the GD once it is over?
Some institutes insist on this, but it is not universal.
47. Is voting an acceptable method of reaching a consensus?
Certainly not. A GD is not a debate.
48. How should a group select a topic if asked to?
The group should brainstorm for about two minutes and narrow down the list of topics to 3-4. After
this the group should prioritize them based on the comfort level and ease of discussion of the
topics. This could be done by asking each participant to rank the 4 topics and the most popular
choice should be taken.
49. Are the topics decided on the basis of the academic background of the
participant?
No. Topics are usually general in nature to give a level playing field to everyone.
50. What do I do if one member is very stubborn and aggressive?
You could use any of the following methods.

• Ignore him and address the other members of the group.

• Be assertive and tell him that his argument is faulty.

• Point out to him that his point is well taken and that the group must progress further
by discussing the ideas presented by others.

51. What are the acceptable ways of interrupting somebody else, so that I may
make my point?
You can interrupt in any of the following ways:

• "Excuse me, but I feel that what you are saying isn't universally true.."

• "Yes, I agree with your idea, and I would like to add on to it"

• "Yes, I think you are right when you say that, but could you clarify what if."

GD Common Mistakes
Who Learn's from mistake's is the won who has the wisdom, and who repeats mistake is the one who
does not.

Here's a list of the most common mistakes made at group discussions

Emotional outburst
Rashmi was offended when one of the male participants in a group discussion made a statement on women
generally being submissive while explaining his point of view. When Rashmi finally got an opportunity to speak,
instead of focussing on the topic, she vented her anger by accusing the other candidate for being a male
chauvinist and went on to defend women in general.

What Rashmi essentially did was to

• Deviate from the subject.

• Treat the discussion as a forum to air her own views.
• Lose objectivity and make personal attacks.
Her behaviour would have been perceived as immature and demotivating to the rest of the team.

Quality Vs Quantity
Gautam believed that the more he talked, the more likely he was to get through the GD. So, he interrupted
other people at every opportunity. He did this so often that the other candidates got together to prevent him
from participating in the rest of the discussion.

• Assessment is not only on your communication skills but also on your ability to be a team
player.
• Evaluation is based on quality, and not on quantity. Your contribution must be relevant.
• The mantra is "Contributing meaningfully to the team's success." Domination is
frowned upon.

Egotism Showing off

Krishna was happy to have got a group discussion topic he had prepared for. So, he took pains to project his
vast knowledge of the topic. Every other sentence of his contained statistical data - "20% of companies;
24.27% of parliamentarians felt that; I recently read in a Jupiter Report that..." and so on so forth. Soon, the
rest of the team either laughed at him or ignored his attempts to enlighten them as they perceived that he was
cooking up the data.

• Exercise restraint in anything. You will end up being frowned upon if you attempt showing-off
your knowledge.
• Facts and figures need not validate all your statements.
• Its your analysis and interpretation that are equally important - not just facts and figures.
• You might be appreciated for your in-depth knowledge. But you will fail miserably in your
people skills.
Such a behavior indicates how self-centered you are and highlights your inability to work in an atmosphere
where different opinions are expressed.

Get noticed - But for the right reasons

Srikumar knew that everyone would compete to initiate the discussion. So as soon as the topic - "Discuss the
negative effects of India joining the WTO" - was read out, he began talking. In his anxiety to be the first to start
speaking, he did not hear the word "negative" in the topic. He began discussing the ways in which the country
had benefited by joining WTO, only to be stopped by the evaluator, who then corrected his mistake.

• False starts are extremely expensive. They cost you your admission. It is very important
to listen and understand the topic before you air your opinions.
• Spending a little time analyzing the topic may provide you with insights which others may
not have thought about. Use a pen and paper to jot down your ideas.
• Listen! It gives you the time to conceptualize and present the information in a better
manner.
• Some mistakes are irreparable. Starting off the group discussion with a mistake is one such mistake,
unless you have a great sense of humor.

Managing one's insecurities

Sumati was very nervous. She thought that some of the other candidates were exceptionally good.
Thanks to her insecurity, she contributed little to the discussion. Even when she was asked to
comment on a particular point, she preferred to remain silent.

