What Is A Group Discussion

A Group Discussion is a verbal dialogue and exchange of thoughts and opinions between a group
of people. It is a personality test commonly used by institutes where there is a high level of
competition.

Candidates and executives are selected for managerial appointments, training, awarding of
scholarships, admission to post graduate or specialized courses using this test.

A typical GD involves 8 to 12 participants discussing a topic for a stipulated time, usually for 15
to 20 minutes. Like an interview, a GD can be administered easily because it is a verbal test. It
has all the advantages of field tests which make it more objective and reliable. Candidates can
even rank themselves and then compare the rank to that given by the examiners. No special
materials are required to conduct a GD and it can be done anywhere, any time. Thus, a GD is
economical and time saving.

A Group Discussion can be Structured, Unstructured, or Specialized.

1. Structured GDs: The topic is stated and the time limit is set. No consensus is expected at the
end. No leader is chosen. These are easier to handle. Topics chosen are general and do not
require technical knowledge.

2. Unstructured GDs: A leader must be chosen and the group has to reach a consensus. The
leader has to direct the group, set the tone for discussion and ensure that the discussion is
smooth. Sometimes to make things complicated, the group is asked to decide on a topic, discuss
it and reach a consensus.

3. Specialized GDs: These include role-plays or scripted GDs. Candidates are given a certain
brief about a role that they need to play. Candidates are provided with the profiles of the people
they are supposed to play and a subsequent situation they must deal with.

A GD monitors the level of coordination and cooperation. Your ability to work in a team comes
to the fore. Do not lose your temper or appear distressed. It is a sign of inability to work in a
team. The objective is to work together and accomplish the task within the time allotted.

If you can articulate and express yourself well, you will do marvelously at the GD. Of course,
wide general knowledge of the subject will supply more points to talk about. Competition within
the group can be tough and each candidate will try to impress all others in the group. In a bid to
make a good impression and make as many points as possible, there will be overlapping,
confusion, conflict of the interests and confrontation.

Need of GD…
The end of the first part of the elimination process, the written test, signals the start of the next
and probably the most important part of your selection process….. the Group discussions and the
Personal interviews.

A stage which is not only important but also, to a large extent, psyching out for many of us. In
this particular article we shall look at some parameters on which you are judged through a Group
discussion and also all those things which go into the making of a quintessentially good GD
performance.

The purpose of conducting a Group Discussion is to test the participant on areas like
communication skills, team skills, situation handling, listening skills so on and so forth.
Fundamentally a GD is conducted to separate leaders from non leaders, an opinion which the
panel consolidates through 15-20 mins of discussion.

Who is a leader?
In a group situation when formal leadership has not been defined, the person who is capable of
generating a consensus emerges as an informal leader. Generally a person who is respected,
admired, liked and who can inspire confidence among others & himself is cosidered to be a good
group leader.

Certain attributes that are common to all the leaders are:

- The display of proficiency in a particular area of competence is required in the group situation,
it inspires respect among others.

- The display of sensitivity to others. This generates a level of ease in interaction with others
which is conducive to comfortable group environment.

- The display of ability to handle rough situations with a cool mind. This induces people to have
confidence in you as a person who will be capable of handling stress and managing situations
effectively & efficiently.

These are true in any sphere of life and so in a Group Discussion for MBA Entrance
Examination. In a group discussion your confidence and rational analysis of points will reflect
upon your performance capability and earn you the respect of your peers. Empathy to your peers,
capability of listening to others, even though you might disagree with them will make you
affable to the group.

Your ability to handle unpleasantness in the discussion, getting a discussion straying away from
the topic back on track and handling other difficult situations in the discussion will be seen as
positive points.

If you take care of the points mentioned above, you will surely be assessed as a person having
enough potential to be a future industry leader.
Success in a Group Discussion
Making your GD a big SUCCESS and coming out with flying colors!!

• Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone you are not. Be yourself so the employer
gets to know the real you.

• A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The point of interest to the evaluator is to
hear you speak.

• Take time to think of what you are going to say - if allowed, take a piece of paper and a pen
with you and jot down your thoughts, before verbalizing them. This could help you create the
right framework for your discussion.

