Business Communication and Story

Telling
Semester 5
MODULE 4: Verbal Communication for Various
Purposes
 Content: Module 4
Verbal Communication for Various Purposes
 Introduction to Public Speaking: Elevator Pitch, Prepared
Speech, Extempore
 Group Discussion
 Importance of Group Discussions;
 Difference between Group Discussion, Panel Discussion and Debate;
 Interpersonal Skill: Understanding Interpersonal Skill
 Introduction to Emotional Intelligence and testing emotional
 Cross Cultural Communication: Diversity and Inclusion
 Elevator Pitch
What is an "Elevator Pitch"?
 An "Elevator Pitch" is a concise, carefully planned,
and well-practiced description about your company
that your mother should be able to understand in the
time it would take to ride up an elevator, i.e. 45- 60
seconds
 In words, approximately 80 to 90 words
 In sentences - 8 to 10 sentences
 A "hook" :Open your pitch by getting the Investor's
attention with a "hook."
 Passion: Investors expect energy and dedication from
entrepreneurs.
 A request : At the end of your pitch, ask for
something- business card, schedule full presentation,
a referral?
What's the best way to prepare an elevator
pitch
 Concise-Keep the pitch succinct and clear, with as few words as possible.
 Clear-The pitch should be easily understood by a layman, and should not be filled
with acronyms and industry terminology.
 Compelling- What can you do for your target audience?
 Credible-Spell out what makes you qualified to do, using credibility-driven words
like "certified" will help sell you.
 Concrete-The pitch should be tangible and easily grasped by your audience.
 Customized-Each target audience is different and should be tailored to the
listeners.
 Consistent- No matter how many versions of your pitch, they should all convey
the same basic message.
 Conversational-Start the conversation, and hook your target. Keep it casual, and
don't try to close a deal in the pitch.
Creating the "Elevator Pitch"

ABOUT YOU
1. Smile to your counterpart, and open with a statement or question that
grabs attention: a hook that prompt your listener to ask questions.
2. Tell who you are: describe you and your company.
3. Tell what you do and show enthusiasm.
Creating the "Elevator Pitch"

WHAT DO YOU OFFER

4. Tell what problems have solved or contributions you have made.
[Link] a vivid example.
6. Tell why you are interested in your listener.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS
7. Tell what very special service, product or solutions you can offer him or her.
8. What are the advantages of working with you? In what do you differ from competitive
companies?
Creating the "Elevator Pitch"

HOW DO YOU DO IT
9. Give a concrete example or tell a short story, show your uniqueness and provide
illustrations on how you work.
CALL FOR ACTION
10. Do you want a business card, a referral or an appointment for a presentation after
your elevator speech?
Example of an "Elevator Pitch"
Here is what I'd use to "pitch" [Link]:
 [Link] is changing the future of private equity investing. Private equity is a $100 billion a
year market, with over 400,000 entrepreneurs aggressively seeking capital at any given time.
 [Link] offers entrepreneurs and investors an efficient and uniquely interactive method for
obtaining or investing capital in pre-IPO companies.
 Our team has decades of experience in the securities industry, investment banking, private equity, and
executive management. My partner and I have worked together side by side for several years co-
managing and running the entire Internet operations of a publicly traded brokerage firm.
 Our competitors such as XYZ Corp. and ABC Capital have had much success-ABC Capital was recently
valued at $550 million . . . despite several limitations.
 [Link] isn't just a listing or matching service, we offer a community that breeds
interaction, education, and discussion. We work with companies globally, through all stages of funding,
and across all industries.
 We are anticipating $XXX million this round to be used for employee building, increased office space,
and marketing. We have a compelling two page executive summary that I would like to send you. Can I
get your address?
Ready to write your elevator pitch?
Take a shot at it !
 Interpersonal skills

