Crack The GD...!!!

Group Discussion

 GD is a methodology used by an organization to know whether the candidate has certain personality traits or skills that it desires in its members.

Some of the personality traits the GD is trying to gauge may include:

• Ability to work in a team
• Communication Skills
• Reasoning Ability
• Leadership Quality
• Initiative
• Flexibility
• Creativity
• Problem Solving Skills
• Decision Making

Types of GD:

      There are two types:

1.      Topic Based (Topic will be given)

The topics may be

i) Factual Topic (about practical things)

       Ex. The Education Policy of India.

ii) Controversial Topics (Argumentative in nature)

       Ex. Women make better managers

iii) Abstract Topics (about intangible things)

        Ex. A is an alphabet

              Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

2.      Case Based (Situation will be given instead of a topic).

Discussion Etiquettes:

 Do's:

§  Introduce yourself to the group.

§  Speak Pleasantly and politely to the group

§  Be specific and brief.

§  Respect the contribution of every speaker

§  Discussion is not an argument. So learn to disagree politely.

§  Try to stick to the discussion topic. Don’t introduce irrelevant information.

§  Use simple, direct and straight forward language.

§  Agree with and acknowledge what you find interesting.

§  Exhibit your team spirit by co-operating with others during the discussion.

§  Thank the group members and the interviewers at the end.

Don’ts:

§   Don’t lean on the table. Sit straight and comfortably.

§  Don’t remain silent for long. Get into the discussion at the earliest opportunity.

§  Don’t lose your temper.

§  Don’t shout. Use a moderate tone and medium pitch.

§  Don’t use too many gestures when you speak. Gestures like finger pointing and table thumbing can appear aggressive.

§  Don’t dominate the discussion. Confident student should allow quiter students a chance to contribute.

§  Don’t interrupt.

 Success in a GD needs:

1.      Communication Skills

2.      Knowledge and idea regarding a given subject

3.      Capability to co-ordinate and lead

4.      Exchange of thoughts

5.      Addressing the group as a whole

6.      Thorough preparation

 Some useful expressions:

      1. Expressing opinions         :   I think/ feel that….

                                                         In my opinion/ view…

                                                         From my point of view….

      2. Agreement                        :   I agree with…

                                                         I must admit….

                                                         That’s a very good point

      3. Disagreement                    :   That’s not how I see it.

                                                         I am sorry, I can’t accept that.

                                                         I am afraid, I disagree with you.

      4. Doubt                                 :   I’m not so sure about that.

                                                         You may be right.

      5. Persuading & Convincing:  Look,…

                                                        Surely…

                                                        Why don’t you?

                                                        You will agree…

Group Discussion Topics:

1. Advertisement is the legalized form of telling lies.

2. Communicative competency in English is the golden key for success in the global arena.

3. Is EQ more important than IQ?

4. Attitude decides ones altitude in life.

5. Should an aspiring student go for a course which is in demand or for a course which he/she likes?

6. Is westernizing a cultural degradation or enrichment?

7. Is the press in India really free?

8. Is coalition government sustainable?

9. Should fashion show be banned?

10. No two generation see eye to eye.

11. Is scientific advance boon or bane?

12. Should brain drain be banned?

13. Cyber crimes and steps to prevent and control

14. Does ragging spoil friendship?

15. Impact of media and Internet on youth.

16. Is Globalisation Really Necessary?
17. What shall we do about our ever-increasing Population?
18. Corruption is the price we pay for Democracy
19. What India needs is a Dictatorship.
20. Beauty contests degrade womanhood
21. Is dependence on computers a good thing?
22. Should the public sector be privatised?
23. Is India a Soft Nation?
24. Value based politics is the need of the hour
25. Religion should not be mixed with politics
26. Multinational corporations: Are they devils in disguise?
27. Should there be private universities?
28. Does banning fashion shows and New Year parties save our culture

29. Role of UN in peacekeeping.
30. Position of Women in India compared to other nations.
31. Environment MAnagement.
32. Is China better than India in software.
33. Should Sonia Gandhi be made the PM
34. BPOs in India
35.Govt contribution to IT
36. Will punch lines rule the Advt
38. Water resources should be nationalised
39. Effect of cinema on Youth
40. Education in India compared to Foreign nations
41. Are studies more benifitial in India or in Abroad.
42."UN's peace activities" and "America's war on Iraq".
43."Environment-Whose Responisibility".
44. Is China a threat to the indian software industry.
45. About Hockey being the primary game in India.
46. Cricket should be banned or not.
47.Is China A Threat To India
48.Present state of Indian Cricket team.
49. Love marriage/Arranged marriage.

50. Advantages of Co-education. 

Group Discussions-General Concepts

What is the normal duration of a Group Discussions ?
A Group Discussion is generally of 15-20 minutes duration.

How many panel members are there to evaluate?
There are usually 3-4 panel members to evaluate.

Is there time given for preparation after the topic is given and before starting the Group Discussion ?
Usually some time (2-5 minutes) is given to collect one's thoughts, but there could be instances when this does not happen, so it is best not to bank on this.

Should I address the panel or the group members?
Don't ever make the mistake of addressing the panel members. The Group Discussion is between you and the other members, not the panel members. You must avoid even looking at the panel members while the Group Discussion is in progress. Just ignore their existence.

What is the seating arrangement like?
It could be semi-circular, or circular, or seating along side a rectangular table, depending upon the venue. It is best not to bother about trivial issues like this, which you have no control over.

How should I address the other group members?
If you are initiating the discussion, you could do so by collectively addressing the group as "Friends". Subsequently, you could use names (if the group has had a round of self-introduction prior to starting the discussion and you remember the names) or simply use pronouns like "he" or "she".

Suppose I have a lot to say on the topic, should I say all of it?
You would not be looked upon favorably if you kept speaking all the time and did not listen to anyone else. Contrary to the misconception, the person who talks the most is not necessarily the one who is judged the best. The quality and not the quantity of your contribution is the success factor.

Should I encourage others to speak up?
Do not directly put someone who is consistently silent on the spot by asking him/her to speak up. If someone has been trying to speak and has a good point but is cut off constantly, you may encourage him/her to continue with her point as you would like to hear her out.

Are the group members supposed to keep track of the time or will the panel keep track?
It would be good if you are conscious of the time, but not to the point of getting so distracted looking at your watch that you do not contribute to the discussion.

Article By

M. Devamanikandan

Third Year IT