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Home Latest Jobs Jobs Forums sitemap Common Interview Questions HR Interview Questions and Tips Freshers IT Software Salary A Group Discussion can be defined as a formal discussion Details involving ten to 12 participants in a group. HR Interview Collective Tips Resume Tips It is a methodology used by an organization to gauge whether the Placement Papers candidate has certain personality traits and/or skills that it desires in its TCS Results members. In this methodology, the group of candidates is given a topic - - - - - - VTU Results or a situation, given a few minutes to think about the same, and then Grou p Discu ssio n asked to discuss the it among themselves for 15-20 minutes. GD Tips As in a football game, where you play like a team, passing the ball to GD FAQ each team member and aim for a common goal, GD is also based on Common Mistakes GD Preparation team work, incorporating views of different team members to reach a Facing GD common goal. Need for GD GD for MBA Here are some of the most important personality traits that a candidate GD Types should possess to do well at a GD: Care er

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Team Player

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Reasoning Ability

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Leadership

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Flexibility

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Assertiveness

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Initiative

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Creativity/ Out of the box thinking

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Inspiring ability

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Listening

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Awareness

1. Team Player

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It is essential for managers to be team players. The reason: Managers always work in teams. At the beginning of his(manager) career, a manager works as a team member. And, later, as a team leader. Management aspirants who lack team skills cannot be good managers. 2. Reasoning Ability Reasoning ability plays an important role while expressing your opinions or ideas at a GD. For example, on India's growth and its effect's: Any Answer for this should be based on reasons, not assumptions. 3. Leadership There are three types of situations that can arise in a GD: ~ A GD where participants are unable to establish a proper rapport and do not speak much. ~ A GD where participants get emotionally charged and the GD gets chaotic. ~ A GD where participants discuss the topic assertively by touching on all its nuances and try to reach the objective. Here, a leader would be someone who facilitates the third situation at a GD. A leader would have the following qualities: ~S/he shows direction to the group whenever group moves away from the topic. ~S/he coordinates the effort of the different team members in the GD. ~S/he contributes to the GD at regular intervals with valuable insights. ~S/he also inspires and motivates team members to express their views. Caution: Being a mere coordinator in a GD does not help, because it is a secondary role. Contribute to the GD with your ideas and opinions, but also try and steer the conversation towards a goal. 4. Flexibility You must be open to other ideas as well as to the evaluation of your ideas: That is what flexibility is all about. But first, remember: Never ever start your GD with a stand or a conclusion. Say the topic of a GD is, 'Should India Ban night work for Women at night hours?'

Some participants tend to get emotionally attached to the topic and take a stand either in favour or against the topic, ie 'Yes, India should', or, 'No, India should not'. By taking a stand, you have already given your decision without discussing the topic at hand or listening to the views of your team members. Also, if you encounter an opposition with a very strong point at the 11th hour, you end up in a typical catch-22 situation: ~If you change your stand, you are seen as a fickle-minded or a whimsical person. ~If you do not change your stand, you are seen as an inflexible, stubborn and obstinate person. 5. Assertiveness You must put forth your point to the group in a very emphatic, positive and confident manner. Participants often confuse assertiveness with aggressiveness. Aggressiveness is all about forcing your point on the other person, and can be a threat to the group. An aggressive person can also demonstrate negative body language, whereas an assertive person displays positive body language. 6. Initiative A general trend amongst students is to start a GD and get the initial kitty of points earmarked for the initiator. But that is a high risk-high return strategy. Initiate a GD only if you are well versed with the topic. If you start and fail to contribute at regular intervals, it gives the impression that you started the GD just for the sake of the initial points. Also, if you fumble, stammer or misquote facts, it may work against you. Remember: You never ever get a second chance to create a first impression. 7. Creativity/ Out of the box thinking An idea or a perspective which opens new horizons for discussion on the GD topic is always highly appreciated. When you put across a new idea convincingly, such that it is discussed at length by the group, it can only be positive. You will find yourself in the good books of the examiner. 8. Inspiring ability A good group discussion should incorporate views of all the team members. If some team members want to express their ideas but are not getting

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the opportunity to do so, giving them an opportunity to express their ideas or opinions will be seen as a positive trait. Caution: If a participant is not willing to speak, you need not necessarily go out of the way to ask him to express his views. This may insult him and hamper the flow of the GD. 9. Listening Always try and strike a proper balance between expressing your ideas and imbibing ideas. 10. Awareness You must be well versed with both the micro and macro environment. Your awareness about your environment helps a lot in your GD content, which carries maximum weightage.