Interpersonal skills are the abilities and behaviors that help individuals effectively
communicate, interact, and work with others. These skills are crucial in both personal
and professional contexts, as they facilitate positive interactions and help build
strong relationships. Interpersonal skills include a wide range of abilities, such as:
 Communication
 Teamwork
 Conflict Resolution
 Problem-Solving
 Leadership
 Emotional Intelligence
 Empathy
 Active Listening
 Adaptability
Interpersonal skills are essential for successful interactions in the workplace, in
educational settings, and in personal relationships. They contribute to better
teamwork, improved communication, and more effective problem-solving.
 Interpersonal skills
 Communication: The ability to clearly express ideas and information, both verbally and non-verbally, while also being able
to listen actively and respond appropriately.
 Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others, which helps in building rapport and maintaining
positive relationships.
 Teamwork: The capacity to work well with others, contributing to group efforts and collaborating to achieve common goals.
 Conflict Resolution: The ability to manage and resolve disagreements or conflicts in a constructive manner.
 Active Listening: Paying full attention to others when they speak, understanding their message, and responding
thoughtfully.
 Problem-Solving: The skill of identifying issues and finding effective solutions while considering the perspectives and
needs of others.
 Emotional Intelligence: The ability to recognize, understand, and manage one's own emotions, as well as those of others.
 Adaptability: The capability to adjust to new situations, environments, or changes in circumstances, while maintaining
effective communication and relationships.
 Leadership: The ability to guide, motivate, and inspire others, while also managing group dynamics and fostering a
collaborative environment.
 Interpersonal skills are essential for successful interactions in the workplace, in educational settings, and in personal
relationships. They contribute to better teamwork, improved communication, and more effective problem-solving.
Group Discussion

 Importance of Group Discussions;

 Difference between Group Discussion, Panel
Discussion and Debate;
 Process of GD
 Tips and Tricks – GD
 Essentials of Virtual/Online GD
PURPOSE OF A GROUP DISCUSSION

Over the past years, GD is used to test the soft skills of the candidates. It is
used as a quick method to shortlist a few candidates from the massive
strength. Organizations check the social skills, technical, and communication
skills so that a candidate can work effectively without any obstacles. in
between his/her skills.

The GD or Group Discussion is used as an exam or elimination round for

many organizations and schools. It tests the personality, knowledge,
communication skills, teamwork, confidence, problem-solving skills, social
skills, behavior, and leadership abilities of a candidate.
PURPOSE OF A GROUP DISCUSSION
An intelligent candidate with good knowledge and skills sometimes lacks
communication skills, which can be the result of lack of confidence, hesitation in
speaking or being unable to explain their point of view, etc.

Knowledge and technical skills are essential things for a candidate, but in an
organization, he/she might have to face the meetings, discussing technical issues,
handling new employees, etc.

Here lack of communication skills becomes a disadvantage for such candidates.

Hence, organizations and institutes ensure that the candidate must possess all the
qualities before joining. Due to this, Group Discussion nowadays has become an
essential part of most of the organization and institutes.
GROUP DISCUSSION Vs. DEBATE
Group Discussion Debate
Aims for a clearer understanding Aims to determine which side has a
more credible standpoint

Less formal with less rules More formal with more guidelines

Does not need two opposing sides Essential to have two opposing
sides
Does not always need an audience Needs an audience

More cooperation is manifested Aggression may be manifested

Less complex More complex

Participants aim to share ideas to Participants aim to persuade the
the listeners listeners
May not have a specific conclusion Ends with a specific conclusion
 PROCESS OF GROUP DISCUSSION
Let's discuss how Group discussion is conducted.

• The number of participants in a Group discussion range from 7 to 15 in a group.

This number depends on the available strength. If the strength is low, the
number of participants can range from 5 to 7.

• The average duration of a Group Discussion is 20 minutes. But, it may vary

depending on the number of candidates in a group.

• The panel typically is of 3 or 4 panelists, who will monitor numerous facets of the
participants’ content and delivery. Note that the panelists have the liberty to end
the Group Discussion if they want to or can extend it for as much as they feel
like.
PROCESS OF GROUP DISCUSSION
1. The process of a Group Discussion starts with the
announcement of the topic. The given topic could be technical,
factual, or case study.