• If you have any doubts regarding the subject or about what another team member has said, ask
for clarification.

• Don’t start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject.

• Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate the discussion or agree with
someone else’s point and then move onto express your views.

• Do not be swayed when you are told that opening the discussion is the only way of gaining
attention and recognition. If you do not give valuable insights during the discussion, all your
efforts of initiating the discussion will be in vain.

• The score you receive depends not only on your verbal communication, but also on non-verbal
skills. Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are more likely
to reflect your attitude than what you say.

• Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your points across clearly
and fluently.

• Be assertive not dominating: try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussion and analysis.

• Be patient: don’t lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to. The key is to stay
objective: Don’t take the discussion personally.

• Always be polite: Try to avoid using extreme phrases like: `I strongly object’ or `I disagree’.
Instead try phrases like: `I would like to share my views on…’ or `One difference between your
point and mine…’

• Brush up on your leadership skills: motivate the other members of the team to speak, and
listen to their views. Be receptive to others’ opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive.
• If you have a group of like-minded friends, you can have a mock group discussion where you
can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback.

Apart from the above points, the panel will also judge team members for their alertness and
presence of mind, problem-solving abilities, ability to work as a team without alienating certain
members, and creativity.

Don’t be disheartened if you don’t make it after your first group discussion… the best possible
preparation for a group discussion is to learn from your past mistakes…

Tips to handle group discussions..

Group Discussion tells an employer how a prospective employee can function in a team; whether
the candidate is a leader; and how the candidate is able to handle groups. Here, Ms.
Hemamalini, an HR practitioner, shares her views and experiences of group discussions - both
as a candidate and as an employer.

“Some years ago, I had applied to an MNC for a job in their HR team. I was called to attend a
group discussion. I was a part of an 8-member group, and found that most of the other group
members were from premier business schools, with a couple of years of experience more than
mine. In comparison I was only a fresher. As the discussion began I soon realized that they
seemed to go by the book, as far as preparations for the discussion went!

Theoretically, the person who takes the lead in a group discussion is supposed to have an edge
over the others. However, I have found that taking the lead and speaking first is a two-edged
sword: You can either be a fantastic success and win the confidence of the group as well as the
evaluating panel, or your attempt could make you the laughing-stock of the group.

In this particular instance, two of the participants were straining at the leash, and both wanted to
begin first! One got in ahead by a few seconds, but the second made up for his delay in volume.
As a result, there was utter chaos for a couple of minutes, with each trying to out-shout the other.
A few other members, realizing what the matter was, tried to join the fray. I was aghast but
decided not to add to the noise!

After a few minutes, when there was a pause, I asked: `Now with all your support can we all get
together to discuss the matter at hand? Perhaps we could start by speaking in turn, so that
everyone’s opinion can be heard?’ The others looked blank for a moment, but realized what they
were doing and spoke one after the other! By not joining the racket and by getting the group to
follow some discipline, I was acknowledged as the team leader. Later, I was told that my calm
and sensible behavior had also impressed the evaluating panel. An unexpected outcome, as I only
wanted to get the discussion on track!

Another thing employers rely upon to learn more about you is your body language. A candidate
who appears professional (or is not too overbearing) is more likely to be noticed favorably by
the panel. And, of course, language skills are vital. Speaking fluently and clearly is an asset,
but you must be able to organize your thoughts before you speak. Your ability to conceptualize,
throw new insights into the discussion is being evaluated.

Be polite - it never hurts to say `Please’ or `Excuse me’ - and it creates a good impression! Avoid
phrases like `I strongly disagree’ or `definitely not’. As an employer, I am more impressed by
candidates who are able to lead subtly than by those who get their way by being loud and
abrasive. The candidate’s knowledge of the field may be sound, but a certain degree of maturity
and wisdom are essential to effectively implement any task.

In my experience, employers are more impressed by a candidate whose analytical skills are
sharp, who is focused on the matter at hand, and who is astute. Candidates who are receptive to
others’ opinions, and whose own opinions are flexible enough to accommodate someone else’s
suggestions, are more likely to make it to the interview stage. I have found that being assertive
without being aggressive is an invaluable skill during group discussions.

