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HOW TO HANDLE GROUP DISCUSSIONS
Many companies conduct group discussion after the written test so as to check on your interactive skills and how good you are at communicating with other people. The GD is to check how you behave, participate and contibute in a group, how much importance do you give to the group objective as well as your own, how well do you listen to viewpoints of others and how open-minded are you in accepting views contrary to your own. The aspects which make up a GD are verbal communication, non-verbal behaviour, conformation to norms, decision-making ability and cooperation. You should try to be as true as possible to these aspects.
Here is a sample list of skills assessed during a group discussion:
Leadership skills:
Example: To be able to initiate the group discussion, or to be able to guide the group especially when the discussion begins losing relevance or try to encourage all members to participate in the discussion.
Communication skills:
Example: To be able to use simple language and explain concepts clearly so that it is easily
Interpersonal skills:
Example: To remain cool even when someone provokes you by with personal comment, ability to remain objective, ability to empathize, non-threatening and more of a team player.
Persuasive skills:
Example: While appreciating someone elseâs point of view, you should be able to effectively communicate your view without overtly hurting the other person.
Problem solving skills:
Example: While thinking of solutions, donât be afraid to think of novel solutions. This is a high- risk high-return strategy.
Conceptualizing skills:
Example: At the end of the discussion, you could probably summarize the findings in a few sentences that present the overall perspective. Donât be disheartened if you donât make it after your first group discussion. The best possible preparation for a group discussion is to learn from oneâs past mistakes...
Frequently Asked Questions / Doubts on GD
What is the normal duration of a GD?
A GD 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 GD?
Usually some time (2-5 minutes) is given to collect oneâs thoughts, but there could be instances when this does not happen, so it is best not to bank on this.
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.
Probable GD Topics
Agrarian Economy in India-boon or bane
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
Speaking for the topic one can argue the following- time and again it has made us self reliant in food. This increases our bargaining power tremendously in the world economy. Internally also food prices can be kept low and this will have a direct bearing on inflation. This would bolster the economy and provide us freedom from world bodies and other nations.
Against the topic-agrarian economy is at the mercy of climatic conditions. A bad summer , monsoon, or winter could bring the nation down. It will have a spiral effect as increased prices will lead to inflation and problems associated with it. World bodies and other nations will dictate terms..etc....
If there were no armies in the world......
The following points could be discussed under this topic:
Wishful thinking indeed! It would be the key element for world peace. There will be no instrument to wage a war. It will also remove fear and distrust among various nations. We wont have a defence budget. This means more funds channelised into other productive areas. Reduced terrorism and very little separatist groups
But the disadvantage could be imposition by one group, anarchy,laissez faire politics, lawlessness..etc..
Do we need a global policeman?
The role of some countries in "disciplining" others. Assuming on itself to decide what is right and what is wrong for the whole world. Bullying others into submission by its sheer economic power. Overriding the brief of world bodies in world politics
Suggest alternatives like more authority to world bodies like UN etc which is more representative of everyone's interests. More assertiveness to be shown by other nations to such policing nations . making more nations self reliant so that we have less of "Big Brother" Syndrome....etc.....
US war on Iraq-justified or not.
Role of UN in peacekeeping.
Position of Women in India compared to other nations.
Environment Management.
Is China better than India in software.
Should SONIA gandhi be made the PM
BPOs in INDIA
Govt contribution to IT
Will punch lines rule the Advt
Prematial sex
Is China a threat to Indian industry
India or West , which is the land of opportunities
Water resources should be nationalised
Balance between Professionalism & Family
Effect of cinema on Youth
Education in India compared to Foreign nations
Is it necessary to ban COCOCOLA in India.
What is the effect of movies on youth.(is it good or bad)
