Types of GD

GDs can be topic-based or case-based.

Topic based Gds can be classified into three types :-

1. Factual Topics
2. Controversial Topics 
3. Abstract Topics 

Factual Topics:-

Factual topics are about practical things, which an ordinary person is aware of in his day-to-day life.
Typically these are about socio-economic topics. These can be current, i.e. they may have been in the
news lately, or could be unbound by time. A factual topic for discussion gives a candidate a chance to
prove that he is aware of and sensitive to his environment.
E.g. The education policy of India, Tourism in India, State of the aged in the nation.

Controversial Topics:- 
Controversial topics are the ones that are argumentative in nature. They are meant to generate
controversy. In GDs where these topics are given for discussion, the noise level is usually high, there
may be tempers flying. The idea behind giving a topic like this is to see how much maturity the
candidate is displaying by keeping his temper in check, by rationally and logically arguing his point of
view without getting personal and emotional.
E.g. Reservations should be removed, Women make better managers

Abstract Topics:- 
Abstract topics are about intangible things. These topics are not given often for discussion, but their
possibility cannot be ruled out. These topics test your lateral thinking and creativity.
E.g. A is an alphabet, Twinkle twinkle little star, The number 10

Case-based Gd:-
Another variation is the use of a case instead of a topic.
The case study tries to simulate a real-life situation. Information about the situation will be given to you
and you would be asked as a group to resolve the situation. In the case study there are no incorrect
answers or perfect solutions. The objective in the case study is to get you to think about the situation
from various angles.
IIM A, IIM Indore and IIT SOM Mumbai have a case-based discussion rather than topic-based discussion
in their selection procedures.
 Why do we have GD ?

Reasons for having a GD 

 It helps you to understand a subject more deeply.

 It improves your ability to think critically.
 It helps in solving a particular problem.
 It helps the group to make a particular decision.
 It gives you the chance to hear other students' ideas.
 It improves your listening skills.
 It increases your confidence in speaking.
 It can change your attitudes. 

Strategies for Improving GD Skills for Tutorials & Seminars

Asking questions and joining in discussions are important skills for university study. If you find it difficult
to speak or ask questions in tutorials, try the following strategies.

Observe

Attend as many seminars and tutorials as possible and notice what other students do. Ask yourself:

 How do other students make critical comments?

 How do they ask questions?
 How do they disagree with or support arguments?
 What special phrases do they use to show politeness even when they are voicing disagreement?
 How do they signal to interrupt, ask a question or make a point?

Practice

Start practicing your discussion skills in an informal setting or with a small group. Start with asking
questions of fellow students. Ask them about the course material. Ask for their opinions. Ask for
information or ask for help.

Participate

Take every opportunity to take part in social/informal discussions as well as more structured/formal
discussion. Start by making small contributions to tutorial discussions; prepare a question to ask, or
agree with another speaker's remarks.

Discussion Etiquette (or minding your manners)

Do

 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.

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 students a chance to
contribute.
  Draw too much on personal experience or anecdote. Although some tutors encourage students
to reflect on their own experience, remember not to generalise too much.
 Interrupt. Wait for a speaker to finish what they are saying before you speak. 

Leading a Discussion

You may be in a seminar group that requires you to lead a group discussion, or lead a discussion after
an oral presentation. You can demonstrate leadership by:

 introducing yourself and the members of the group

 stating the purpose of the discussion
 inviting quiet group members to speak
 being objective
 summarizing the discussion

Chairing a Group Discussion

When chairing a discussion group you must communicate in a positive way to assist the speakers in
accomplishing their objective. There are at least four leadership skills you can use to influence other
people positively and help your group achieve its purpose. These skills include:

 introducing the topic and purpose of the discussion,

 making sure all members have approximately the same time, (i.e. no one dominates the
discussion by taking too much time)
 thanking group members for their contribution
 being objective in summarizing the group's discussion and achievements. 

How to Face GD

A group discussion consists of:

1. Communication Skills
2. Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject
3. Capability to co-ordinate and lead
4. Exchange of thoughts
5. Addressing the group as a whole
6. Thorough preparations

Communication Skills

The first aspect is one's power of expression. In a group discussion, a candidate has to talk effectively so
that he is able to convince others. For convincing, one has to speak forcefully and at the same time
create an impact by his knowledge of the subject. A candidate who is successful in holding the attention
of the audience creates a positive impact.

It is necessary that you should be precise and clear. As a rule evaluators do not look for the wordage
produced. Your knowledge on a given subject, your precision and clarity of thought are the things that
are evaluated. Irrelevant talks lead you nowhere. You should speak as much as necessary, neither more
nor less. Group discussions are not debating stages.

Ability to listen is also what evaluators judge. They look for your ability to react on what other
participants say. Hence, it is necessary that you listen carefully to others and then react or proceed to
add some more points. Your behavior in the group is also put to test to judge whether you are a loner or
can work in a group.

