Professional Documents
Culture Documents
What is a group? A collection of people, working together to get a job done. When they are working together in this way, the group process leads to a spirit of cooperation, coordination and commonly understood procedures. Because of this, the group performance is enhanced by their synergy and mutual support.
2 types of GD
Structured Unstructured Structured Group Discussions Initiator : He starts the topic of discussion. Information seeker : His role is to ask questions related to the topic Information giver : His role is to answer any questions raised during the discussion.
Procedure facilitator : He normally keeps track of the discussion by keeping minutes or notes. Opinion seeker : On every point raised, this person asks the opinion of the others regarding the value of that particular item raised. Opinion giver : Answers the opinion seeker and others. Clarifier : Suggests extra data they may require in order to clear up any point. Summarizer : Summarizes the discussion
good points are raised. Harmonizer : Tries to consider the benefits from two opposing points of view. Tension Reliever : When tempers rise high, this person may try to consider the different angles raised. Energizer : Tries to develop someones good idea a little more. Compromiser : When the discussion becomes heated, he tries for a compromise. Gatekeeper : Encourages silent members to contribute.
Dominator: someone who takes control of the discussion by talking too much, interrupting other members, or behaving in a patronising way. Clown: someone who shows off, refuses to take the discussion seriously, or disrupts it with inappropriate humour.
Reasoning Ability Reasoning ability plays an important role while expressing your opinions or ideas at a GD. An opinion can be better stated by demonstrating your reasoning ability and completing the missing links between subject being discussed and the various items raised during the GD.
Leadership 1. shows direction to the group whenever group moves away from the topic. 2. coordinates the effort of the different team members in the GD. 3. contributes to the GD at regular intervals with valuable insights. 4. inspires and motivates team members to express their views.
Flexibility You must be open to other ideas as well as to the evaluation of your ideas: That is what flexibility is all about. Never ever start your GD with a stand or a conclusion. Assertiveness You must put forth your point to the group in a very emphatic, positive and confident manner. Participants often confuse assertiveness with aggressiveness.
Initiative A general trend amongst students is to start a GD and get the initial 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. Remember: You never ever get a second chance to create a first impression.
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. Listening Always try and strike a proper balance between expressing your ideas and imbibing ideas.
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. The content or awareness generally constitutes 40 to 50 percent marks of your GD. Apart from these qualities, communication skills, confidence and the ability to think on ones feet are also very important.
There are different techniques to initiate a GD and make a good first impression: Quotes Definition Question Shock statement Facts, figures and statistics Short story General statement
Encourage someone who may be silent or shy, especially ladies. Do not argue with anyone. Do not debate with any particular person while the group looks on. Do not repeat what has been said; try to develop on ideas expressed, or give out new ideas. Clarify anything that you have not understood, and then talk on it. Above all, be brief and succinct. Do not commit grammatical errors in your hurry to speak.
Avoid dwelling only on one aspect of the GD. Keep it brief and concise. It must incorporate all the important points that came out during the GD. Remember - If you are asked to summarise a GD, it means the GD has come to an end. Do not add anything more.