While preparing for the group discussion, read as much as you can - there are plenty of books
and magazines that provide hints on how to handle group discussions. But remember these books
and magazines are not any substitute for your common sense and even instinct. My own personal
experience only at the group discussion I mentioned earlier reconfirms the same. …. While I
made it to the interview stage, the initiators of the discussion did not make it!

Group Discussion: DOs & DON’Ts

Remember the DOs & DONT’s before attending any GD. They can really save you at times!!

Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone you are not. Be yourself.
A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The evaluator wants to hear you speak.
Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say. Seek clarification if
you have any doubts regarding the subject. Don’t start speaking until you have clearly
understood and analyzed the subject.

Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate the discussion or agree with
someone else’s point and then move onto express your views. Opening the discussion is not the
only way of gaining attention and recognition. If you do not give valuable insights during the
discussion, all your efforts of initiating the discussion will be in vain.

Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are more likely to
reflect your attitude than what you say.

Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your points across clearly and
fluently.

Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussion and analysis.
Don’t lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to. The key is to stay objective: Don’t
take the discussion personally. Always be polite: Try to avoid using extreme phrases like: `I
strongly object’ or `I disagree’. Instead try phrases like: `I would like to share my views on…’ or
`One difference between your point and mine…’ or “I beg to differ with you” Brush up on your
leadership skills; motivate the other members of the team to speak (this surely does not mean that
the only thing that you do in the GD is to say “let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf
has to say,” or “Raghu, let us hear your views” - Essentially be subtle), and listen to their views.
Be receptive to others’ opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive. If you have a group of
like-minded friends, you can have a mock group discussion where you can learn from each other
through giving and receiving feedback.

Apart from the above points, the panel will also judge team members for their alertness and
presence of mind, problem-solving abilities, ability to work as a team without alienating
certain members, and creativity.

Tips & Tricks - Group Discussion

In order to succeed at any unstructured group discussion, you must define what your objective
in the group is.
A good definition of your objective is - to be seen to have contributed meaningfully in an attempt
to achieve the right consensus.

The key words in this definition are ’seen’, ‘meaningfully’, and ‘attempt’. Let us understand
what each of these implies in terms of action points:

The first implication is that merely making a meaningful contribution in an attempt to achieve
consensus is not enough. You have to be seen by the evaluator to have made a meaningful
contribution in an attempt to build the right consensus.

In other words you must ensure that you are heard by the group. If the group hears you so will
the evaluator. You must get at least some airtime. If you are not a very assertive person you will
have to simply learn to be assertive for those 15 minutes. If you get cowed down easily in an
aggressive group, you can say goodbye to the business school admission.

Many group discussion participants often complain that they did not get a chance to speak. The
fact of the matter is that in no group discussion do you get a chance to speak. You have to make
your chances.

The second important implication is that making just any sort of contribution is not enough.
Your contribution has to be meaningful.

A meaningful contribution suggests that you have a good knowledge base, are able to structure
arguments logically and are a good communicator. These are qualities that are desired by all
evaluators.

Many group discussion participants feel that the way to succeed in a group discussion is by
speaking frequently, for a long time and loudly. This is not true. The quality of what you say is
more important than the quantity. Don’t be demoralized if you feel you have not spoken
enough. If you have spoken sense and have been heard, even if only for a short time, it is usually
good enough. You must have substance in your arguments. Therefore, think things through
carefully.

Always enter the room with a piece of paper and a pen. In the first two minutes jot down as
many ideas as you can. It pays to think laterally. Everybody else will state the obvious. Can you
state something different? Can you take the group ahead if it is stuck at one point? Can you take
it in a fresh and more relevant direction? You may like to dissect the topic and go into the
underlying causes or into the results.

One way of deciding what sort of contribution is meaningful at what point of time is to follow
two simple rules. First, in times of chaos a person who restores order to the group is appreciated.
Your level of participation in a fish market kind of scenario can be low, but your degree of
influence must never be low. In other words you must make positive contributions every time
you speak and not speak for the sake of speaking. The second rule is applicable when the group
is floundering. In this situation a person who provides a fresh direction to the group is given
credit.