You should be able to convey your thoughts satisfactorily and convincingly before a group of people.
Confidence and level headedness in doing so is necessary. These add value to your presentation. In case
you are not good at it, you might gain by joining an institute that offers specialized courses in public
speaking. For instance, British Council Division's English Language Teaching Centre offers a wide range
of courses like conversation skills, business communication skills, business writing, negotiation skills and
presentation skills. Mostly people attend these courses to improve their communication skills. Students
here are involved in activities which use communication skills and teachers provide inputs, monitor and
facilitate the classes. The course at the Centre makes you confident enough to speak before people
without any nervousness.

Knowledge and Ideas Regarding a Given Subject

Knowledge of the subject under discussion and clarity of ideas are important. Knowledge comes from
consistent reading on various topics ranging from science and technology to politics. In-depth knowledge
makes one confident and enthusiastic and this in turn, makes one sound convincing and confident.

Leadership and Coordinating Capabilities

The basic aim of a group discussion is to judge a candidate's leadership qualities. The examiner
withdraws and becomes a silent spectator once the discussion starts. A candidate should display
tactfulness, skill, understanding and knowledge on varied topics, enterprise, forcefulness and other
leadership qualities to motivate and influence other candidates who may be almost equally competent.

Exchange of Thoughts

A group discussion is an exchange of thoughts and ideas among members of a group. These discussions
are held for selecting personnel in organisations where there is a high level of competition. The number
of participants in a group can vary between 8 and 15. Mostly a topic or a situation is given to group
members who have to discuss it within 10 to 20 minutes.

The purpose is to get an idea about candidates in a short time and make assessments about their skills,
which normally cannot be evaluated in an interview. These skills may be team membership, leadership
skills, listening and articulation skills.

 A note is made of your contributions to the discussion, comprehension of the main idea, the rapport you
strike, patience, assertion, accommodation, amenability, etc. Body language and eye contact too are
important points which are to be considered. .

Addressing the Group as a Whole

In a group discussion it is not necessary to address anyone by name. Even otherwise you may not know
everyone's names. It better to address the group as a whole.

Address the person farthest from you. If he can hear you everyone else too can. Needless to add, as for
the interview, attend the group discussion in formal dress. The language used should also be formal, not
the language used in normal conversations. For instance, words and phrases like "yar", "chalta hai",
"CP", "I dunno", etc. are out. This is not to say you should use a high sounding, pedantic language.
Avoiding both, just use formal, plain and simple language. Hinglish, (mixture of Hindi and English)
should be discarded.

Confidence and coolness while presenting your viewpoint are of help. See that you do not keep
repeating a point. Do not use more words than necessary. Do not be superfluous. Try to be specific. Do
not exaggerate.

Thorough Preparation

Start making preparations for interview and group discussions right away, without waiting till the
eleventh hour, this is, if and when called for them. Then the time left may not be adequate. It is
important to concentrate on subject knowledge and general awareness. Hence, the prime need for
thorough preparation. Remember, the competition is very tough. Only 460 candidates make it to the
final list from 2.75 lakh civil service aspirants each year.

It may so happen that you are called for interviews and group discussions from three or four
organizations but are not selected by any. The reason obviously lies in your not being well-prepared. 

In a group discussion you may be given a topic and asked to express your views on it. Or in a case
study GD, students have to read a case study and suggest ways of tackling the problem. For this you
should have a good general knowledge, need to be abreast with current affairs, should regularly read
newspapers and magazines. Your group behaviour and communication skills are on test, i.e. how you
convince the others and how clearly you are able to express your points of view. You should be
articulate, generate ideas, not sound boring, should allow others to speak, and adopt a stand on a given
subject. During the course of the GD this stand can even be changed, giving the impression that you are
open to accommodate others' viewpoints.

Additional marks may be given for starting or concluding the discussion.

Points to Remember

 Knowledge is strength. A candidate with good reading habits has more chances of success. In
other words, sound knowledge on different topics like politics, finance, economy, science and
technology is helpful.
 Power to convince effectively is another quality that makes you stand out among others.
 Clarity in speech and expression is yet another essential quality.
 If you are not sure about the topic of discussion, it is better not to initiate. Lack of knowledge or
wrong approach creates a bad impression. Instead, you might adopt the wait and watch
attitude. Listen attentively to others, may be you would be able to come up with a point or two
later.
 A GD is a formal occasion where slang is to avoided.
 A GD is not a debating stage. Participants should confine themselves to expressing their
viewpoints. In the second part of the discussion candidates can exercise their choice in
agreeing, disagreeing or remaining neutral.
 Language use should be simple, direct and straight forward.
 Don't interrupt a speaker when the session is on. Try to score by increasing your size, not by
cutting others short.
 Maintain rapport with fellow participants. Eye contact plays a major role. Non-verbal gestures,
such as listening intently or nodding while appreciating someone's viewpoint speak of you
positively.
 Communicate with each and every candidate present. While speaking don't keep looking at a
single member. Address the entire group in such a way that everyone feels you are speaking to
him or her.

