In this lesson, we shall cover the following matters-

• Know-how of Group Discussion(GD)
• 8 Personality Skills Judges during GD
• 7 Myths regarding GD

What is GD ?

A Group Discussion is a normal conversation among a group of individuals; since the conversation is related to a particular topic, hence the word “Discussion”.

There are many “misconceptions” regarding GD.

Having a sound and brief knowledge about the topic is also prerequisite.

• Now a days GD is being extensively used along with Personal Interview (PI) for the final selection of the candidates. It plays a main role in selecting the best among the best.
• It is one of the best tools to study the behavioral and attitudinal responses of the participants.

EIGHT Personality Skills Judges during GD

1. Ability to work in a team
2. Communication Skills
3. Listening Skills
4. Reasoning ability
5. Leadership skills
6. Behavioral skills
7. Creativity
8. Confidence

SEVEN Myths regarding GD.

1. You should be aggressive
2. You should speak more
3. You should speak in favour
4. You should cut down your opponents
5. You should make others agree to your point
6. You should be an individual speaker
7. You should project yourself in style

7 Myths regarding GD.

The following misconceptions or myths should be removed to succeed in GD.

1. You should be aggressive:

• Most candidates go to a GD with a false notion that they must grab the initiative to be heard.
• Of course you should be audible but that does not mean you have to shout or prevent others from speaking (election campaign)
• Moreover “grabbing the initiative” does not mean that you have to begin the discussions, just for the sake of it.
• By giving others a chance to begin, you exhibit leadership skills, as well as extrovert, co-operative nature.

2. You should speak more:

• Remember, the listener is always in an advantage position compared to the speaker.
• Although you have to speak in GD, you must speak to the point.
• You should speak the most relevant points within the time limit.
• The best way to ensure this is to have fairly good knowledge on the topic being discussed.
• Quote examples based on facts and figures.
• For e.g.: if the topic is electronic media vs Print media. you should know how many households in India have televisions and the circulation  of some well-known national dallies magazines.
• Bottom line is: what you speak is more important that how much you speak. Quality counts, not quantity.

3. You should speak in favour:

• There is no thumb rule that if you are speaking in favour of a topic you have a positive outlook.
• Most individual feels if they speak in favour of a topic, they stand a better chance of being selected.
• For instance, GD topic could be abstract or trivial topic. e.g.: in the 21st century India continues to live in villages. In this case, most individuals will begin by saying, “I am completely agree with the topic.” but it is here candidates projects ignorance, because there is a mass exodus of the rural population, particularly the young generation, to urban India in search of better job opportunities.

4. You should cut down your opponents:

• Listening is a better communication skill than speaking.
• Do not interrupt the speakers.
• If someone speak first, it is good for you, especially if you are not familiar with the topic.
• Moreover if the speakers speak illogically, it goes on in your favour.
• Spoken well but keep on interrupting the other participants, it speaks volumes about your inherent insecurity.

5. You should make others agree to your point:

It’s completely wrong. You have not gone to fight a legal battle that you should makes

Others agree to your view points.

It is always better to say, “I agree with Mr.x, however i think…”Rather than saying “I do not agree with Mr.x.. Or “how can you say..?

If you disagree with everyone, everyone will disagree with you. Ultimately you will find the entire group against you, placing in an embarrassing situation.

6. You should be an individual speaker:

You are in a GD not a debate and in a group you have to involve.

Participation is very important, so go to the extra mile to help others in voicing their opinions.

Look for the individual who has not spoken and motivate him/her to speak.it create a positive picture.

If you feel that the discussion has turned out to be argumentative, try to restore normalcy, but not by outshouting pothers. Convey in a modest and audible manner.

7. You should project yourself in style:

• Be yourself.be normal
• The basic objective of a GD is to discover your traits.
• Do not change your pronunciation or accent or try to speak in ornamental English.
• Never try to put on an act in a GD-unless you are Dev Anand  while participating in a GD
• These are the seven mental blocks that an individual has to discard while participating in a gd.
• If you follow these guidelines come what may, you are sure to get selected.