• Your personality is also being evaluated. Your verbal and non verbal cues are being read.
• Remember, you are the participant in the GD; not the evaluator. So, rather than
evaluating others and your performance, participate in the discussion.
• Your confidence level is being evaluated. Decent communication skills with good
confidence is a must to crack the GDs.
• Focus on your strengths and do not spend too much time thinking about how others are superior or
inferior to you. It is easy to pick up these cues from your body language.

GD Preparation
While selection tools and techniques like tests, interviews etc. provide good data about an individual, they fall
short in providing real life data of how an individual would be performing in a real life situation especially a
group situation. Team work being an integral part of the BPO work profile, it is important to ascertain group and
inter-personal qualities of an individual. Group discussion is a useful tool to ascertain these qualities and many
organizations use GDs as a selection tool along with Personal Interviews, aptitude tests etc. A GD is an activity
where

• Groups of 8-10 candidates are formed into a leaderless group, and are given a specific
situation to analyse and discuss within a given time limit, which may vary between twenty
minutes and forty-five minutes, or

• They may be given a case study and asked to come out with a solution for a problem

• They may be given a topic and are asked to discuss the same

1. Preparing for a Group Discussion: While GD reflects the inherent qualities of an individual, appearing for
it unprepared may not augur well for you. These tips would help you prepare for GDs:

Reading: This is the first and the most crucial step in preparation. This is a never ending process and the
more you read, the better you are in your thoughts. While you may read anything to everything, you must
ensure that you are in good touch with current affairs, the debates and hot topics of discussion and also with
the latest in the IT and ITES industry. Chances are the topics would be around these. Read both for the
thoughts as well as for data. Also read multiple view points on the same topic and then create your point of
view with rationale. Also create answers for counter arguments for your point of view. The electronic media
also will be of good use here.

Mocks: Create an informal GD group and meet regularly to discuss and exchange feedback. This is the best
way to prepare. This would give you a good idea about your thoughts and how well can you convince.
Remember, it is important that you are able to express your thoughts well. The better you perform in these
mocks the better would be you chances to perform on the final day. Also try to interact and participate in other
GD groups. This will develop in you a skill to discuss with unknown people as well.

2. During the Group Discussion:

What do the panelists assess:Some of the qualities assessed in a GD are:

Leadership Skills - Ability to take leadership roles and be able to lead, inspire and carry the team along to
help them achieve the group's objectives.

Communication Skills - Candidates will be assessed in terms of clarity of thought, expression and aptness of
language. One key aspect is listening. It indicates a willingness to accommodate others views.

Interpersonal Skills - People skills are an important aspect of any job. They are reflected in the ability to
interact with other members of the group in a brief situation. Emotional maturity and balance promotes good
interpersonal relationships. The person has to be more people centric and less self-centered.

Persuasive Skills - The ability to analyze and persuade others to see the problem from multiple perspectives.

GD is a test of your ability to think, your analytical capabilities and your ability to make your point in a team-
based environment.

These are some of the sub-skills that also get assessed with the skills mentioned above:

• Clarity of thought

• Group working skills (especially during a group task of case study discussion)

• Conflict handling

• Listening and probing skills

• Knowledge about the subject and individual point of view

• Ability to create a consensus

• Openess and flexibility towards new ideas

• Data based approach to decision making

While, it is not possible to reflect all these qualities in a short time, you would do well if you are able to show a
couple or more qualities and avoid giving negative evidence on others.

{mospagebreak}

How do I take my chance to speak: Trying to interrupt others while speaking would only harm your chances.
Instead, you may try to maintain an eye-contact with the speaker. This would show your listening skills also
and would help you gauge from his eye-movement and pitch of voice that he is about to close his inputs. You
can quickly take it from there. Also, try and link your inputs with what he has spoken whether you are adding to
or opposing his arguments. This would reflect that you are actually being participative rather than just doing a
collective monologue.
• How to I communicate in a GD: Be crisp and to the point. Be fact based and avoid
making individual opinions that do not have a factual base. Make eye contact with all the
members in the group and avoid looking at the panelists while speaking. The average
duration of the group discussion provides an average of about 2-3 minutes per participant
to speak and you should try to speak about 3-4 times. Hence, you need to be really crisp
to reflect the most in those 30-40 sec. slots.