2. Before beginning with the discussion, the preparation time of 3

minutes is given. The time can also extend in case of a long case
statement.

3. Any participant in the group can initiate the discussion. After

the lead participant, anyone in the group can continue the
discussion. Similarly, everyone gets the chance to speak. One after
another, participants in the group expresses their views on the
given topic.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed

under CC BY-NC-ND
 PROCESS OF GROUP DISCUSSION
4. It ends when the panelist stops the discussion or may ask one or more
than one participant to summarize the GD. Whenever you are asked for
the summary, remember to cover the discussed points. The summary
cannot include the words that were not part of the discussion. The
participants that were quiet among the discussion are generally asked to
summarize it, which is a good opportunity to present their views. But, it
does not mean that everyone should be quiet. The summary should
include the essential discussed points and the conclusion of the discussion.

5. The final scores are calculated. Based on the performance of each

participant, the panelist gives the scores. The panelists are usually four to
five to judge the performance of candidates in the Group Discussion.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed

under CC BY-NC-ND
TYPES OF GROUP DISCUSSION

Group discussion topics are all devised to check different group

and individual skills. They can be topics that can check your
awareness, approach and the way you present/share ideas. The
discussion topics are broadly classified as

1. Topic-based
2. Case-study based
3. Abstract

The topic is chosen based on the need of the role and the skillset
required.
Let us now look at them in detail:
 TYPES OF GROUP DISCUSSION : TOPIC- BASED
The topic-based Group can be further classified as:
• Controversial: The discussion on controversial topics becomes a debate. Such topics
are given to judge the participants' temper and how they can handle the discussion
without losing their calm. It shows that how a candidate can represent his/her views
without arguing with other participants. An example of controversial topics can be
OTT regulation, Religion, equality, reservation system etc.
• Knowledge based: The participants should have a proper understanding of the topic
before proceeding for a discussion. The information should be enough to convince
the panellists. The essential thing is to be confident. Do not initiate the discussion if
you are not aware of the topic. The examples of Knowledge-Based topics can be
'Government jobs vs. Private jobs’.
• Conceptual: The conceptual topics are widely used today by companies. It tests the
knowledge, logical, and aptitude skills of a candidate. The topic for the discussion is
randomly selected, giving panellists a space to judge the participants' creative
thinking and ability to handle the situation. The example of Conceptual topics can be
'Life is a Puzzle.'
TYPES OF GROUP DISCUSSION - CASE STUDY- BASED
• The Case study based Group Discussion is generally followed by the MBA
Institutes, such as IIM, etc.
• In such a discussion, a problem is given, and the participants are asked to
resolve them. The preparation time is also higher as compared to other
discussions. The panelists test the teamwork and decision-making skills of
the participants.
• The participants need to be active and updated with the things around
them. It also tests the observation capability of the participants.
• An example of Case study based topics can be 'Discussion between boss
and manager or a Specific Business Case or An organisational/industry
crisis etc.’
RULES OF GROUP DISCUSSION

• Good use of preparation time: The quick trick is to note all the important points during
the preparation time. Do not write brief paragraphs. Try to write short points and explain
them briefly in the discussion.

• Be confident : It would help if you always were confident about your content. If you are
not confident, you may hesitate while speaking, which will create a negative impression.

• Use the names of participants: Most participants only focus on their content. You
should be aware during the introduction of all the participants in your group. To get
attention, you can call out the person's name when the discussion gets diverted.