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MBA Group D is cuss ion GD Tips GD FAQ Common Mistakes GD Preparation Facing GD Need for GD GD for MBA GD Types GROUP DISCUSSION A group discussion (GD) is a simulated exercise, where you cannot suddenly put up a show, since the evaluators will see through you easily. In this page you can find tips on GD and how to handle them to ensure a positive outcome. Here's how most group discussions work •

Normally groups of 8-10 candidates are formed into a leaderless group, and are given a specific situation to analyze

and discuss within a given time limit. •

The group may be given a case study and asked to come out with a solution for a problem.

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The group may be given a topic and asked to discuss on the same.

A panel will observe the proceedings and evaluate the members of the group. OBJECTIVE Lets start from the basic. One needs to know what one's objective in the group is. A good definition of your objective is - to be noticed to have contributed meaningfully in an attempt to help the group reach the right consensus. What does this essentially mean?

1. The first implication is that you should be noticed by the panel. Merely making a meaningful contribution and helping the group arrive at a consensus is not enough. You have to be seen by the evaluating panel to have made the meaningful contribution. What does that mean in practice? •

You must ensure that the group hears you. If the group hears you, so will the evaluator. That does not mean that you shout at the top of your voice and be noticed for the wrong reasons.

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You have to be assertive. If you are not a very assertive person, you will have to simply learn to be assertive for those 15 minutes. Remember, assertiveness does not mean being bull-headed or being arrogant.

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And most importantly, you have to make your chances. Many group discussion participants often complain that they did not get a chance to speak. The fact is that in no group discussion will you get a chance to speak. There is nothing more unacceptable in a GD than keeping one's mouth shut or just murmuring things which are inaudible.

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Participate in as many practice GDs as possible before you attend the actual GD. There is nothing like practice to help you overcome the fear of talking in a GD.

2. The second important implication is that making just any sort of contribution is not enough. Your contribution has to be meaningful. A meaningful contribution suggests that

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You have a good knowledge base

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You are able to put forth your arguments logically and are a good communicator.

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The quality of what you said is more valuable than the quantity. There is this myth amongst many group discussion participants that the way to succeed in a group discussion is by speaking loudly and at great length. One could not be more wrong. You must have meat in your arguments.

Therefore, think things through carefully. Always enter the room with a piece of paper and a pen. In the first two minutes jot down as many ideas as you can. When you jot down points, keep these pointers in mind. If it is a topic where you are expected to take a stand, say for example, "Should India sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty?" note down points for both sides of the argument. It will be useful on two counts -

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One, if you do not start the GD and are not amongst the first five speakers and find that everyone in the group is talking for the topic, then it makes sense to take the alternate approach and oppose the topic even if you initially intended to talk for the topic.

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Second, it helps to have a knowledge of how group members who take a stand diametrically opposite to yours will put forth their argument and to be prepared with counter arguments.

3. Everybody else will state the obvious. So highlight some points that are not obvious. The different perspective that you bring to the group will be highly apprecaited by the panel. Some pointers on being relevant while having a different perspective are: •

Be careful that the "something different" you state is still relevant to the topic being debated.

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Can you take the group ahead if it is stuck at one point?

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Can you take it in a fresh and more relevant direction?

4. The last implication is that you must be clearly seen to be attempting to build a consensus.

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Gaining support or influencing colleagues is the mantra adopted by many a successful Business Leaders.

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Nobody expects a group of ten intelligent, assertive people, all with different points of view on a controversial subject to actually achieve a consensus. But what matters is "Did you make attempts to build a consensus?"

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The reason why an attempt to build a consensus is important is because in most work situations you will have to work with people in a team, accept joint responsibilities and take decisions as a group.

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You must demonstrate the fact that you are capable and inclined to work as part of a team.

