WHAT IS GROUP DISCUSSION (GD)?
Group Discussion or GD is a type of discussion-based activity that involves people sharing ideas or activities. People in the group discussion are connected with one basic idea. Based on that idea, everyone in the group represents his/her perspective.
The Group Discussion is generally the next level after the entrance exam to pursue a professional degree. In the case of recruitments, Group Discussion can be the starting or at the end, depending on different companies or organizations.
In this article, Team YLCC brings you information on how to tackle a Group Discussion effectively to move on to the next stage of the selection process. Read on!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The number of participants in a group discussion may range from 5-12 depending upon the available strength. The average duration of a Group Discussion is 15 minutes. However, depending on the number of candidates in the group, the judge may use his or her discretion to extend the duration of the discussion or even terminate the discussion abruptly.
A Group Discussion usually has 4 stages:
- The Discussion officially starts when the topic is announced. In this regard, the group discussion is of 2 types- Topic-based Group Discussion and Case Study Based Group Discussion.
- Post the announcement of the topics, the candidates are then given a preparation time of 3 minutes which can go upto 5 minutes at the discretion of the judge or organisers, especially if the topic is complicated.
- Once the preparation time is over, any participant in the group concerned may initiate the discussion. The contribution of the lead participant is followed by the other candidates. One by one, all the candidates are expected to express their views on the given topic.
- The discussion ends when the panelist indicates the same. The next step would be for the panelist to select one or two participants to summarise the entire discussion.
GD Summary
At times, panelists tend to give the opportunity of summarising the GD to individuals who did not get much scope to speak in the discussion itself. That being said, if asked to summarise the discussion one must keep in mind that summarising means only covering the discussed points and that one cannot add any new points to the summary.
- Once the summary has been completed, the panelists proceed to calculate the final scores of each candidate.
THINGS TO DO IN A GROUP DISCUSSION
Group Discussions are a great way to test an individual’s interpersonal skills. Interpersonal skills reflect the ability of the individual to interact with other members of the group in a pressure situation. For example, remaining calm even when someone provokes you with a personal comment takes skill, so does the ability to remain objective, being able to empathise and work well with a team.
Here are some things you can do to stand out in a Group Discussion:
- Being ORIGINAL
Originality is important to make a strong impression in a group discussion. Candidates should refrain from comparing themselves to others and simply put their best foot forward. Organisations are looking for individuals who fit in with their culture. For a candidate, it is important to understand that culture and act accordingly.
- BEING PRECISE
In a restricted setting like a group discussion, candidates usually have very limited time to prepare as well as to contribute. Depending on the issue, the candidate to select a few precise and crisp points to speak about instead of taking a generic take on the issue with nothing unique in substance. There should high degress of clarity in expression. Elaborating large paragraphs is a strict no-no, but so is hesitation.
- PRESENTING A HEALTHY ATTITUDE
It is important to keep in mind that panelists in a group discussion often evaluate not only on the basis on verbal contributions by a candidate but also on the basis of how they conduct themselves overall. It is therefore important to remain professional and offer a positive attitude, especially when showing disagreement. Even if you do not concur with what someone else is saying, it has to be done with the utmost politeness and friendliness.
- INCLUDE EXAMPLES
To communicate your points in a more impactful manner, one may give relatable examples to substantiate his or her opinion or arguments.
- MAINTAINING A FORMAL APPROACH
A candidate should maintain a formal approach in all aspects of the discussion, including their speech, attire, body language and gestures as is fitting for a formal activity in a professional setting. In no way should the candidate come across as casual.
WHAT NOT TO DO IN A GROUP DISCUSSION
- TAKING LEAD WITHOUT PROPER DOMAIN AWARENESS
If you are not an expert in the topic that has been offered for the Group Discussion, it is probably for the best if you do not take a lead. In fact, it is a misconception that the individual initiating conversation will always come out ahead. That is always not the case as in many instances the person taking the lead does not necessarily get selected or shortlisted.
Lead should be taken only if you are confident about your expertise in the area concerned- otherwise one must wait for others to start. Being the second, third or fourth speaker in the group puts you in a position to better understand the topic and offering a more seasoned opinion.
- PLAGIARISE/REPEATING CONTENT
One should not try to be repetitive in a group discussion. Repeating the ideas and comments of one’s fellow participants creates a strong negative impression and supports the premise that you have no originality of thought whatsoever. One must sincerely try to analyse what the others are saying and then express their own thoughts on the issue in their own words in a manner that brings some value to the discussion.
Plagiarism is also a strict no-no in a group discussion as it tends to offend the fellow participants and tends to lower the overall standard of the discussion.
- AVOIDING EYE CONTACT
In an activity like a group discussion, where several candidates are trying to make an impact at the same time, it is important to make best use of the limited time that each one has. The impact of one’s speech can be further increased by maintaining eye contact with fellow participants. This is an added bonus to your performance as steady eye contact is also taken to be a non-verbal indicator of confidence and honesty. On the contrary, a tendency to avoid eye contact is taken as a sign of disrespect to the fellow speakers and a lack of confidence on the part of the candidate.
- LOSING CONFIDENCE IN THE DISCUSSION
In order to have a strong impact in the discussion, one must maintain their confidence throughout the duration of the discussion. Even if you end up making a mistake, it is important to regain your composure and recover quickly so that it does not affect your performance in the discussion overall. Getting nervous and becoming clueless over a single mistake can severely affect your chances, hence your confidence should be steadfast.
- SPEAKING SLOWLY
In the limited time that one has, it is important to speak in a manner that leaves an impact. This does not mean shouting- however, one should speak at a consistence pace, in a voice that is loud enough for everyone in the room to hear clearly, and emphasise on keywords wherever necessary. Each word spoken should carry its own value without any redundancy or repetition. The aim should be to not just speak but also contribute meaningfully otherwise the purpose of participation stands defeated.
HOW TO ASSESS YOUR PERFORMANCE?
Because the marking scheme in a group discussion is subjective and not objective, candidates often find themselves at a loss to determine why there were not selected. This is made worse in the absence of clear parameters for selection or rejection, as the case may be.
Below, we have given certain thresholds through which you may assess your performance.
- Was your contribution in accordance with the given topic?
- Were you polite with your group mates?
- Were you positive in your approach?
- Were you confident during the whole discussion?
- Did you use examples?
- Were you active during the discussion?
- Have you focused on your voice and fluency?
Now that you know how a Group Discussion works and how to prepare, YLCC wishes you all the best!