What do I do if one member is very stubborn and aggressive?

You could use any of the following methods.

 Ignore him and address the other members of the group.

 Be assertive and tell him that his argument is faulty.

 Point out to him that his point is well taken and that the group must progress further by
discussing the ideas presented by others.

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 �"

What is the right time to enter a GD to ensure that I am heard properly?

In any GD, there are crests and troughs during the discussion. The crest is when the noise level is at its
peak. The trough is when there is almost total silence. Ideally, you should enter the GD during the
trough period. But in competitive GDs, the crests occur more often and troughs may not occur at all. In
such cases, you could identify the stages in the GD, where ideas dear to you are being discussed and
enter the GD irrespective of the noise level.
How do I participate when the noise level is too high?
You could try the following strategy - Identify the most powerful speaker in the group, and note down
the points that he/she is making. The moment the noise level reduces a little, enter supporting the
powerful speaker. You will have made a strong ally who will carry you through the noise.

GD Tips

1. Initiation Techniques

2. Body of the group discussion

3. Summarization/ Conclusion

Initiation Techniques

 Initiating a GD is a high profit-high loss strategy.

When you initiate a GD, you not only grab the opportunity to speak, you also grab the attention
of the examiner and your fellow candidates.

If you can make a favourable first impression with your content and communication skills after
you initiate a GD, it will help you sail through the discussion.

But if you initiate a GD and stammer/ stutter/ quote wrong facts and figures, the damage might
be irreparable.

If you initiate a GD impeccably but don't speak much after that, it gives the impression that you
started the GD for the sake of starting it or getting those initial kitty of points earmarked for an
initiator!

When you start a GD, you are responsible for putting it into the right perspective or framework.
So initiate one only if you have in-depth knowledge about the topic at hand.

Body of the group discussion

 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

i. Quotes

Quotes are an effective way of initiating a GD.

If the topic of a GD is: Should the Censor Board be abolished?, you could start with a quote like,
'Hidden apples are always sweet'.

For a GD topic like, Customer is King, you could quote Sam (Wall-mart) Walton's famous saying,
'There is only one boss: the customer. And he can fire everybody in the company -- from the
chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else.'

ii. Definition

Start a GD by defining the topic or an important term in the topic.

For example, if the topic of the GD is Advertising is a Diplomatic Way of Telling a Lie, why not
start the GD by defining advertising as, 'Any paid form of non-personal presentation and
promotion of ideas, goods or services through mass media like newspapers, magazines,
television or radio by an identified sponsor'?

For a topic like The Malthusian Economic Prophecy is no longer relevant, you could start by
explaining the definition of the Malthusian Economic Prophecy.

iii. Question

Asking a question is an impact way of starting a GD.

It does not signify asking a question to any of the candidates in a GD so as to hamper the flow.
It implies asking a question, and answering it yourself.

Any question that might hamper the flow of a GD or insult a participant or play devil's advocate
must be discouraged.

Questions that promote a flow of ideas are always appreciated.

For a topic like, Should India go to war with Pakistan, you could start by asking, 'What does war
bring to the people of a nation? We have had four clashes with Pakistan. The pertinent question
is: what have we achieved?'

iv. Shock statement

Initiating a GD with a shocking statement is the best way to grab immediate attention and put
forth your point.

If a GD topic is, The Impact of Population on the Indian Economy, you could start with, 'At the
centre of the Indian capital stands a population clock that ticks away relentlessly. It tracks 33
births a minute, 2,000 an hour, 48,000 a day. Which calculates to about 12 million every year.
That is roughly the size of Australia. As a current political slogan puts it, 'Nothing's impossible
when 1 billion Indians work together'.'

v. Facts, figures and statistics

If you decide to initiate your GD with facts, figure and statistics, make sure to quote them
accurately.

Approximation is allowed in macro level figures, but micro level figures need to be correct and
accurate.

For example, you can say, approximately 70 per cent of the Indian population stays in rural
areas (macro figures, approximation allowed).

But you cannot say 30 states of India instead of 28 (micro figures, no approximations).

Stating wrong facts works to your disadvantage.

For a GD topic like, China, a Rising Tiger, you could start with, 'In 1983, when China was still in
its initial stages of reform and opening up, China's real use of Foreign Direct Investment only
stood at $636 million. China actually utilized $60 billion of FID in 2004, which is almost 100
times that of its 1983 statistics."

vi. Short story

Use a short story in a GD topic like, Attitude is Everything.

