How to do Well in Group Discussion

What is a Group Discussion? Where it is used?  Why are Group Discussions used as a part of the selection process? How are they useful? I know these are some question in your mind but i am sure this post will help you to understand about Group Discussions. Today for many banking and other posts their is Group discussion play a vital role. In this list ICICI and some other banks conduct a Group discussion and Interview. if you don`t read our previous post on Interview you must read.

• Things You Must Know Before Going For An Interview

Here I am provide you pro and cons of Group discussion.

What is a Group Discussion? Where it is used?

A GD (Group Discussion) is a forum where people sit together, discuss a topic or an issue for a certain amount of time with the common objective of finding a solution for a problem.

Why are Group Discussions used as a part of the selection process? How are they useful?

Group Discussions measure those attributes in candidates that are otherwise difficult to identify and time consuming to evaluate. A majority of otherwise articulate people who can communicate fluently and discuss their ideas effectively with others in a one-to-one situation become tongue-tied in a group situation. They are just not be able to present or discuss their ideas with other members of the group. A Group Discussion helps identify people who have such group communication skills and those that don't.

What are the similarities / differences between Group Discussions and Public Speaking / Debating?

Debating and Public Speaking are one-to-many communication situations whereas a Group Discussion is a many-to-many situation. A debate, an elocution or a public speaking contest is a solo performance whereas a Group Discussion is NOT. In a debate, it is your individual views that matter. In a Group Discussion, apart from your individual views, the views of the entire group are taken into cosideration.

In Public Speaking / Debating, the speaker can take a particular position on the topic and speak accordingly. In a Group Discussion, all the members of the group participate and one has to listen to the views of other members of the group. Since it is a discussion and not a debate/argument, the speaker is frequently "interrupted" by many members of the group while speaking.

How is a Group Discussion conducted?

A group of candidates are made to sit together in a circular / semi-circular fashion or in a U-shape formation. A person to co-ordinate the Group Discussion (called the moderator) is present there. After the topic is announced/read out, candidates start discussing the topic amongst themselves. They stop discussing when the moderator asks them to do so.

For GDs in SBI PO exam, candidates are given about 3-5 minutes to prepare for the topic and then each student is allowed to speak for about 2-3 minutes. After this is done, the house is thrown open, and this situation lasts about 30-45 minutes.

How many candidates are there be in a Group Discussion?

The group size can range between eight to fifteen students.

How much time is given for each Group Discussion?

Normally, 15 to 20 minutes are allotted.

Are the participants expected to refer to each other by name?

No. You should refer to a specific person either by looking at him / her directly or by pointing out to him / her.

What is the role of the moderator?

The primary role of the moderator is to evaluate the performance of every participant. He tells the group members what they should do, announces the topic and time for the discussion, keeps track of the time of the Group Discussion and assesses the performance of the participants of the Group Discussion. For all practical purposes, he is non-existent once the Group Discussion starts.

What are the methods that can be used for idea generation?

The three methods are:

I) KWA(KEY WORD APPROACH)

In this approach, you should look at the topic word by word. Take each key word or phrase of the topic and see what it means. It has to be clarified as to what "frame of reference" you are using.

For example, if the topic were: "Excessive exposure of female anatomy in advertising should be banned". Then one should analyse, indepth, Excessive Exposure, Advertising and Ban.

II) VAP(VIEWPOINT OF AFFECTED PARTIES)

In this approach, consider all the people or parties who are likely to be affected by the topic viewers / readers, parents, children; the companies whose products are being advertised; (advertising agencies / media TV, newspapers, magazine) the people involved in "exposing".

III) Socio-cultural, Political, Economic, Legal, and Technological (SPELT) angles to the given topic: Students should analyse a given topic using this approach as this would help them look at an issue from multiple angles.

You should bear in mind that it may not be possible to use each of the above mentioned in isolation for every topic. Rather what you should look at doing is to use a combination of approaches so that you generate the maximum number of ideas.

Is it admirable to take a position in favor of the topic or against the topic?

A Group Discussion is not a debate where you have to decide whether you would like to speak for the topic or against the topic. This is a "discussion" where you have to bring out all aspects pertaining to the topic. You have to bring out points in favor of the topic as well as those against the topic and discuss them in the group.

Don't start the Group Discussions with categorical statements like "I whole-heartedly support the topic …" or "I completely disagree with the topic ….", etc.

Will using statistics help in a GD?

If using statistics enhances the present ability of your point, then go ahead and use them.

Can I question the other group members on what they say?

Asking questions just for the sake of asking questions, once again, is not going to earn you any marks or take you anywhere.

What should I do if I do not know anything about the topic?

