Group Discussion

Techniques for Effective Presentation

Dr. Neeraj Goyal

Head, Deptt of Business
Management,
M. M. Modi College, Patiala
What is Group Discussion
 Types of Group Discussion

1. On Basis of Method of Conduct

• Structured GD
• Unstructured GD
• Roleplay
• GD with nominated leader
 Types of Group Discussion

2. On Basis of Nature of Topic

• Evergreen Topic
• Current Topic
• Abstract Topic
• Case study
 What skills are judged in GD?

• How good you are at communication with

others.
• How you behave and interact with group.
• How open minded are you.
• Your listening skill.
• How you put forward your views.
 What skills are judged in GD?

• Your analysis skill and subject knowledge.

• Problem solving and critical thinking skill.
• Your attitude and confidence.
• Your leadership and decision making
skills.
Positive task Roles in GD
 Negative roles in GD

• Disgruntled non-participant
• Attacker
• Dominator
• Clown
 Initiation Techniques
• When you initiate a GD, you not only grab the
opportunity to speak, you also grab the
attention of the examiner.
• If you make a favorable first impression after
you initiate a GD, it will help you sail through
the discussion
• But if you initiate a GD and stammer/ stutter/
quote wrong facts and figures, the damage
might be irreparable
 Techniques to initiate a GD

• Quotes
• Definition
• Question
• Shock statement
• Facts, figures and statistics
• Short story
• General statement
 Techniques to Enter a GD

• Enter with a supportive statement

• Enter by increasing volume
• Enter the lows
• Interjecting in a discussion with a question
• Facts, figures and statistics
• Short story
• General statement
 Summarization / Conclusion

• Most GD doesn’t really have conclusions.

A conclusion is where the whole group
decides in favor or against the topic
• But every GD is summarized. You can
summaries what the group has discussed
in the GD in a nutshell
While summarizing a discussion
 Do’s and Don’ts of GD:
What to do:
• Speak pleasantly and politely.
• 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?
 Do’s and Don’ts of GD:
What to do:
• 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.
 Do’s and Don’ts of GD:
What not to do:
• Lose your temper
• Shout. Use a moderate tone and pitch.
• Use too many gestures
• Dominate the discussion. Confident speakers
should allow quieter a chance.
• Draw too much on personal experience
• Interrupt.
• Informal Language
 GD MANTRAS
a) Be Yourself.
b) Take time to organize your thoughts
c) Don’t make the mistake of looking at the panel
while you are speaking.
d) Seek clarifications if you have any
e) Your body language says a lot about
f) Never try to show your dominance.
g) Remember, opening the discussion is not the
only way of gaining attention
 GD Mistakes
• Emotional outburst
ANGER
• Quality Vs Quantity
MAXIMUM TALK
• Egotism Showing off (Selfishness)
FAKE FIGURES / INFORMATION
• Get noticed - But for the right reasons
WANT TO BE THE FIRST
• Managing one's insecurities
NERVOUSNESS
 Ending Note
Don’t be disheartened if you did not do
well in your First Group Discussion.
Instead try to learn from your past
mistakes. Remember