• How do I convince others and make them agree to my view point: A lot of
candidates make it their mission to make the group reach to a conclusion on the topic. Do
not forget that some of the topics have been eternal debates and there is no way you can
get an agreement in 15 mins. on them. The objective is not to make others toe your line
but to provide fact based, convincing arguments which create an impact. Stick to this
approach.

• Do leadership skills include moderating the group discussion: This is a myth and
many people do try to impose their order on the GD, ordering people when to speak and
when not to. This only reflects poor leadership. Leadership in a GD would be reflected by
your clarity of thought, ability to expand the topic in its different dimensions, providing an
opportunity to a silent participant to speak, listening to others and probing them to
provide more information. Hence, work on these areas rather than be a self-appointed
moderator of the group.

• Listening: This is a key quality assessed during the GD about which many participants
forget. Active listening can fetch you credit points and would also provide you with data
to discuss. Also, if you have an average of 2-3 minutes to speak, the rest of the 20-25
minutes is required to spent in active listening. For this, maintain eye contact with the
speakers, attend to them (like nodding, using acknowledging words like -I see ok, fine,
great etc.). This would also make you be the centre of attraction as you would appear
non-threatening to the speakers.

• Behaviour during the GD: Be patient; don't get upset if anyone says anything you
object to. Stay objective and don't take the discussion personally. Also, remember the six
C's of communication - Clarity, Completeness, Conciseness, Confidence, Correctness and
Courtesy. Be appreciative & receptive to ideas from other people and open-minded but do
not let others to change your own viewpoint. Be active and interested throughout. It is
better to participate less if you have no clue of the topic. You may listen to others and
take clues from there and speak. You would be assessed on a range of different skills and
you may think that leadership is key, you need to be careful that you don't dominate the
discussion.

• Quality Vs Quantity: Often, participants think that success in group discussions

depends on how much and how loudly they speak. Interestingly, it's the opposite. Also,
making your point on the topic, your views are important and the group needs to know.
This will tell you are knowledgeable and that you participate in groups

• Summarizing: If you have not been able to initiate the discussion, try to summaries and
close it. Good summarizing would get you good reward points. A conclusion is where the
whole group decides in favour or against the topic and most GDs do not have a closure.
But every GD can be summarized by putting forth what the group has discussed in a
nutshell. Keep the following points in mind while summarizing a discussion:

• Avoid raising new points.

 • Avoid stating only your viewpoint.

• Avoid dwelling only on one aspect of the GD

• Keep it brief and concise.

• It must include all the important points that came out during the GD

• If you are asked to summarise a GD, it means the GD has come to an end.

• Do not add anything once the GD has been summarised.

Some Positive Task Roles in a Group Discussion:You may want to play one or more of
them:

• Initiator

• Information seeker

• Information giver

• Procedure facilitator

• Opinion seeker

• Opinion giver

• Clarifier

• Social Supporter

• Harmonizer

• Tension Reliever

• Energizer

• Compromiser

• Gatekeeper

• Summarizer

• Negative Roles to be Avoided

• Disgruntled non-participant

• Attacker

• Dominator

• Patronizer

• Clown

Feedback template: While doing mocks for GD preparation, you would get benefited by the
feedback of others. For the purpose, we are providing a template for feedback - both quantitative
and qualitative. The items described over there are a suggested list and not a complete one. You
may make changes in it depending upon your need.
How to face GD
A group discussion consists of -

1. Communication Skills
2. Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject
3. Capability to co-ordinate and lead
4. Exchange of thoughts
5. Addressing the group as a whole
6. Thorough preparations

Communication Skills -

The first aspect is one's power of expression. In a group discussion, a candidate has to talk
effectively so that he is able to convince others. For convincing, one has to speak forcefully and
at the same time create an impact by his knowledge of the subject. A candidate who is
successful in holding the attention of the audience creates a positive impact.