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Home Latest Jobs co mmon gd tips Jobs Forums sitemap GD Tips Common Interview Questions GD FAQ HR Interview Questions and Tips Common Mistakes Freshers IT Software Salary GD Preparation Details Facing GD HR Interview Collective Tips Need for GD Resume Tips GD for MBA Placement Papers GD Types TCS Results Groupd Discussion Common Tips From FreshersHome.com Team! - - - - - - VTU Results Gr oup Disc ussi on The tips given below are appicable in any GD. The only difference between most other GDs and the GDs conducted by the IIMs after CAT GD Tips or other top B Schools is the intensity of the competition. GD FAQ Common Mistakes • Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone you are GD Preparation Facing GD not. Be yourself. Need for GD • A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The GD for MBA GD Types evaluator wants to hear you speak. •

Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say.

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International Exams Study Abroad Future Studies Don't start speaking until you have clearly understood and Group Discussion analyzed the subject. Fake Experience Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate Interview Questions the discussion or agree with someone else's point and then move onto express your views. Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject.

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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.

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Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say.

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Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your points across clearly and fluently.

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Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussion and analysis.

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Don't lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to. The key is to stay objective: Don't take the discussion personally.

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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"

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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.

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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. Don't be disheartened if you did not do well in your first group discussion. The best possible preparation for a group discussion is to learn from your past mistakes...

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GD FAQ - Support

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GD F AQ Page 1 of 2 GD Tips GD FAQ Common Mistakes GD Preparation Facing GD Need for GD GD for MBA GD Types What is the normal duration of a GD? A GD is generally of 15-20 minutes duration.

Home Latest Jobs Jobs Forums sitemap Common Interview Questions HR Interview Questions and Tips Freshers IT Software Salary Details HR Interview Collective Tips Resume Tips Placement Papers TCS Results ------VTU Results

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GD Tips GD FAQ Common Mistakes GD Preparation Facing GD Is there time given for preparation after the topic is given and Need for GD before starting the GD? GD for MBA Usually some time (2-5 minutes) is given to collect one's thoughts, but GD Types there could be instances when this does not happen, so it is best not toCare er bank on this. Career Info International Exams Should I address the panel or the group members? Study Abroad Don't ever make the mistake of addressing the panel members. The Future Studies GD is between you and the other members, not the panel members. Group Discussion You must avoid even looking at the panel members while the GD is in Fake Experience Interview Questions progress. Just ignore their existence. How many panel members are there to evaluate? There are usually 3-4 panel members to evaluate.

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 favourably 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. Are we allowed to carry a piece of paper during the GD for noting down important points? Normally you are, but there may be instances when it is specifically forbidden to carry paper. Is there any particular seating arrangement, which is favourable to the participants? If participants are asked to sit in a circle or a semi circle, one position is as good as another. But if you are asked to sit on either side of a rectangular table, then choose a position as close to the centre as possible. Should we begin the GD by appointing a leader amongst ourselves? No. You should not. Leadership in a GD is established implicitly through one's performance in a GD. Should we distribute the total time available to all the participants to ensure that everybody gets a chance to speak? Since a GD is not a debate or elocution, the participants should not resort to the strategy of distributing time amongst themselves. Can we take a definite stand in the GD and then later on during the GD, switch over to another stand? Yes, provided you do it the right way. In a GD it is quite likely that some

other participant's counter-argument convinces you to your point. If this happens, then it is best if you accept his argument and explain to the group how your previous argument was true within a narrow range, and how the new argument is applicable to a broader range. Naturally, it is safer not to make any rash statements for or against a topic before you learn the facts of the argument. Blindly taking a stand will definitely lead you to trouble. This does not mean you should sit on the fence. You may participate actively by pointing out both sides of the issue in a reasonable and logical manner. If we do not understand the meaning of the topic, should we ask the moderator to explain it to us? No. You cannot. Instead of displaying your ignorance in this manner, it is better to wait for some other participant to explain the meaning of the topic. So listen to the discussion carefully for the first few minutes and when you have figured out what the topic is about, start participating in the discussion. Should we address the other participants by their names or their assigned numbers? As far as possible, you should try and avoid names or numbers. It is better to use pronouns such as "he", "she", "you" etc. while referring to the members of the group. Are we expected to stick to the normally accepted line of thought or can we come up with something radical? By all means you can. It would demonstrate your creativity and originality. Just make sure it is relevant to the topic. If I feel strongly about an issue, should I voice my feelings? It is important to be cool and emotionally objective in a GD. If you react emotionally you are likely to lose control over yourself during the group discussion. You have to be calm and logical, not emotional in a GD. Can I use technical terms or jargon, which is clear to me, but not to the group? If you have to use technical terms, please do not use abbreviations. After mentioning the term in full take time out to explain to the group what it means. It is quite likely that other participants of the group have a different academic background from you, and you should make sure you are all on a level playing field. Do I begin my participation by requesting the group's permission to do so? It is not likely that you will get a chance to ask for such permission. It may also go against you (as appearing weak on your part). What is the right time to enter a GD to ensure that I am heard

