This PPT gives clear idea about the various aspects of Group Discussion.

1. Presentation On:
By –
Navgire Sagar.
(TE 6 3651)

2. • 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 ( 8-12 ) candidates is
given a topic or a situation, given a few minutes to think
about the same, and then asked to discuss the same
among themselves for 15-20.

3. Types
Topics Based
1. Factual Topics.
3. Abstract Topics
2. Controversial Topics.
Case Based

4. • 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 this environment.
• Example : - Education policy in India.
- Tourism in India.
- Falling of Rupee.

5. • 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.
• Examples : - Reservations should be removed.
- Women make better managers.
- Lokpal Bill.

6. • 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.
• Examples : - A is an alphabet.
- The number 10.
- Small is beautiful.
- The color orange.
- Music.

7. • 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.

8. • Communication Skills.
• Leadership Skills
• Reasoning Ability.
• Flexibility.
• Team Player.
• Assertive.
• Initiative.
• Inspiring Ability.
• Listening.
• Awareness.
• Creativity.

9. • Be polite, yet confident.
• Respect other speakers.
• Only one person should speak at a time.
• Disagree politely.
• Try to stick to the discussion topic. Don't introduce
irrelevant information.
• Keep the track of the time.
• Be aware of your body language when you are speaking.

10. • Initiator.
• Facilitator.
• Information Seeker.
• Elaborator.
• Evaluator.
• Energizer.
• Time-keeper.
• Encourager.
• Harmonizer.
• Concluder.

11. • 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.
• Interrupt. Wait for a speaker to finish what they are
saying before you speak.

12. • Avoid Time consuming details.
• Initiate. If you don’t have enough knowledge about the topic.
• Don’t get personal or make fun of other.
• Don’t talk among yourselves.

13. • Aggressor.
• Blocker.
• Self Confessor.
• Disruptor.
• Dominator.
• Help Seeker.
• Clown.

14. • 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 favorable 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.
• 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.

15. • Observe :
Observe various good qualities.
• Practice :
Start practicing in your discussion skills in an
informal setting or with a small group.
• Participate :
Take every opportunity to take part in social /
informal discussions.

16. • Dress Formally.
• Be cool and keep calm.
• Initiate only if you know the topic well.
• Talk politely.
• Bring the discussion back to the topic, if its drifting away.
• Encourage others to speak.
• Use right language.
• Conclude the discussion, covering maximum points
discussed in the session.

17. • BPOs in India.
• Is china a threat to Indian industry.
• Skilled manpower Shortage of India.
• Should Agricultural Subsidies be stopped ?
• Every cloud has a silver lining.
• Good politicians are difficult to find in India.
• India should now move to bi-party system.
• IITs in India have lost their charm.
• GM crop – Most promising scientific opportunity for the
future of food.
• DRS Technology from cricket should be scrapped.
• Corruption.