• Body Language: Always take care of your body language. Do not focus only on the
content.
 RULES OF GROUP DISCUSSION
• Leadership: Try to take the lead in the group if you are confident about the
topic and the knowledge.
• Avoid false starts: Do not initiate the discussion if you are not sure about
your content. Do not present any wrong information.
• Follow your Domain: Every company has its own culture. Prepare your
content according to the company requirements. For example, industrial
companies will focus more on technical talks, while marketing companies
seek the combination of creative and oriented content.
• Don’t be aggressive: In the Group Discussion, some candidates often get
aggressive. Do not fight during the discussion. Most of the companies require
sensitive and polite candidates rather than aggressive ones.
 Tips and Tricks to participate in a GD
Little mistakes can also affect the judges’ impression of you.
Keep in mind the following:

• Stop taking leads if you do not know much: We should not take the lead in a
Group Discussion if we are not much aware of the topic. Otherwise, wait for
others to start. Being second, third, or fourth in the group helps you better
understand the topic by listening to other candidates.

• Do not hesitate to initiate the discussion: If you have much knowledge and
are confident about the topic, try to take the lead. Do not copy anyone else’s
ideas or comments. It creates a negative impression. In case you do not
have any idea about the topic, it's better to act smart. Analyze and listen to
other participants, add some points, and convert it in your own words.
THINGS TO AVOID IN A GD
• Do not avoid eye contact with other participants while speaking: When
you start a discussion, you should not forget that it is a discussion with
multiple candidates.
• Do not lose confidence in the whole discussion: The group discussion is
not carried for a long duration. It is just for a short span of time. Try
always being confident
• Do not speak slowly: You should always speak loudly in a Group
discussion so that everyone can hear and understand your words.
Sometimes, the scene of a GD becomes chaotic where everyone speaks,
but no one is clearly audible.
THINGS TO AVOID IN A GD

• Do not speak slowly: You should always speak loudly in a Group discussion so
that everyone can hear and understand your words. Sometimes, the scene of
a GD becomes chaotic where everyone speaks, but no one is clearly audible.
• Try to contribute in a discussion rather than just speaking: You should try to
cover one keyword at a time by breaking the points into two or three different
parts. The words we speak should be valuable without any repetition.
Essentials of Virtual/Online GD
Owing to the pandemic, we have shifted to a virtual mode of operation- be it
working, interviews, meeting, etc. It is important to be prepared for a virtual
discussion as well. Let us begin with a few guidelines you might want to follow
before and during the virtual GD.
• Before the discussion
• Be Prepared Online: Ensure that the internet connection you are using is fast
and uninterrupted. If the speed of internet is bad; you may not be able to
connect with the interviewer. You may miss parts of discussion due to
interruptions. Remember, this is an unavoidable situation but then you need
to be fully prepared to crack the GD and interview.
 Essentials of Virtual/Online GD

• Before the discussion

✔ Check Your Surroundings: Place your laptop/desktop in a well-lit room.
Ensure there is no external noise around.
✔ Plan a Dry Run of Virtual GD: Plan a dry run to avoid any technical
glitch during virtual GD. Organizing a mock with your friends would
help in this regard.
✔ Focus on Personal Grooming: The way you present yourself matters a
lot as it gives an impression of preparedness and good personality
Essentials of Virtual/Online GD

• During the discussion

✔ Be on camera during the entire discussion.
✔ Be prepared to spend some time reading, thinking, and composing
answers that will contribute to the discussion.
✔ Follow the online etiquette or “netiquette”.
✔ Be careful to avoid “flaming”—making racist, sexist, or inflammatory
remarks about other participants.
✔ Be open and respectful of others’ thoughts and comments.
✔ Compose thoughts clearly before articulating online.
Emotional Intelligence
 Online link to self assessment –
 Test on Emotional Intelligence
[Link]
Tips for FAQ’s on EI
When preparing for emotional intelligence questions for an interview, consider the following
helpful tips:
 Highlight your interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills, as these are important
traits that employers look for when assessing candidates' emotional intelligence.
 Use the STAR interview response technique to give interviewers a better understanding of
your experience, role and responsibilities, actions and results.
 Give honest examples when interviewers ask situational or behavioral questions so they
can gain deeper insight into how you can achieve objectives for their organizations.
 Be sincere so the interviewer can see how your empathy, compassion and ability to relate
to others contribute to the role.