properly? In any GD, there are crests and troughs during the discussion. The crest is when the noise level is at its peak. The trough is when there is almost total silence. Ideally, you should enter the GD during the trough period. But in competitive GDs, the crests occur more often and troughs may not occur at all. In such cases, you could identify the stages in the GD, where ideas dear to you are being discussed and enter the GD irrespective of the noise level. How do I participate when the noise level is too high? You could try the following strategy - Identify the most powerful speaker in the group, and note down the points that he/she is making. The moment the noise level reduces a little, enter supporting the powerful speaker. You will have made a strong ally who will carry you through the noise. Do I have to be cautious about other participants' feelings (on sensitive issues like religion, caste etc)? You certainly do. Insensitivity to others displays a lack of maturity and viciousness. It will act against your favour. Is it beneficial to be the first speaker in a group discussion? Being the first speaker is a high risk, high return strategy. If you can make a good opening statement, which is relevant and sets the tone for the GD, it will go in your favour. If you do this well, you may automatically become the group leader. However if you bungle it up (by speaking for the sake of speaking, not really having anything pertinent to say), it will be remembered and will go against your favour. How critical is my fluency in English to my performance? Command over English is certainly advantageous but will not compensate for lack of good content. If your content is good, then even if your English might not be great, you must speak it out, rather than be inhibited by lack of good English. You will get credit for soundness of ideas. How necessary is it to use examples for illustrating an idea? Use of examples is helpful in elaborating your point, and helping others understand your idea better. But please remember to keep it short and simple because in a competitive GD nobody has the patience to listen to long, drawn out examples.

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COMMON MISTAKES - Support

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Home Latest Jobs GD Co mmon Mi stake s Jobs Forums sitemap GD Tips Common Interview Questions GD FAQ HR Interview Questions and Tips Common Mistakes Freshers IT Software Salary GD Preparation Details Facing GD HR Interview Collective Tips Need for GD Resume Tips GD for MBA Placement Papers GD Types TCS Results Who Learn's from mistake's is the won who has the wisdom, and - - - - - - VTU Results who repeats mistake is the one who does not.

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Here's a list of the most common mistakes made at group discussions GD Tips GD FAQ Common Mistakes Emotional outburst GD Preparation Rashmi was offended when one of the male participants in a group Facing GD discussion made a statement on women generally being submissive Need for GD while explaining his point of view. When Rashmi finally got an GD for MBA opportunity to speak, instead of focussing on the topic, she vented her GD Types anger by accusing the other candidate for being a male chauvinist and Care er went on to defend women in general. Career Info International Exams Study Abroad What Rashmi essentially did was to Future Studies • Deviate from the subject. Group Discussion Fake Experience • Treat the discussion as a forum to air her own views. Interview Questions • Lose objectivity and make personal attacks. Her behaviour would have been perceived as immature and demotivating to the rest of the team. Quality Vs Quantity Gautam believed that the more he talked, the more likely he was to get through the GD. So, he interrupted other people at every opportunity. He did this so often that the other candidates got together to prevent

him from participating in the rest of the discussion. •

Assessment is not only on your communication skills but also on your ability to be a team player.

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Evaluation is based on quality, and not on quantity. Your contribution must be relevant.

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The mantra is "Contributing meaningfully to the team's success." Domination is frowned upon.

Egotism Showing off Krishna was happy to have got a group discussion topic he had prepared for. So, he took pains to project his vast knowledge of the topic. Every other sentence of his contained statistical data - "20% of companies; 24.27% of parliamentarians felt that; I recently read in a Jupiter Report that..." and so on so forth. Soon, the rest of the team either laughed at him or ignored his attempts to enlighten them as they perceived that he was cooking up the data. •

Exercise restraint in anything. You will end up being frowned upon if you attempt showing-off your knowledge.

