Group Discussions-General

Concepts
What is the normal duration of a Group Discussions ?
A Group Discussion 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 Group Discussion ?
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 Group
Discussion is between you and the other members, not the panel members. You
must avoid even looking at the panel members while the Group Discussion 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 favorably 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.

Group Discussion Tips

1. Always be the initiator and concluder of the GD then being a participant.

2. But if you are participant always try to be the most viral/key participant.

3. put points firmly and always try to get others support too.

4. if you find that the discussion os going off-track then never loose an opportunity to bring it
back to stream this is the best point to score max.

5. try to keep latest information on the topic.

6. be very polite , people may try to provoke you to to get more points but try to keep cool.

7. most important don't wait for your turn to speak when discussion is on. interrupt politely if
you want to put forward your points.

8. last but not the least keep atab on the time given for discussion. score points by wrapping up
the discussion if you feel that the discussion is heating but the time is going to be over.

9. during conclusion, do end with the conclusion note. that shows your leadership quality.
Do's and Don'ts of Group Discussion
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" ChetanaS

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.

General GD Topics
Is China a threat to the Indian software industry.

Role of UN in peacekeeping.

Position of Women in India compared to other nations.

Environment Management.

Is China better than India in software.

Govt contribution to IT

is china a threat to Indian industry

India or west , which is the land of opportunities

water resources should be nationalized

"BALANCE BETWEEN PROFESSIONALISM AND FAMILY"

Effect of cinema on Youth

Education in India compared to Foreign nations

What is the effect of movies on youth. is it good or bad)

Are studies more beneficial in India or in Abroad.

"UN's peace activities" and "America's war on Iraq".

"Environment-Whose Responsibility".

US war on Iraq-justified or not.

Role of UN in Peace keeping

War on Iraq

About Hockey being the primary game in India.

Can America occupy Iraq

IS CHINA A THREAT TO INDIA

Present state of Indian Cricket team

Advantages of Co-education.

How to deal with international terrorism.

Should we pursue our policy of dialogue with Pakistan?

Is peace and non-violence outdated concepts?

A Unipolar World spells disaster for underdeveloped countries like India.

Is Globalization Really Necessary?

What shall we do about our ever-increasing Population?

Corruption is the price we pay for Democracy.

Foreign Television Channels are destroying our culture.

What India needs is a Dictatorship.

With media publishing and telecasting trivia, censorship is the need of the hour.

Kaun Banega Krorepati is less about knowledge but more about money and personality.

Beauty contests degrade womanhood

The rise of regional blocs threatens independent nations like India

Six billion and one bronze!

Is dependence on computers a good thing?

Should the public sector be privatized ?

China and India are similar nations with contrasting ways

Is India a Soft Nation?

Value based politics is the need of the hour

Religion should not be mixed with politics

How to deal with high oil prices

Our cricketers are not to blame for match fixing

Why cant we be world players in industry as we are in software?

Multinational corporations: Are they devils in disguise?

Should there be limits on artistic freedom (the controversy on Fire).

Should there be private universities?

Does banning fashion shows and New Year parties save our culture?

Public sector is more a hindrance than help to promote socialism.

Economic betterment of the poorer nations is as important as disarmament to ensure lasting

world peace.

From public sector to privatization as in the U.K., is the right answer for India's instant economic
breakthrough.

The doctrine of "limited nuclear war" is an ill-convinced, ill- logical, irrational and extremely
dangerous concept.

Some simple but effective electoral reforms will enable us to retain the present parliamentary
system and ensure the preservation of democracy in India.

Nuclear war cannot be won and should not be fought.

Private enterprise and not public sector will contribute to faster and higher economic growth in
India

Inflation is inevitable in our developing country.

The policy of reservation is a legacy of the British and it has done more harm than good.
For a marketing post graduate, without prior work experience working in a big marketing firm is
a disadvantage when compared with working in a small firm. Discuss.

Consumerism is destroying the social fabric of Indian culture

Free market is a prerequisite for growth.

Cricket as a national obsession is a detriment to other sports.

To develop India has to empower women.

.Formulate the government's health policy to control the spread of AIDS.

Advertising is a waste of resources.

Privatization will lead to less corruption.

State is the biggest violator of human rights.

There can never be a classless society.

Beauty pageants are a marketing gimmick.

Voting rights to illiterates in India is illogical because it is widely misused.

Joint family is a blessing in disguise

Higher education should be made possible only for those who can pay for it.

Women cannot successfully combine both career and home

Women are good managers.

Executive should be allowed to form unions.

Effect of liberalization on poverty.

Indians perform better as individuals rather than in groups.

Business and ethics go hand in hand, or do they?

Developing countries should spend more on development than on defense.

Political parties have outlived their utility.

Is Swadeshi relevant for India today?

Money is required to earn more money.

Foreign trade is necessary for any country to survive

Presidential Vs Parliamentary form of government of India.

Technology: The Ism' Of The New Millennium?

Religion And Politics Should Not Mix

TRIPS Controversy And The Patent Act Amendment

Should India Sign The CTBT

State Interventions In Market Kind Or Mixed Economy

Science Is A Boon Or Bane

Is Swapping Terrorists For Hostages An Encouragement For Plane- Hijackers?

Nice Guys Finish Last

All Work And No Play Makes Jack A Dull Boy

Individual Freedom And Civil Society

Conventionalism And Modernity: The Ever going Debate

Should There Be A Restriction On Permissiveness Being propagated by The MTV Culture And
Foreign Media?

Marxism And Its Future All Over The World

The Growing Menace Of Casteism And Regionalism

Presidential Form Of Government Is Needed In India

Bullet For Bullet: Is It The Right Policy?

Capitation Fees Should Be Abolished

Brain-Drain Has To Be Stopped

Business And Ethics Can't / Don't Go Together

Are women As good as Men Or Inferior?

Nothing Succeeds Like Success

The Malthusian Economic Prophecy Is No Longer Relevant

Secessionism In The North-East: Who's To Blame?

Should India Break Diplomatic Ties With Pakistan?

Age and Youth: Experience And Young Talent

East Is East & West Is Where All The Action Is': Mark Twain

Freedom Of _Expression And The State Authority.