The literal meaning of the word ‘discuss’ is ‘to talk about a subject in detail’.
• Discussion is done on various social, economical, political issues.
• People discuss in order to develop a better perspective on key issues by bringing out various view points. • When we exchange differing view on an issue, we get clear picture of the problem, and are able to understand it. This understanding makes us better equipped to deal with the problem, and this is the main purpose of a discussion.
• Discussion might be both formal and informal.
• Formal discussions take place at professional set up as, meeting, seminars, conference ,or at a recruitment center. • Informal discussions take place at a restaurant, recreation club, coffee shop, or even at home. GROUP DISCUSSION
• The term suggests a discussion among group of members.
• The group will have 8-12 members who will express their views freely, frankly in a friendly manner, on a topic of current issues.
• Within a time limit of 20-30 minutes, the abilities of the members of the group are assessed. GROUP DISCUSSION
Group discussion is a form of systematic and purposeful interactive oral process.
• It refers to a communicative situation that allows its participants to express views and opinions to other participants. • It is a systematic oral exchange of information among members of a group who shares certain common objectives. • It is characterized by the formal and structured exchange of views for developing information and understanding what is essential for decision making and problem solving. • It is basically an interactive oral process. Participants has to use clear language, persuasive style, and has to use voice and gesture effectively, • It is a purposeful and goal oriented activity, it helps to achieve group goals as well as individual goals. TYPES OF GROUP DISCUSSION
GD’s can be topic based or case study based.
TOPIC BASED 1. Factual Topics- are about practical things, which an ordinary people are aware of in his day to day life. Ex. Education Policy in India. 2. Controversial Topics- are the ones which are argumentative in nature. Ex. Reservation should be removed 3. Abstract Topics- are about intangible things. These topics test their lateral thinking and creativity. Ex. The pen is mightier than the sword. CASE STUDY BASED A case study is given instead of any topic. A candidate is required to study the case and then discuss among the group. The case study tries to simulate a real life situation. The objective in the case study is to get you to think about the situation from various angles. IMPORTANCE OF GROUP DISCUSSION
Group discussion plays a important role as an effective tool in:
1. Problem Solving – discuss to find all possible, or alternative solutions at
critical situation.
2. Decision Making – discuss to analyse, interpret, and evaluate different aspects
for taking effective decisions.
3. Personality Assessment – as a technique to evaluate various skills like
communication skills, team work, leadership qualities… reflected by the candidates for job selection, or admission to professional courses. IMPORTANT SKILLS
There are four major areas of evaluation in Group Discussion.
1. Subject Knowledge- wide range of knowledge about different subject.
2. Oral Communication Skills- listening skills, appropriate language, clarity of
expression, positive speech attitudes, clear articulation, and non-verbal clues.
3. Leadership Skills – initiative, analysis, assertiveness, self confidence, time
management, objectivity, inter personal skills, patience and composure, persuasiveness, and motivation.
4. Team Management – adaptability, positive attitude, creativity, co-operation, and
co-ordination. STRATEGIES
• Getting the GD started – successful initiation –all members feel free to
participate. • Systematic contribution by each member of the group. • It is the responsibility of each member to create a friendly and cooperative atmosphere which encourages positive discussion that leads to successful conclusion. • To ensure GD moves along the right direction and to complete within the fixed time limit. • Promoting optimal participation – with patience, restraints, and proper motivation encourage non-participants to share their resource potential. • Handling Conflict – avoid conflicts between persons and not conflict between ideas. • Effective closure – GD should end formally with positive conclusions within the allotted time. DISCUSSION ETIQUETTE DISCUSSION ETIQUETTE TO SUM UP….. GROUP DISCUSSION X VERBAL & NON-VERBAL CLUES