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Facts and figures need not validate all your statements.

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Its your analysis and interpretation that are equally important not just facts and figures.

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You might be appreciated for your in-depth knowledge. But you will fail miserably in your people skills.

Such a behavior indicates how self-centered you are and highlights your inability to work in an atmosphere where different opinions are expressed. Get noticed - But for the right reasons Srikumar knew that everyone would compete to initiate the discussion. So as soon as the topic - "Discuss the negative effects of India joining the WTO" - was read out, he began talking. In his anxiety to be the first to start speaking, he did not hear the word "negative" in the topic. He began discussing the ways in which the country had benefited by joining WTO, only to be stopped by the evaluator, who then corrected his mistake. •

False starts are extremely expensive. They cost you your admission. It is very important to listen and understand the topic before you air your opinions.

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Spending a little time analyzing the topic may provide you with insights which others may not have thought about. Use a pen and paper to jot down your ideas.

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Listen! It gives you the time to conceptualize and present the information in a better manner.

Some mistakes are irreparable. Starting off the group discussion with a

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mistake is one such mistake, unless you have a great sense of humor. Managing one's insecurities Sumati was very nervous. She thought that some of the other candidates were exceptionally good. Thanks to her insecurity, she contributed little to the discussion. Even when she was asked to comment on a particular point, she preferred to remain silent. •

Your personality is also being evaluated. Your verbal and non verbal cues are being read.

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Remember, you are the participant in the GD; not the evaluator. So, rather than evaluating others and your performance, participate in the discussion.

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Your confidence level is being evaluated. Decent communication skills with good confidence is a must to crack the GDs.

Focus on your strengths and do not spend too much time thinking about how others are superior or inferior to you. It is easy to pick up these cues from your body language.

GD PREPARATION - Support

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Home Latest Jobs GD Prepa ration Jobs Forums sitemap Page 1 of 2 Common Interview Questions HR Interview Questions and Tips GD Tips Freshers IT Software Salary GD FAQ Common Mistakes Details GD Preparation HR Interview Collective Tips Facing GD Resume Tips Need for GD Placement Papers GD for MBA TCS Results GD Types ------While selection tools and techniques like tests, interviews etc. provide VTU Results Grou p Discu ssio n good data about an individual, they fall short in providing real life data GD Tips of how an individual would be performing in a real life situation GD FAQ especially a group situation. Team work being an integral part of the Common Mistakes

GD Preparation BPO work profile, it is important to ascertain group and inter-personal Facing GD qualities of an individual. Group discussion is a useful tool to ascertain Need for GD GD for MBA these qualities and many organizations use GDs as a selection tool along with Personal Interviews, aptitude tests etc. A GD is an activity GD Types Care er where Career Info • Groups of 8-10 candidates are formed into a leaderless group, International Exams and are given a specific situation to analyse and discuss within Study Abroad Future Studies a given time limit, which may vary between twenty minutes and Group Discussion forty-five minutes, or Fake Experience Interview Questions • They may be given a case study and asked to come out with a solution for a problem •

They may be given a topic and are asked to discuss the same

1. Preparing for a Group Discussion: While GD reflects the inherent qualities of an individual, appearing for it unprepared may not augur well for you. These tips would help you prepare for GDs: Reading: This is the first and the most crucial step in preparation. This is a never ending process and the more you read, the better you are in your thoughts. While you may read anything to everything, you must ensure that you are in good touch with current affairs, the debates and hot topics of discussion and also with the latest in the IT and ITES industry. Chances are the topics would be around these. Read both for the thoughts as well as for data. Also read multiple view points on the same topic and then create your point of view with rationale. Also create answers for counter arguments for your point of view. The electronic media also will be of good use here. Mocks: Create an informal GD group and meet regularly to discuss and exchange feedback. This is the best way to prepare. This would give you a good idea about your thoughts and how well can you convince. Remember, it is important that you are able to express your thoughts well. The better you perform in these mocks the better would be you chances to perform on the final day. Also try to interact and participate in other GD groups. This will develop in you a skill to discuss with unknown people as well. 2. During the Group Discussion: What do the panelists assess:Some of the qualities assessed in a GD are: Leadership Skills - Ability to take leadership roles and be able to lead, inspire and carry the team along to help them achieve the group's objectives.

