Group Discussions: How to Give Your Best Performance

What is Group Discussion?

A group discussion (GD) is a method of interaction and communication between people of similar backgrounds who have come together for a common purpose. Unstructured group discussions are used by organizations as evaluation and screening methods to select suitable candidates for managerial and other positions. Institutes of higher education also use group discussions to screen applicants to management and technical courses.

The behavior and performance of the GD participants are closely observed and evaluated by a panel of assessors. Since the objective of the assessors is elimination of unsuitable candidates and selection of suitable ones, the participants need to perform optimally and display their capabilities within the stipulated time for the discussion.

Topics given for discussion can range from current affairs to economic developments, from business and commerce to global trends, socio-political matters, or from sports to entertainment.

GD Process:                                                                    

A typical group discussion consists of six to eight members, seated in a circular or semi-circular arrangement, facing one another. The topic is given by the Assessor Panel five to ten minutes before the actual discussion starts. Group members are asked to mentally deliberate on the topic, and then discuss with group members for fifteen to twenty minutes.

Any member can start the discussion; there is no pre-nominated leader. Similarly, the tasks of carrying forward the discussion, coordinating the points discussed, encouraging team members to speak up, concluding the discussion etc., are left open. Any member can assume the role of leader and take these roles up. 

Assessment of Participants:

Participants in a group discussion are assessed by observers, who generally have a pre-determined criteria for evaluation. Each candidate is judged for individual performance and behavior, and for interaction with co-participants.

A favorable assessment in a Group Discussion demands that a participant:

ü  Shows initiative, leadership and coordinating behavior

ü  Has sufficient knowledge of current national and international topics, general awareness of developments in various fields, etc.

ü  Is able to express him/ herself confidently and assertively

ü  Backs up arguments with logic and suitable examples

ü  Takes other members along, while trying to convince others on his/her point

ü  Sticks to the topic and does not stray with futile arguments

Behavior that is negatively marked includes:

•       Aggression and dominance, not letting others speak
•       Repeatedly interrupting others
•       Illogical and emotional arguments
•       Keeping silent or not contributing enough to the discussion
•       Repeating others’ points without saying anything of one’s own
•       Confrontation and belligerent behavior with other participants

Participants are therefore judged, not only on their knowledge and contribution to the discussion, but also on their behavior and etiquette. Leadership behavior, interpersonal effectiveness and the ability to work in a team are qualities that are favourably evaluated.

Preparation for Group Discussion:

The candidate needs to do some amount of preparation and homework before attending a GD. 

Tips for doing your best in a group discussion would include the following:

  

Work on your English vocabulary and speaking skills. If you are from vernacular background, or are not fluent in spoken English, first work on becoming comfortable with speaking formal English. The language used for group discussion is formal English, which is totally different from colloquial or slang forms. Build up your vocabulary by adding new words every day. Look up meanings and pronunciations. Speak the words aloud and add these to your regular conversations. Your command over spoken English will go a long way in making a favourable impression before assessors.

Practice public speaking. Ask for your peer group’s help in this. Organize mock GDs or extempore speaking events, and speak on a particular topic with your friends or class mates. Ask a teacher or someone senior to assess you and give feedback. You will understand your own strengths and weaknesses, while becoming more confident in speaking English. Also you will get over stage fright or nervousness in speaking in front of an audience.

Read up newspapers, journals, news magazines to keep yourself up-to-date with current topics. Read not only the headlines, but also actual reports and write-ups. The newspaper editorial is also a good source of opinionated writing. Read the business and sports sections, along with sections on international news. Write down key points of an article after reading it. Try to summarize the article in your own words.

Listen to talk shows on BBC/CNBC/ CNN-IBN or any English news channel on radio or television. You will learn how to present your point of view, and back up your argument. You will also become aware of different points of views on a particular subject/topic.

Learn to modulate and throw your voice. Do this by practicing public speaking or elocution in front of your friends or family members. Ask for feedback, and act on it. If your voice is too high-pitched, learn to control your pitch and tone. If it is too soft, clear your throat and practice speaking louder. Remember to keep your tone polite and confident.

Take a pen and pad along for writing down your thoughts and strategy. Also you will be able to summarize main points if they are written down. Also observe and carefully listen to other participants expressing their views. You can get important pointers from others' opinions.



So folks, do your preparation well and give it your best shot. 

And soon you will start enjoying participating in group discussions!