Group Discussion Contd..

In a Nutshell

Purpose: To prepare the students for the competitive mode of communication. Group Discussion

GD is a method used in the corporate world to measure certain personality traits in the candidate like interactive and interpersonal skills. An ideal group of 8 to 10. A topic or situation is given and candidates are asked to discuss it for half an hour. Myths about GD You should be aggressive.-by grabbing the initiative. You should speak more.-What you speak is more important than how much you peak. You should speak in favour.-Not necessary, it should be a stand you are comfortable with. You should cut down your opponents.-Never interrupt the speakers. You should make others agree to your point.-Wrong! It is not a legal battle. You should be an individual speaker.-Participation is important in a GD. You should project yourself in style.-BE YOURSELF is the bottomline. No put up accent. You should make others agree to your point.-Wrong! It is not a legal battle. You should be an individual speaker.-Participation is important in a GD. You should project yourself in style.-BE YOURSELF is the bottomline. No put up accent. The focus of the GD is on- Verbal Communicative Ability Non-verbal cues Leadership Skills Persuasive skills.

Verbal Communicative Ability Good knowledge of subject and power to communicate it effectively. A good reading habit helps to be aware of various areas like finance,science,politics and so on. Positive impact can be created by talking forcefully,which is possible with enough knowledge the subject.

Leadership Skills The ability to motivate and influence other candidates. Evaluator observes the interaction and notes the tact,skill etc.

Persuasive Skills The manner in which a candidate convinces other members of the group. The clarity of expression in presenting the view. One may accommodate other’s viewpoints and disagree in a polite manner.

The GD Process  The Initiation  The Body of the GD  Summarization/Conclusion

Initiation One who initiates the GD gets the opportunity to speak first ,also grabs attention of the evaluator. Can make an impression with content and communication skills. To put the topic into the right perspective is the initiator’s responsibilty.Hence start only when know the topic well.

The Body of Discussion Main part where all the members express their viewpoints. May politely agree,disagree. Speaker should not be interrupted while speaking. Entire group must be addressed. Relevant quotes,definitions,facts and figures may be used.

Summarization/Conclusion Generally, GD doesn’t have a conclusion. However, the discussion is summarized. The summary must be brief. All important points should be covered.The focus should not be on the personal views alone.No new points must be stated here.

Suggested Topics: Reality shows: how far real? Only the youth can take India on the path of progress. Examination system needs a reform. IPL Matches: The business of cricket? How far is the technological development of India helping the rural areas? Global Warming-what role can the youth play? Genome-opening of a new life Impact of Globalization

Evaluation: Content Presentation-Logic,coherence Initiative Body Language Communication Skills