Communication Skills - Candidates will be assessed in terms of clarity of thought, expression and aptness of language. One key aspect is listening. It indicates a willingness to accommodate others views. Interpersonal Skills - People skills are an important aspect of any job. They are reflected in the ability to interact with other members of the group in a brief situation. Emotional maturity and balance promotes good interpersonal relationships. The person has to be more people centric and less self-centered. Persuasive Skills - The ability to analyze and persuade others to see the problem from multiple perspectives. GD is a test of your ability to think, your analytical capabilities and your ability to make your point in a team-based environment. These are some of the sub-skills that also get assessed with the skills mentioned above: • Clarity of thought •

Group working skills (especially during a group task of case study discussion)

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Conflict handling

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Listening and probing skills

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Knowledge about the subject and individual point of view

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Ability to create a consensus

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Openess and flexibility towards new ideas

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Data based approach to decision making

While, it is not possible to reflect all these qualities in a short time, you would do well if you are able to show a couple or more qualities and avoid giving negative evidence on others.

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HOW TO FACE GD - Support

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Ho w to face GD GD Tips GD FAQ Common Mistakes GD Preparation Facing GD Need for GD GD for MBA GD Types A group discussion consists of 1. Communication Skills

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2. Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject

GD Tips GD FAQ Common Mistakes GD Preparation Facing GD Need for GD GD for MBA GD Types

3. Capability to co-ordinate and lead 4. Exchange of thoughts 5. Addressing the group as a whole 6. Thorough preparations Communication Skills -

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The first aspect is one's power of expression. In a group discussion, a Career Info candidate has to talk effectively so that he is able to convince others. International Exams For convincing, one has to speak forcefully and at the same time createStudy Abroad Future Studies an impact by his knowledge of the subject. A candidate who is Group Discussion successful in holding the attention of the audience creates a positive Fake Experience impact. Interview Questions It is necessary that you should be precise and clear. As a rule evaluators do not look for the wordage produced. Your knowledge on a given subject, your precision and clarity of thought are the things that are evaluated. Irrelevant talks lead you nowhere. You should speak as much as necessary, neither more nor less. Group discussions are not debating stages. Ability to listen is also what evaluators judge. They look for your ability to react on what other participants say. Hence, it is necessary that you listen carefully to others and then react or proceed to add some more

points. Your behavior in the group is also put to test to judge whether you are a loner or can work in a group. You should be able to convey your thoughts satisfactorily and convincingly before a group of people. Confidence and level headedness in doing so is necessary. These add value to your presentation. In case you are not good at it, you might gain by joining an institute that offers specialized courses in public speaking. For instance, British Council Division's English Language Teaching Centre offers a wide range of courses like conversation skills, business communication skills, business writing, negotiation skills and presentation skills. Mostly people attend these courses to improve their communication skills. Students here are involved in activities which use communication skills and teachers provide inputs, monitor and facilitate the classes. The course at the Centre makes you confident enough to speak before people without any nervousness. Knowledge and Ideas Regarding a Given Subject Knowledge of the subject under discussion and clarity of ideas are important. Knowledge comes from consistent reading on various topics ranging from science and technology to politics. In-depth knowledge makes one confident and enthusiastic and this in turn, makes one sound convincing and confident. Leadership and Coordinating Capabilities The basic aim of a group discussion is to judge a candidate's leadership qualities. The examiner withdraws and becomes a silent spectator once the discussion starts. A candidate should display tactfulness, skill, understanding and knowledge on varied topics, enterprise, forcefulness and other leadership qualities to motivate and influence other candidates who may be almost equally competent. Exchange of Thoughts A group discussion is an exchange of thoughts and ideas among members of a group. These discussions are held for selecting personnel in organisations where there is a high level of competition. The number of participants in a group can vary between 8 and 15. Mostly a topic or a situation is given to group members who have to discuss it within 10 to 20 minutes. The purpose is to get an idea about candidates in a short time and make assessments about their skills, which normally cannot be evaluated in an interview. These skills may be team membership, leadership skills, listening and articulation skills.

