Group Discussion (GD)

A Group Discussion is a methodology used by an organization to gauge whether the candidate has certain personality traits and/or skills that it desires in its members. 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 it among themselves for 15-20 minutes.

Traits Evaluated in a GD

• Ability to work in a team
• Communication skills
• Reasoning ability
• Leadership skills
• Initiative
• Assertiveness
• Flexibility
• Creativity
• Ability to think on one’s feet

Company’s Perspective

Companies conduct group discussions after the written test to check interactive skills and assess communication abilities. The GD evaluates how candidates behave, participate, and contribute in a group, and how open they are to diverse viewpoints. The core aspects include verbal communication, non-verbal behavior, decision-making ability, and cooperation.

Reasons for Conducting a GD

• Helps you understand a subject more deeply.
• Improves your ability to think critically.
• Helps in solving a particular problem.
• Assists the group in making a decision.
• Increases confidence in speaking and listening skills.

Strategies for Improving GD Skills

Participating actively, observing others, and practicing discussions in informal settings can improve your GD skills. Engaging in social discussions and preparing questions can also be beneficial.

Discussion Etiquette

Do’s

• Speak pleasantly and politely.
• Respect every speaker’s contribution.
• Stay on topic and maintain body language.

Don’ts

• Lose your temper or interrupt others.
• Shout or use too many aggressive gestures.
• Dominate the discussion.

Leading a Group Discussion

Demonstrating leadership in a GD involves introducing the topic, inviting quieter members to speak, and summarizing the discussion objectively.

Important GD Topics

• A Unipolar World spells disaster for underdeveloped countries like India.
• Is Globalisation Really Necessary?
• Should there be private universities?
• Education in India compared to foreign nations.
• Position of Women in India compared to other nations.

Debate

A debate is an organized clash of good ideas. Each side employs worthwhile evidence to promote their viewpoint and to rebut the “flawed” evidence advanced by the other side. Debating is a formal intellectual contest and there are endless ways it can be played. However, a good debate is like a tennis match where each side, following the rules set down, bats ideas back and forth to defeat the other team. As in any other subjective sport,debaters have to persuade the judges that they have won. Yet, debating can be an exciting even dangerous activity because emotions often run high.

Participating in group discussions and debates can significantly enhance communication and critical thinking skills.