Group Discussion - Introduction

GROUP DISCUSSION - INTRODUCTION

 

 Meaning:

Group discussion, as the term itself suggests, is a discussion by and among a group of people. The group has between 8 and 12 members who express their views, freely, frankly and in a friendly manner, on a topic of current and controversial nature. The topic is given on the appointed date, and, hence, the conversation that follows is a spontaneous chit chat, not a pre-planned one. Here, within a time limit of 20 to 30 minutes, the abilities of the members of the group are measured in an unobtrusive manner by the examiner who does not actively participate in the discussion.

Features of Group Discussion:  Used as a fruitful method in selecting            suitable candidates for top jobs, group discussion has the following salient features:

·        Group discussion is, unlike interview, many on many conversation which is not pre-planned and is spontaneous. Here, any interesting topic may be given to judge your public speaking talent.

·        Unlike a formal debate where one is supposed to speak only for against the motion, one by one, and within a definite time limit allotted by the President or Chairman, a group discussion follows an informal approach. The participants are free to speak in favour or against the subject, be neutral or explain the merits or demerits, advantages and disadvantages of the topic under discussion.

·        The discussion revolves around a specific subject given by the GTO or examiner, no doubt, but he does not interfere once he announces the subject. Instead, he recedes to the background watches the group behavior therefrom, and the group members immediately start discussing the topic informally.

·        In a group discussion we witness cordiality, friendliness, informality and free atmosphere. Normally, the age, educational qualifications, background, experience and aptitude of the candidates being the same, they have no fear or complexes and thus it becomes easy to assess their natural group behaviour.

Utility of Group Discussion:

·        Speaking in a group enables you to shed your shyness, nervousness and inhibitions.

·        You get to learn many new things and thus your field of knowledge is expanded.

·        Your thinking is stimulated. Discarding your prejudices and emotions you learn to think objectively, where irrelevant ideas have no place.

·        A group discussion helps you cultivate the qualities of self-confidence, mental alertness, self-assertion but without offending the feelings of others ability to discuss a subject without losing your temper, power of reasoning and ability to refute arguments offered by others without allowing any unpleasantness or ill-feeling and disagreeing with grace; event changing your original ideas during the course of the discussion if required in the light of facts and figures provided by the other speakers/participants.

·        You get to know other members of the group, understand your strengths and weaknesses and thus assess yourself in relation to others forming the group.

·        Your true personality is revealed and qualities of leadership crystallize. If you have initiative and tact, know the subject well and have self-confidence, you grab the opportunity to start the discussion and automatically assume the role of a natural leader.

·        Lastly, it provides you a wholesome entertainment in which all others too are equally entertained.

To Know More About Group Discussion Topics:

•    What You Should Avoid in Group Discussion

•    What you must do in Group Discussion

•    General Method of Group Discussion

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•   GROUP DISCUSSION TOPICS - What isDesirable, Love or Arranged marriage?

•   Do's and Don’ts in Group Discussions