Group DISCUSSION

1. Group DISCUSSION

2. Topics • Definition of Group Discussion • Group Discussion • Prerequisites of a Group Discussion • Benefits in Group Discussion • Salient features • Do’s and Don’ts in Group Discussion • Important points in Group Discussion • Accept criticism • Suggestion • Topics of importance frequently discussed

3. Group discussion is the first criteria for screening the candidates for face-to-face interviews.

4. Why Group Discussion???? • First thing Group Discussion is used for mass elimination! And second thing group discussion selection criteria’s are based on actual company requirements.

5. Definition of Group Discussion • Group Discussion is a modern method of assessing students personality. • It is both a technique and an art and a comprehensive tool to judge the worthiness of the student and his appropriateness for the job.

6. Group Discussion • The term suggests a discussion among a group of persons. • The group will have 8 & 12 members who will express their views freely, frankly in a friendly manner, on a topic of current issue. • Within a time limit of 20 to 30 minutes,the abilities of the members of the group is measured.

7. Prerequisites of a Group Discussion • Topics given by panelists • Planning and preparation • Knowledge with self-confidence • Communication skills/ power of speech • Presentation • Body Language and personal appearance • Being calm and cool

8. Prerequisites of a Group Discussion • Extensive knowledge base related to state, country and globe. • Areas are politics,sports,science & trade commerce, Industry and Technology, MNC,etc. • Analyze the social,economical issues logistically . • Listening skills • Co-operation.

9. Benefits in Group discussion • Stimulation of thinking in a new way. • Expansion of knowledge • Understanding of your strength and weakness. • Your true personality is revealed and qualities of leadership crystallize

10. Benefits of group discussion • provides chance to Expose • Language skills • Academic knowledge • Leadership skills • people handling skills • Team work • General knowledge.

11. Salient features of G.D • Topic may be given to judge your public speaking talent. • Discussion revolves around a specific subject. • The examiner does not interfere once he announced the topic. • Maintain cordiality and free expression of thought and opinion.

12. Do`s in group discussion • Appropriate to the issue . • Make original points & support them by substantial reasoning . • Listen to the other participants actively &carefully. • Whatever you say must be with a logical flow,&validate it with an example as far as possible. • Make only accurate statements.

13. Do`s in group discussion • Modulate the volume, pitch and tone. • Be considerate to the feelings of the others. • Try to get your turn. • Be an active and dynamic participant by listening. • Talk with confidence and self-assurance.

14. Don’ts during group discussion • Being shy /nervous / keeping isolated from G.D • Interrupting another participant before his arguments are over • Speak in favour. • Don’t make fun of any participant even if his arguments are funny.

15. Don`ts during group discussion • Don’t engage yourself in sub-group conversation. • Don’t repeat and use irrelevant materials. • Addressing yourself to the examiner. • Worrying about making some grammatical mistakes, for your interest the matter you put across are important.

16. Important points in group discussion • Be assertive: An assertive person is direct , honest careful about not hurting others ‘self-respect’. • A patient listener: listening to another person is one way of showing appreciation. • Right language : Words can make friends & right words at the right time make the best results. • Be analytical and fact-oriented : It is necessary to make relevant points which can be supported with facts and analyzed logically.

17. Accept criticism • If any member of the group criticizes or disapproves a point, it is unwise to get upset or react sharply. • In case the criticism is flimsy,the same can be pointed out politely. • Maximize participation ; one must try to contribute fully, vigorously & steadily throughout the discussion. • Show leadership ability: A group discussion also evaluates your leadership qualities.

18. Accept someone's point of view • Praise the argument Example: Remedial English communication is necessary for college students because they fail in communication skill test. Status of literacy of women , is increased from 30% to 70% when compared to past years, in employment sectors organized ,in the IT & ITES field.

19. Accept the contradicts view • Express your argument with few facts, cases, %, Newspapers publications etc. • Express without hurting others feelings.

20. Suggestions • Never try to bluff. • Practice group discussion with friends on different subjects. • Remember !speech is a powerful weapon.

21. Topics of Importance frequently discussed • Is India Shining • Mobile phones / Internet – a boon or nuisance • Students focusing on software industry-good or bad • Child marriage • India 2020 • Daughters are more caring than sons • Influence of western culture in Indian Universities • Influence of computers in medical sciences

22. Evaluation Components • During a GD employers evaluate potential for leadership and ability to work in a team. • The four components generally evaluated in a group discussion are: • Knowledge • Communication skills • Group behaviour • Leadership potential

23. Communication Skills Candidate assessed in terms of: • Active listening • Clarity of thought and expression • Apt language • Appropriateness of body language • Lucidity (Easily Understandable lang)

24. Tone: Quality or character of the voice expression a particular feeling or mood • Voice: Power of speech • Articulation: Act of speaking or expressing an idea in words • Fluency: Speaking or writing in an easy, flowing style • Modulation: Variations in rate, tone, or volume of voice • Good delivery: The ideas expressed fluently in the right voice, right tone, and right articulation. • It isn’t sufficient to have ideas. They have to be expressed effectively.

25. Apt Language • Fluency and accuracy in use of language free from grammatical errors. • Directly, clearly and precisely put ideas in a organized fashion. • Simplicity and unambigusity • Using too much of jargon or high-sounding words or ambiguous expressions may project as a show-off and may not endear to group members.

26. Effective Use of Body Language • Looking attentively at the speaker and nodding • While speaking, ensuring no one is ignored. Looking at everybody. • Avoiding overt gestures • Avoiding pointing out fingers • Avoiding monotonous posture by shifting slightly in the chair or placing arm on the back of your chair • Not showing interest or dislike in the topic. • Even if one does not like the topic he should try to develop interest and reveal interest and enthusiasm through appropriate facial expression.

27. Group Behaviour ( Team Spirit) • group behaviour is reflected in ability to interact with other members of the group on brief acquaintance. • Emotional maturity and balance promotes good interpersonal relationships.One is expected to be more people centric and less ego centric. • Remaining objective, empathetic, and non-threatening, and behaving maturely as a good team player

28. Essence • Consistency participation • Keenness in listening and observing • Time sharing and orderly conduct • Ability to handle turbulent situations • Ability to cut excessively exuberant participants down to size • Ability to dominate the proceedings without bullying others • Avoiding personal comments

29. Leadership Skills • The success of any team depends to a large extent, on its leader. • The candidate who possesses both functional ability and coordinating ability would emerge as the leader. • Functional ability involves knowledge, mental and physical energy, emotional stability, objectivity, communication skill, integrity and emotional intelligence

30. Dos • Sitting comfortably • Listening to topic • Organizing ideas • Speaking at the earliest • Identifying supporters/ opponents • Keeping track of time • Sharing time fairly • Maintaining eye contact • Taking notes • Aiming for summary if needed

31. Don’ts • Being in a hurry • Being silent • Dominating vocally/physically • Assuming role of chairman • Introducing topic • Taking extreme stance • Looking at faculty • Moving excessively • Throwing all ideas at one shot • Speaking fast • Digressing • Indulging in ill conversation • Paying attention to bull dozers • Using slang • Getting emotional

32. What skills are judged in group discussion? • 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. • Your leadership and decision making skills. • Your analysis skill and subject knowledge. • Problem solving and critical thinking skill. • Your attitude and confidence.

33. Thank you