Group Discussion (GD)
Group Discussion
In this methodology, the group of candidates is given a topic or a situation, given a few minutes to think about the same, and then asked to discuss the it among themselves for 15-20 minutes.
Evaluation For Group Discussions.
How Are You Evaluated In Your Group Discussions?
Personality
Communication Skills
Knowledge
Leadership and teamwork/Interpersonal Skills.
Persuasive Skills
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GD-Initiation Technique
Different techniques to initiate a GD and make a good first impression: i. Quotes ii. Definition iii. Question iv. Shock statement v. Facts, figures and statistics vi. Short story vii. General statement
GD-Summarizing
Keep the following points in mind while summarizing a discussion: Avoid raising new points. Avoid stating only your viewpoint. Avoid dwelling only on one aspect of the GD. Keep it brief and concise. It must incorporate all the important points that came out during the GD. Do not add anything once the GD has been summarized.
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GD Faq
What is the normal duration of a GD? How many panel members are there to evaluate? Is there time given for preparation after the topic is given and before starting the GD?
GD-FAQ
Should I address the panel or the group members? What is the seating arrangement like? 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".
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GD-FAQ
Suppose I have a lot to say on the topic, should I say all of it? Should I encourage others to speak up? Are the group members supposed to keep track of the time or will the panel keep track?
GD-FAQ
Are we allowed to carry a piece of paper during the GD for noting down important points? Is there any particular seating arrangement, which is favourable to the participants?
GD-FAQ
Should we distribute the total time available to all the participants to ensure that everybody gets a chance to speak? Can we take a definite stand in the GD and then later on during the GD, switch over to another stand?
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FAQ-GD
If we do not understand the meaning of the topic, should we ask the moderator to explain it to us? Are we expected to stick to the normally accepted line of thought or can we come up with something radical?
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GD-FAQ
If I feel strongly about an issue, should I voice my feelings? Can I use technical terms or jargon, which is clear to me, but not to the group? Do I begin my participation by requesting the group's permission to do so?
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GD-FAQ
What is the right time to enter a GD to ensure that I am heard properly? How do I participate when the noise level is too high?
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GD-FAQ
Is it beneficial to be the first speaker in a group discussion? How critical is my fluency in English to my performance? How necessary is it to use examples for illustrating an idea?
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GD-FAQ
How much or for how long should I participate? Is it good to be humorous in a GD? Should we make an interim summary?
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GD-FAQ
What do I do if someone else has already said what I wanted to say? You have two choices: Agree with the point made by that person and add on to it by displaying the applicability of the argument to different situations. By doing this you will have broadened the scope of the argument. Drop the point and think of fresh points. To avoid getting into a situation where someone else has already spoken your points, do speak up in the first 4-5 minutes of the GD. If you wait longer, it is almost inevitable that someone would have spoken your points.
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GD-FAQ
Is it true that the person who speaks the most in a GD is the one who is most successful?
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GD-FAQ
Is motivating other people in the group to speak looked upon favorably?
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GD-FAQ
Is it all right to ask pointed questions to other participants during a GD? Is it necessary that a group should arrive at a conclusion in the stipulated time? Is an end-summary absolutely essential?
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GD-FAQ
What are the acceptable ways of interrupting somebody else, so that I may make my point? You can interrupt in any of the following ways: "Excuse me, but I feel that what you are saying isn't universally true ..." "Yes, I agree with your idea, and I would like to add on to it " "Yes, I think you are right when you say that, but could you clarify what if "
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Discussion Etiquette
Dos
Speak pleasantly and politely to the group. Respect the contribution of every speaker. Remember that a discussion is not an argument. Learn to disagree politely. Think about your contribution before you speak. How best can you answer the question/ contribute to the topic? Try to stick to the discussion topic. Don't introduce irrelevant information. Be aware of your body language when you are speaking. Agree with and acknowledge what you find interesting.
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Discussion Etiquette
Don't
Lose your temper. A discussion is not an argument.
Shout. Use a moderate tone and medium pitch.
Use too many gestures when you speak. Gestures like finger pointing and table thumping can appear aggressive. Dominate the discussion. Confident speakers should allow quieter a chance to contribute.
Draw too much on personal experience.
Interrupt. Wait for a speaker to finish what they are saying before you speak.
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List of Current Group Discussion Topics for IT companies
How to Deal with High Petrol Prices? Indian Economy Is Globalization Really Necessary? Is the Lokpal Bill Good for India? Should INDIA the dialouge policy with PAKISTAN?? Passive smoking is equally harmful. Indian Cricket team. Corruption and Democracy. Indian Premier League.
Impact of recession on IT. Cell phone should allowed in college or not. Impact Of Television Channels In Cross Cultural Tolerance. Can India Become a Global Power Ahead of China,US. BPOs in India. Women are good managers. The role of NGOs in economics and politics. Current politics of India . The future of Indian IT industry. Women's reservation.
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Current Group Discussion Topics
Should India have dictatorship? Is India still a secular state? Reforms in Indian education system. Is quality a myth in India? Indian Villages are our strength or weakness. We don't learn from history, we repeat it.
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