It is necessary that you should be precise and clear. As a rule evaluators do not look for the
wordage produced. Your knowledge on a given subject, your precision and clarity of thought are
the things that are evaluated. Irrelevant talks lead you nowhere. You should speak as much as
necessary, neither more nor less. Group discussions are not debating stages.

Ability to listen is also what evaluators judge. They look for your ability to react on what other
participants say. Hence, it is necessary that you listen carefully to others and then react or
proceed to add some more points. Your behavior in the group is also put to test to judge
whether you are a loner or can work in a group.

You should be able to convey your thoughts satisfactorily and convincingly before a group
of people. Confidence and level headedness in doing so is necessary. These add value to your
presentation. In case you are not good at it, you might gain by joining an institute that offers
specialized courses in public speaking. For instance, British Council Division's English Language
Teaching Centre offers a wide range of courses like conversation skills, business communication
skills, business writing, negotiation skills and presentation skills. Mostly people attend these
courses to improve their communication skills. Students here are involved in activities which use
communication skills and teachers provide inputs, monitor and facilitate the classes. The course
at the Centre makes you confident enough to speak before people without any nervousness.

Knowledge and Ideas Regarding a Given Subject -

Knowledge of the subject under discussion and clarity of ideas are important. Knowledge comes
from consistent reading on various topics ranging from science and technology to politics. In-
depth knowledge makes one confident and enthusiastic and this in turn, makes one
sound convincing and confident.

Leadership and Coordinating Capabilities -

The basic aim of a group discussion is to judge a candidate's leadership qualities. The examiner
withdraws and becomes a silent spectator once the discussion starts. A candidate should display
tactfulness, skill, understanding and knowledge on varied topics, enterprise, forcefulness and
other leadership qualities to motivate and influence other candidates who may be almost equally
competent.
Exchange of Thoughts -

A group discussion is an exchange of thoughts and ideas among members of a group. These
discussions are held for selecting personnel in organisations where there is a high level of
competition. The number of participants in a group can vary between 8 and 15. Mostly a topic or
a situation is given to group members who have to discuss it within 10 to 20 minutes.

The purpose is to get an idea about candidates in a short time and make assessments about
their skills, which normally cannot be evaluated in an interview. These skills may be team
membership, leadership skills, listening and articulation skills.

A note is made of your contributions to the discussion, comprehension of the main idea, the
rapport you strike, patience, assertion, accommodation, amenability, etc. Body language and
eye contact too are important points which are to be considered. .

Addressing the Group as a Whole -

In a group discussion it is not necessary to address anyone by name. Even otherwise you may
not know everyone's names. It better to address the group as a whole.

Address the person farthest from you. If he can hear you everyone else too can. Needless to add,
as for the interview, attend the group discussion in formal dress. The language used should also
be formal, not the language used in normal conversations. For instance, words and phrases like
"yar", "chalta hai", "CP", "I dunno", etc. are out. This is not to say you should use a high
sounding, pedantic language. Avoiding both, just use formal, plain and simple language.
Hinglish, (mixture of Hindi and English) should be discarded.

Confidence and coolness while presenting your viewpoint are of help. See that you do not keep
repeating a point. Do not use more words than necessary. Do not be superfluous. Try to be
specific. Do not exaggerate.

Thorough Preparation -

Start making preparations for interview and group discussions right away, without waiting till the
eleventh hour, this is, if and when called for them. Then the time left may not be adequate. It is
important to concentrate on subject knowledge and general awareness. Hence, the prime need
for thorough preparation. Remember, the competition is very tough. Only 460 candidates make
it to the final list from 2.75 lakh civil service aspirants each year.

It may so happen that you are called for interviews and group discussions from three or four
organizations but are not selected by any. The reason obviously lies in your not being well-
prepared.

In a group discussion you may be given a topic and asked to express your views on it. Or in a
case study GD, students have to read a case study and suggest ways of tackling the problem.
For this you should have a good general knowledge, need to be abreast with current affairs,
should regularly read newspapers and magazines. Your group behaviour and communication
skills are on test, i.e. how you convince the others and how clearly you are able to express your
points of view. You should be articulate, generate ideas, not sound boring, should allow others to
speak, and adopt a stand on a given subject. During the course of the GD this stand can even be
changed, giving the impression that you are open to accommodate others' viewpoints.