Make sure to read a variety of topics. You should keep quiet during the initial stages and listen to what is being said. Once you get a good idea about other people's points of view, use those points combined with your common sense to come up with your own arguments/comments. You can also try and use KWA and SPELT to help yourself generate ideas.

Should I be the first to speak in the GD? Will it fetch me additional marks if I initiate the GD?

You are going to get only a slight advantage as a first mover. The marks you get will depend on your overall contribution.

What type of Group Discussion topics are given in Bank selections?

Banks generally conduct "Topic-based Group Discussions".

In topic-based Group Discussions, the group discusses a topic that is typically in the form of a statement. By the end of the discussion, the group should strive to arrive at a consensus on the issue covered by the topic.

In topic-based Group Discussions, what types of topics are usually given?

The topics given in Group Discussions are of two types - knowledge-based, and abstract.

Knowledge-based topics are those that require awareness on your part to enable you to speak on the topic. Areas from which topics are drawn are: Economics, Social issues, Politics, Sports / Films, Banking, IT and Current issues. Some examples are:

i) Global recession and its impact on Indian banks

ii) Reservation should be extended to the private sector

iii) Major Global Agenda

iv) The job of government is to govern and not to conduct commercial activity (business)

v) Entrepreneurs make good managers but mangers don’t always make good entrepreneurs

vi) Judicial Activism encroaches upon the powers of the Executive and the Legislature!

vii) Online shopping vs Retail shopping

viii) Subsidies are not good for our country

ix) Commercialization of education. Is it good or bad?

x) The rise and growth of regional parties is hurting the unity of India

xi) SWACHCHH BHARAT ABHIYAAN (CLEAN INDIA CAMPAIGN)

xii) How corruption is destroying India

xiii) Should government disinvest in Public Sector Banks?

xiv) India doesn't fight against corruption adequately

Abstract Topics are those on which you don't really need any knowledge to speak. Your general knowledge, understanding of the world around and common sense will help you speak on the topic. Some examples are:

i) A rolling stone gathers no moss

ii) A rose is a rose is a rose is a rose

You have to be regular with newspaper reading,(preferably the Economic Times ) especially the articles in the editorial section.

For current issues, you should go through all good magazines - of the past 8 to 10 months. This should include at least one business magazine (Business India, Business Today or Business World) and one general magazine (India Today, Outlook, Frontline, etc.). Your focus should be on the "why and how" rather than on the "when and where" of the issues.

For issues that are not current, a single source that can help you is any guide that covers the preparation for the General Studies paper of Civil Services Examination.

What does the moderator look for in the participants of a Group Discussion?

1.Content

2.Communication skills

3.Group behavioral skills

4.Leadership skills

Let us look at each of them in detail.

Content

Content is the single most important factor in a Group Discussion. The moderator would like to know how well-versed you are with information relevant to the topic. It shows how well-read you are. It is very important for you to clearly display your understanding of all the issues pertaining to the topic.

Communication skills

Here, you are evaluated on 'how you say what you want to say'. Communication does not refer to the use of flowery language. Rather, it means presenting your ideas in such a manner that ensures that persons whom you are addressing clearly understand what you are trying to convey.

Listening: You are expected to be a good listener. Unless you are a good listener, you will find it very difficult to add to the ideas expressed by other participants. Moreover, you may be asked to summarize the discussion and unless you are a good listener, you will not be able to summarize it effectively. Over the years, B-Schools have been placing a premium on this attribute. IIM-B has been asking participants for a written summary of the GD.

Language: While we maintain that use of flowery language should be avoided, it is important to note that marks are awarded for the confidence and ease with which you use the English language. What also needs to be borne in mind is that unless what you say with regard to the topic is relevant, no amount of good English will help you.

Body Language: Body language plays an important part in non-verbal communication. While you need to take note of this, this should not make you overtly conscious. Relax and be your natural self.

Group Behavior: The moderator expects you to make points logically and rationally as a mature adult. Do not get carried away by passion or be stubborn while putting across your views during the discussion.

Leadership Skills: You are not expected to physically lead a group by actions such as thumping the desk, shouting, etc. Such actions should be avoided. Leadership, in the context of a GD, means bringing the discussion back on track when it is running digressing from the topic at hand.

It is not possible for all members of a group to display leadership skills. If you get an opportunity to lead the group, do so by all means. However, do not go out of your way to establish yourself as a leader. It is quite adequate if you are able to display your knowledge, communicate effectively, and behave maturely with your fellow group members.

Remember one important rule - you are here in order to get selected for the organisation of your choice. You are not there to make policy decisions for the government. Nor are you there to convince all your fellow group members that your point of view is the only one that matters. You are there only to contribute meaningfully to the group in a manner that convinces the moderator of your abilities as a potential bank employee. Everything you do or say should be done keeping this all-important fact in min!!!

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