This can be initiated with, 'A child once asked a balloon vendor, who was selling helium gas-
filled balloons, whether a blue-colored balloon will go as high in the sky as a green-colored
balloon. The balloon vendor told the child, it is not the color of the balloon but what is inside it
that makes it go high.'

vii. General statement

Use a general statement to put the GD in proper perspective.

For example, if the topic is, Should Sonia Gandhi be the prime minister of India?, you could
 start by saying, 'Before jumping to conclusions like, 'Yes, Sonia Gandhi should be', or 'No, Sonia
Gandhi should not be', let's first find out the qualities one needs to be a a good prime minister
of India. Then we can compare these qualities with those that Mrs. Gandhi possesses. This will
help us reach the conclusion in a more objective and effective manner.'

Summarization/ Conclusion

 Most GD do not really have conclusions. A conclusion is where the whole group decides in favor
or against the topic.

 But every GD is summarized. You can summaries what the group has discussed in the GD in a
nutshell.

Keep the following points in mind while summarizing a discussion:

 

1. Avoid raising new points.

2. Avoid stating only your viewpoint.

3. Avoid dwelling only on one aspect of the GD.

4. Keep it brief and concise.

5. It must incorporate all the important points that came out during the GD.

6. If the examiner asks you to summaries a GD, it means the GD has come to an end.

7. Do not add anything once the GD has been summarized.

GD Do's 

 Do's

1. Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone you are not. Be yourself.

2. A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The evaluator wants to hear you speak.

3. Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say.

4. Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject.

5. Don't start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject.

6. 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.

7. 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.

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

9. Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your points across clearly and
fluently.
 10. Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussion and analysis.

11. Don't lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to. The key is to stay objective: Don't
take the discussion personally.

12. 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"

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

GD Preparation

While selection tools and techniques like tests, interviews etc. provide good data about an individual,
they fall short in providing real life data of how an individual would be performing in a real life situation
especially a group situation. Team work being an integral part of the BPO work profile, it is important to
ascertain group and inter-personal qualities of an individual. Group discussion is a useful tool to
ascertain these qualities and many organizations use GDs as a selection tool along with Personal
Interviews, aptitude tests etc. A GD is an activity where

 Groups of 8-10 candidates are formed into a leaderless group, and are given a specific situation
to analyse and discuss within a given time limit, which may vary between twenty minutes and
forty-five minutes, or
 They may be given a case study and asked to come out with a solution for a problem
 They may be given a topic and are asked to discuss the same

1. Preparing for a Group Discussion: While GD reflects the inherent qualities of an individual,

appearing for it unprepared may not augur well for you. These tips would help you prepare for GDs:

Reading: This is the first and the most crucial step in preparation. This is a never ending process and
the more you read, the better you are in your thoughts. While you may read anything to everything, you
must ensure that you are in good touch with current affairs, the debates and hot topics of discussion and
also with the latest in the IT and ITES industry. Chances are the topics would be around these. Read
both for the thoughts as well as for data. Also read multiple view points on the same topic and then
create your point of view with rationale. Also create answers for counter arguments for your point of
view. The electronic media also will be of good use here.

Mocks: Create an informal GD group and meet regularly to discuss and exchange feedback. This is the
best way to prepare. This would give you a good idea about your thoughts and how well can you
convince. Remember, it is important that you are able to express your thoughts well. The better you
perform in these mocks the better would be you chances to perform on the final day. Also try to interact
and participate in other GD groups. This will develop in you a skill to discuss with unknown people as
well.

2. During the Group Discussion:

What do the panelists assess:Some of the qualities assessed in a GD are:

Leadership Skills - Ability to take leadership roles and be able to lead, inspire and carry the team
along to help them achieve the group's objectives.
Communication Skills - Candidates will be assessed in terms of clarity of thought, expression and
aptness of language. One key aspect is listening. It indicates a willingness to accommodate others
views.

Interpersonal Skills - People skills are an important aspect of any job. They are reflected in the ability
to interact with other members of the group in a brief situation. Emotional maturity and balance
promotes good interpersonal relationships. The person has to be more people centric and less self-
centered.

Persuasive Skills - The ability to analyze and persuade others to see the problem from multiple
perspectives.

GD is a test of your ability to think, your analytical capabilities and your ability to make your point in a
team-based environment.

These are some of the sub-skills that also get assessed with the skills mentioned above:

 Clarity of thought
 Group working skills (especially during a group task of case study discussion)
 Conflict handling
 Listening and probing skills
 Knowledge about the subject and individual point of view
 Ability to create a consensus
 Openess and flexibility towards new ideas
 Data based approach to decision making

While, it is not possible to reflect all these qualities in a short time, you would do well if you are able to
show a couple or more qualities and avoid giving negative evidence on others.