The third implication is that you must be clearly seen to be attempting to build a consensus.
Nobody expects a group of ten people, all with different points of view on a controversial subject
to actually achieve a consensus. But did you make the attempt to build a consensus?

Try and lay down the boundaries or the area of the discussion at the beginning. Discuss what
the group should discuss before actually beginning your discussion. This will at least ensure that
everyone is talking about the same thing.

Try and summarize the discussion at the end. In the summary do not merely restate your point
of view; also accommodate dissenting viewpoints. If the group did not reach a consensus, say so
in your summary.

You must carry people with you. So do not get emotional, shout, invade other people’s private
space. Do not bang your fist on the table except in extreme circumstances.

If you have spoken and you notice that someone else has tried to enter the discussion on a
number of occasions and has not had the chance to do so maybe you could give him a chance the
next time he tries. But do not offer a chance to anyone who is not trying to speak. He may not
have anything to say at that point and you will just end up looking foolish.

The surest way of antagonizing others in the group discussion as well as the examiner is to
appoint yourself as a de facto chairperson of the group. Do not try to impose a system whereby
everyone gets a chance to speak in turn. A group discussion is meant to be a free flowing
discussion. Let it proceed naturally. Do not ever try to take a vote on the topic. A vote is no
substitute for discussion.
Do not address only one or two persons when speaking. Maintain eye contact with as many
members of the group as possible. This will involve others in what you are saying and increase
your chances of carrying them with you. Do this even if you are answering a specific point raised
by one person.

One last point. You must not agree with another participant in the group merely for the sake of
achieving consensus. If you disagree, say so. You are not there to attempt to build just any
consensus. You have to attempt to build the right consensus.

Role of A Leader In The Group Discussion

Signs of a Good Leader:
1. A leader is confident, able to carefully articulate his thoughts into words and can persuade his
audience with ease. Leaders ought to be patient, perseverant and understand human behavior.

2. A leader must be able to interact easily with others in the group.

3. A leader should be able to motivate others and make the group willingly follow his
suggestions.

4. Everybody possesses a different temperament, sociability and communicates differently. A

true corporate leader can manage people of myriad viewpoints and maintain composure even in
sticky situations. It is important to remain calm in the harshest situations.

5. The leader must smoothly steer the dialogue in the right direction and see that it reaches the
intended conclusion. Apart from other attributes, it is the crisis management which makes him
acceptable to all.

6. A leader is able to tactfully deal with arguments of the participants and provide an opportunity
to every candidate to speak their mind.

7. A leader should also be able to demonstrate his intellectual excellence and leadership quality
and utilize it to steer the discussion away from the murky waters

8. A leader must be able to express views logically and cogently within two or three minutes.

FAQs - Group Discussion 2

Learn the answers to the questions that frequently arise in your mind !!

What is the normal duration of a GD?

A GD 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 GD?
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 GD is between you and the
other members, not the panel members. You must avoid even looking at the panel members
while the GD 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 favourably 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.

Strict Don’ts of a GD
There has been enough material on the subject - ‘What to do in a GD?’. Its now time for a few
don’ts. And as a matter of fact, its more important to remember don’ts rather than do’s.

- Do not get into arguments with people, remember you are there to make effective points, do not
waste time on futile arguments that do not contribute to the topic under discussion.
- Making yourself heard is important but do not try to hog the lime-light all the time, evaluate the
worth of what you are saying, or you may simply make points that are irrelevant or were better
left unsaid.

- Do not act patronising with your fellow group members, it could backfire.

- Do not make use of gestures excessively as you may come across as aggressive, learn to toe the
line between assertive and aggressive.

- Do not slouch but seat yourself comfortably, awkward posture could indicate nervousness or
discomfort with your position in the group.

- Most of all, belief in your own ability to remain poised in any situation will allow you to sail
through.

- Do not fidget or act restless.

- Do not stare at the floor or out of the window, you may come across as uninterested or
inattentive.

- Try not to look at the Panel members during the discussion.