Narendra Kumar Asst Prof BIET Jhansi TEQIPIII MHRD

Narendra Kumar Asst. Prof. BIET Jhansi TEQIP-III, MHRD GOI Source: http: //justlikecooking. blogspot. com/2012/02/ Group Discussion (GD)

Group Discussion • 5 or more participants sit together, discuss a topic, and try to reach a consensus (solution of a problem). • Organizations conduct GD to recruit candidates to make sure the candidate has required ability as per the job profile. • Within a short time the participants who perform better in arriving the consensus are promoted for the interview round of recruitment. 03 -09 -2021 Language Lab Group Discussion 2

Nature of GD • Interactive: Every participant contributes his/her own idea • Group Process: person-to-group • Productive Activity: Purposeful & goal Oriented activity • Planned activity: Systematic and planned activity 03 -09 -2021 Language Lab Group Discussion 3

Objectivity of a GD • Suggestions • Wide Approach • Decision-making • Exchange of Ideas • Productive Activity Phases in a GD • • Selection of topic and doing research on it Initiation / introduction The central group discussion Summarization / Conclusion 03 -09 -2021 Language Lab Group Discussion 4

GD Why should you love it ? • During a group discussion a participant is judged for his – Communication skill – Non-verbal skills like gesture, posture, eye contact etc. – Performance under time pressure – Leadership skills – Problem solving skills – Depth of knowledge 03 -09 -2021 Language Lab Group Discussion 5

Types of GD • Topic-based – A controversy: ex. Caste-based reservation, China – Biggest threat to India? – A descriptive: ex. Indo-US Relations, Poverty in India, Causes of Inflation – An abstract: Gold, black, soul, Aatma & Parmatma • A case study – If you were the HRD minister of India, what would you do to handle the situation when anti-India slogans were raised in JNU campus. 03 -09 -2021 Language Lab Group Discussion 6

Preparation ‘Before anything else, preparation is the key to success. ’ – Alexander Graham Bell • Practice with friends / family members • Practice in a class • Use TV, newspapers or internet to enhance your knowledge • Make your mobile phones your true friends: record your voice and playback it and observe your control on the pronunciation, accent, pitch, pace, and clarity of voice. • Practice in front of mirror to self evaluate your bodylanguage, facial expressions, and gesture. 03 -09 -2021 Language Lab Group Discussion 7

GD Myths • You should always initiate the discussion. • Only aggressive speakers win. • You should speak very loudly so that others can hear you. • If you speak a lot, your chances of getting selected are increased. • If you speak like a celebrity, you’ll make a great impression. • Only fluent speakers perform well in a GD • You may use your native language in a GD • The group must reach a consensus 03 -09 -2021 Language Lab Group Discussion 8

Tips for those who hate GD 1. Begin your preparations as early as possible. 2. When you practise in front of a mirror, try to speak like your favourite speaker/news anchor/politician sometimes. 3. Make your GD practice a fun. For instance, when you’re working on fluency, speak the dialogues you like. 4. Go in depth of expected topics; try to find more about them. 5. Learn to admire yourself. You never fail if you try. 6. Don’t worry about the stage fright. 7. If you have the problem of high BP, take your medicine regularly and act natural in a GD. 8. In GDs, there’s always a second time. Don’t care so much about your performance that it gets on your nerves. 03 -09 -2021 Language Lab Group Discussion 9

What to do before a GD? 1. Take adequate sleep the night before GD. 2. Do not try to read too much before a GD. 3. If possible, read the headlines in the newspaper. Go through the major ones. 4. Needless to say, dress well as professional. 5. Reach the venue before the set time. 6. Carry all the required documents, a water bottle (add glucose if you want) 7. Talk to other participants prior to the GD at the venue. It will help to overcome nervousness. 8. Keep a brief introduction. 9. Do as you are directed. When your turn comes, take a deep breath, relax and enter the room. 03 -09 -2021 Language Lab Group Discussion 10

Roles in a structured GD • • Initiator Information Seeker Procedure facilitator Opinion Seeker/giver Clarifier Summarizer Social Supporter 03 -09 -2021 • • • Harmonizer Tension Reliever Energizer Attacker Dominator Language Lab Group Discussion 11

Do’s Don’ts of a GD 1. Be your original, never try to mimic someone in GD. 2. Try to initiate the topic or else try to be in one-third of the speakers. 3. Start with a unique question/statement/quotation related to the topic. 4. Be assertive, don’t try to be interruptive or rude. 5. Appreciate good points by others. It shows your team spirit. 6. Don’t shout even if someone else is shouting. 7. Don’t reveal you emotions or express in sensible manner. 03 -09 -2021 Language Lab Group Discussion 12

Do’s Don’ts of a GD 8. Don’t get nervous by thinking that others are performing better than you. 9. Maintain your body language all the time. 10. Encourage others to speak. (leadership) 11. Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a point made by someone. 12. Use simple words and sentences in active voice (KISS). 13. Support your points with facts and evidences. 14. Get the discussion back on track if it goes off the track. 15. Try to summarize the discussion at the end. 16. Stay firm on your stand in a controversial topic. 03 -09 -2021 Language Lab Group Discussion 13

Body Language 03 -09 -2021 Language Lab Group Discussion 14

Body Language 03 -09 -2021 Language Lab Group Discussion 15

Voice Monotonous Ascending tone Abrupt (sudden/unexpected) speech Low Pitch High Pitch Long drawn speech in High pitch 03 -09 -2021 Reflection Boring, Disinterested Astonished Defensive Depression Enthusiasm Disbelief Language Lab Group Discussion 16

Troubleshooting in a GD • When you don’t understand the topic? – Never be the initiator, let one or two speakers to speak and then present your opinion accordingly. • When someone is trying to dominate you? – Maintain your calmness, don’t pay attention on them, put your own opinion not the one they want you to take. • When someone on in the group is shouting? – No need to advise them, let the evaluator evaluate them, appreciate good point made by them and then add what you want to say. • When there’s a total chaos? – Be a coordinator and ask the group members to speak one by one. 03 -09 -2021 Language Lab Group Discussion 17

Troubleshooting in a GD • When someone offends you? – Ignore it and maintain your coolness; if happens again politely say, ‘Sorry, but I can’t respond you’. • When things seems going against you? – If you are right support your point with evidences/ examples, else admit you mistake in a cheerful way. • When, surprisingly, everyone is calm and composed? – Be an energizer, motivate the quiet members enthusiastically to participate more 03 -09 -2021 Language Lab Group Discussion 18

Expectations of the panel Team player Reasoning Leadership Flexible Assertiveness Initiative Creative (Out of the box thinking) Listening Awareness Inspiring Ability 03 -09 -2021 Language Lab Group Discussion 19

What if you fail to perform in GD Source: http: //kathyhadleylifecoach. com/failure-is-just-a-stepping-stone-to-success-if-you-see-it-that-way/ 03 -09 -2021 Language Lab Group Discussion 20

03 -09 -2021 Language Lab Group Discussion 21