A note is made of your contributions to the discussion, comprehension of the main idea, the rapport you strike, patience, assertion, accommodation, amenability, etc. Body language and eye contact too are important points which are to be considered. . Addressing the Group as a Whole In a group discussion it is not necessary to address anyone by name. Even otherwise you may not know everyone's names. It better to address the group as a whole. Address the person farthest from you. If he can hear you everyone else too can. Needless to add, as for the interview, attend the group discussion in formal dress. The language used should also be formal, not the language used in normal conversations. For instance, words and phrases like "yar", "chalta hai", "CP", "I dunno", etc. are out. This is not to say you should use a high sounding, pedantic language. Avoiding both, just use formal, plain and simple language. Hinglish, (mixture of Hindi and English) should be discarded. Confidence and coolness while presenting your viewpoint are of help. See that you do not keep repeating a point. Do not use more words than necessary. Do not be superfluous. Try to be specific. Do not exaggerate. Thorough Preparation Start making preparations for interview and group discussions right away, without waiting till the eleventh hour, this is, if and when called for them. Then the time left may not be adequate. It is important to concentrate on subject knowledge and general awareness. Hence, the prime need for thorough preparation. Remember, the competition is very tough. Only 460 candidates make it to the final list from 2.75 lakh civil service aspirants each year. It may so happen that you are called for interviews and group discussions from three or four organizations but are not selected by any. The reason obviously lies in your not being well-prepared. In a group discussion you may be given a topic and asked to express your views on it. Or in a case study GD, students have to read a case study and suggest ways of tackling the problem. For this you should have a good general knowledge, need to be abreast with current affairs, should regularly read newspapers and magazines. Your group behaviour and communication skills are on test, i.e. how you convince the others and how clearly you are able to express your points of view. You should be articulate, generate ideas, not sound boring, should allow others to speak, and adopt a stand on a given subject. During the

course of the GD this stand can even be changed, giving the impression that you are open to accommodate others' viewpoints. Additional marks may be given for starting or concluding the discussion. Points to Remember •

Knowledge is strength. A candidate with good reading habits has more chances of success. In other words, sound knowledge on different topics like politics, finance, economy, science and technology is helpful.

•

Power to convince effectively is another quality that makes you stand out among others.

•

Clarity in speech and expression is yet another essential quality.

•

If you are not sure about the topic of discussion, it is better not to initiate. Lack of knowledge or wrong approach creates a bad impression. Instead, you might adopt the wait and watch attitude. Listen attentively to others, may be you would be able to come up with a point or two later.

•

A GD is a formal occasion where slang is to avoided.

•

A GD is not a debating stage. Participants should confine themselves to expressing their viewpoints. In the second part of the discussion candidates can exercise their choice in agreeing, disagreeing or remaining neutral.

•

Language use should be simple, direct and straight forward.

•

Don't interrupt a speaker when the session is on. Try to score by increasing your size, not by cutting others short.

•

Maintain rapport with fellow participants. Eye contact plays a major role. Non-verbal gestures, such as listening intently or nodding while appreciating someone's viewpoint speak of you positively.

•

Communicate with each and every candidate present. While speaking don't keep looking at a single member. Address the entire group in such a way that everyone feels you are speaking to him or her.

ms

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Need for GD

Wh y do we need Group GD Tips GD FAQ Common Mistakes GD Preparation Facing GD

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Why do we Need a GD •

It helps you to understand a subject more deeply.

•

It improves your ability to think critically.

•

It helps in solving a particular problem.

•

It helps the group to make a particular decision.

•

It gives you the chance to hear other students' ideas.

•

It improves your listening skills.

•

It increases your confidence in speaking.

•

It can change your attitudes.

Grou p Discu ssio n

GD Tips GD FAQ Common Mistakes GD Preparation Facing GD Need for GD GD for MBA GD Types

Care er

Strategies for Improving GD Skills for Tutorials & Seminars Asking questions and joining in discussions are important skills for university study. If you find it difficult to speak or ask questions in tutorials, try the following strategies. Observe Attend as many seminars and tutorials as possible and notice what other students do. Ask yourself: •

How do other students make critical comments?

•

How do they ask questions?

•

How do they disagree with or support arguments?