Additional marks may be given for starting or concluding the discussion.

Points to Remember -

• 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.

• 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.

Why do we need Group discussion

Why do we Need a GD

• It helps you to understand a subject more deeply.

• It improves your ability to think critically.
• It helps in solving a particular problem.
• It helps the group to make a particular decision.
• It gives you the chance to hear other students' ideas.
• It improves your listening skills.
• It increases your confidence in speaking.
• It can change your attitudes.

Strategies for Improving GD Skills for Tutorials & Seminars

Asking questions and joining in discussions are important skills for university study. If you find it difficult to
speak or ask questions in tutorials, try the following strategies.

Observe
Attend as many seminars and tutorials as possible and notice what other students do. Ask yourself:

• How do other students make critical comments?

• How do they ask questions?

• How do they disagree with or support arguments?

• What special phrases do they use to show politeness even when they are voicing
disagreement?

• How do they signal to interrupt, ask a question or make a point?

Practice

Start practicing your discussion skills in an informal setting or with a small group. Start with asking questions of
fellow students. Ask them about the course material. Ask for their opinions. Ask for information or ask for help.

Participate

Take every opportunity to take part in social/informal discussions as well as more structured/formal discussion.
Start by making small contributions to tutorial discussions; prepare a question to ask, or agree with another
speaker's remarks.

Discussion Etiquette (or minding your manners)

Do

• Speak pleasantly and politely to the group.

• Respect the contribution of every speaker.

• Remember that a discussion is not an argument. Learn to disagree politely.

• Think about your contribution before you speak. How best can you answer the question/
contribute to the topic?

• Try to stick to the discussion topic. Don't introduce irrelevant information.

• Be aware of your body language when you are speaking.

• Agree with and acknowledge what you find interesting.

Don't

• Lose your temper. A discussion is not an argument.

• Shout. Use a moderate tone and medium pitch.

• Use too many gestures when you speak. Gestures like finger pointing and table thumping
can appear aggressive.

• Dominate the discussion. Confident speakers should allow quieter students a chance to
contribute.

• Draw too much on personal experience or anecdote. Although some tutors encourage
students to reflect on their own experience, remember not to generalise too much.

• Interrupt. Wait for a speaker to finish what they are saying before you speak.

Leading a Discussion
You may be in a seminar group that requires you to lead a group discussion, or lead a discussion after an oral
presentation. You can demonstrate leadership by:

• introducing yourself and the members of the group

• stating the purpose of the discussion

• inviting quiet group members to speak

• being objective

• summarizing the discussion

Chairing a Group Discussion

When chairing a discussion group you must communicate in a positive way to assist the speakers in
accomplishing their objective. There are at least four leadership skills you can use to influence other people
positively and help your group achieve its purpose. These skills include:

• introducing the topic and purpose of the discussion,

• making sure all members have approximately the same time, (i.e. no one dominates the
discussion by taking too much time)

• thanking group members for their contribution

• being objective in summarizing the group's discussion and achievements.

GD Types
Some GD Topics

Social Topics:

1.Bride burning and dowry may look bad, but are an integral part of India.
2.Our Culture is Decaying
3.We are not serious about saving Wildlife/Environment
4.Are Big Dams Necessary?
5.Films are corrupting the Indian Youth
6.A Gandhian State selling liquor is an anomaly
7.Impact of Televsion on Childrens?
8.Do Elections have any meaning?
9.Why do we need democracy?
10.
The education system needs serious reforms.
11.
The impact of MTV on our psyche
12.
Showing Violence and Crimes should not be allowed in films and on television. Let us
legalise gambling
Hot Topics:

1. How to deal with international terrorism.

2. Should we pursue our policy of dialogue with Pakistan?
3. Is peace and non-violence outdated concepts?
Management Topics:
 1. Is management an art or a science?
2. The Rush for MBA is really a rush for big money
3. Ethics in Business are just a passing fashion
4. Family owned business vs professionally run businesses
5. Smaller businesses and start-ups have more scope for professional growth.
6. Dot com or doubt com?
7. The objective of Management is to maximise profits
8. Do professional managers have a chance in our family run businesses?
9. The Internet is an exercise in hype
10. Is an MBA necessary to succeed in life?
Nature Topics:

1. Why do we care for Nature?

2. Impact of Smoking on Global Warming?
3. Can we live without Fuel?
4. Do we need to protect Endangeruod species?
Polictic Topics:

1. Reserving seats for women in Panchayat has not only been a farce but has distracted
from developing a more genuine voice of women.
2. Have the nuclear tests of 1998 benefited or harmed India?
3. Voters, not, political parties are responsible for the criminalisation of politics.
4. The voters are required to be well informed and educated about their candidates so
that they can elect the right aspirant by their own assessment.
5. India should go for the presidential form of democracy.
Economic Topics:

1. In our economic matters, there is an excessive tendency towards the thinking rather than
doing.
2. Every cloud has a silver lining
3. Can the economy achieve an 8 percent growth rate?.
4. Is disinvestment really that good for India or is a rethink in order ?
5. Are co-operatives relevant in today's globalised environment?.
6. Foreign aid is a dangerous drug that can stimulate in small doses but become fatally
addictive in larger doses.
7. Modern day sport in industrialised society is an industry, as anything else.
8. Government should clean its own hands before pointing finger at the private sector for
corruption.
9. Is the NPA ordinance too harsh?
10. Reforms have to grow up.
11. The future lies with glocalisation .
12. Developing countries need trade, not aid.
13. Why do we lag behind China?
14. Capitalism is a very flawed system but the others are so much worse.
15. Flexibility of labour laws is the key to attracting more Foreign Direct Investment.
16. Is the business of business only business?
17. Is the consumer really the king in India?.
18. Globalisation versus nationalism
19. Conditional access system for cable TV watchers: boon or bane?
 20. If India is poorly governed, the reason is that we have designed our system of governance
for protecting, if not encouraging, corruption?
21. Commercialisation of health care : Good or Bad ?
22. For globalisation to succeed in India people must be able to see what is in it for them
23. Is the US economy headed the Japanese economy way?
24. Economic freedom not old fashioned theories of development will lead to growth and
prosperity
25. Markets left to themselves encourage greed.
26. For globalisation to succeed in India people must be able to see what is in it for them
27. Should businessmen run the finance ministry
28. Should important services like transport be left to market forces?.
29. Is there any point in having a business strategy when the world changes from month to
month?
30. Is the patents bill good for India? .
31. Is the business of business only business?.
32. Globalisation is good for developing countries
33. Public sector being a guarantor of job security is a myth.
34. Is industryless growth here to stay ?
35. Capitalism is a very flawed system but the others are so much worse ?
36. How can business get rid of the bad name that it has earned?
37. Government pumping money into the economy is not the solution for our economic
problems
38. Business ethics are no longer a luxury for corporates but a necessity?
39. How should privatisation proceeds be utilised ?
40. Is the budgeting exercise of any use?
41. Should agricultural subsidies be stopped ?
42. Will Mumbai's film industry ever evolve into a truly modern corporatised one?
43. Will market reforms enrich rich states further, while poorer ones lag further?.
44. Why do we lag behind China ?
45. Who says MNCs are superior to Indian companies ?.
46. Why not use a brand index to measure national prosperity?.
47. What we need to reduce scams is better regulatory bodies.
48. War rhetoric is misplaced in a country like India which is trying to globalise its economy.
49. Trade can help the poor ?
50. The power ministry should cut off supplies to all the defaulting SEBs.
51. Steal a few lakhs and you're a criminal. Steal a few hundred crores and you become an
industrialist.
52. Should PSUs be divested through strategic sale or public offer?
53. The state is above the law?
Management Education Topics

1. Managerial skills learnt in the classroom can never match those learnt from experience
2. Democracy is hampering India progress
3. MBA in India is highly overrated.>