•

What special phrases do they use to show politeness even when they are voicing disagreement?

•

How do they signal to interrupt, ask a question or make a point?

Practice Start practicing your discussion skills in an informal setting or with a small group. Start with asking questions of fellow students. Ask them about the course material. Ask for their opinions. Ask for information or ask for help. Participate Take every opportunity to take part in social/informal discussions as well as more structured/formal discussion. Start by making small contributions to tutorial discussions; prepare a question to ask, or agree

Career Info International Exams Study Abroad Future Studies Group Discussion Fake Experience Interview Questions

with another speaker's remarks. Discussion Etiquette (or minding your manners) Do •

Speak pleasantly and politely to the group.

•

Respect the contribution of every speaker.

•

Remember that a discussion is not an argument. Learn to disagree politely.

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Think about your contribution before you speak. How best can you answer the question/ contribute to the topic?

•

Try to stick to the discussion topic. Don't introduce irrelevant information.

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Be aware of your body language when you are speaking.

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Agree with and acknowledge what you find interesting.

Don't •

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.

•

Draw too much on personal experience or anecdote. Although some tutors encourage students to reflect on their own experience, remember not to generalise too much.

•

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

Leading a Discussion You may be in a seminar group that requires you to lead a group discussion, or lead a discussion after an oral presentation. You can demonstrate leadership by: •

introducing yourself and the members of the group

•

stating the purpose of the discussion

ms

•

inviting quiet group members to speak

•

being objective

•

summarizing the discussion

Chairing a Group Discussion When chairing a discussion group you must communicate in a positive way to assist the speakers in accomplishing their objective. There are at least four leadership skills you can use to influence other people positively and help your group achieve its purpose. These skills include: •

introducing the topic and purpose of the discussion,

•

making sure all members have approximately the same time, (i.e. no one dominates the discussion by taking too much time)

•

thanking group members for their contribution

•

being objective in summarizing the group's discussion and achievements.

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GD Types

GD Types GD Tips GD FAQ Common Mistakes GD Preparation Facing GD Need for GD GD for MBA GD Types GDs can be topic-based or case-based. Topic based Gds can be classified into three types 1. Factual Topics 2. Controversial Topics 3. Abstract Topics Factual Topics -

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Factual topics are about practical things, which an ordinary person is Care er aware of in his day-to-day life. Typically these are about socioCareer Info economic topics. These can be current, i.e. they may have been in the International Exams news lately, or could be unbound by time. A factual topic for discussion Study Abroad gives a candidate a chance to prove that he is aware of and sensitive Future Studies Group Discussion to his environment. Fake Experience E.g. The education policy of India, Tourism in India, State of the aged in Interview Questions the nation. Controversial Topics 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. E.g. Reservations should be removed, Women make better managers Abstract Topics 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. E.g. A is an alphabet, Twinkle twinkle little star, The number 10 Case-based Gd 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. IIM A, IIM Indore and IIT SOM Mumbai have a case-based discussion rather than topic-based discussion in their selection procedures.

Some G D Topics Social Topics: I.

Bride burning and dowry may look bad, but are an integral part of India.

II. Our Culture is Decaying III. We are not serious about saving Wildlife/Environment IV. Are Big Dams Necessary? V. Films are corrupting the Indian Youth

VI. A Gandhian State selling liquor is an anomaly VII. Impact of Televsion on Childrens? VIII.Do Elections have any meaning? IX. Why do we need democracy? X. The education system needs serious reforms. XI. The impact of MTV on our psyche

XII. Showing Violence and Crimes should not be allowed in films and on television. Let us legalise gambling Hot Topics: I.

How to deal with international terrorism.

II. Should we pursue our policy of dialogue with Pakistan? III. Is peace and non-violence outdated concepts? Management Topics:

I.

Is management an art or a science?

II. The Rush for MBA is really a rush for big money III. Ethics in Business are just a passing fashion

IV. Family owned business vs professionally run businesses V. Smaller businesses and start-ups have more scope for professional growth. VI. Dot com or doubt com?

VII. The objective of Management is to maximise profits VIII.Do professional managers have a chance in our family run businesses? IX. The Internet is an exercise in hype X. Is an MBA necessary to succeed in life? Nature Topics: I.

Why do we care for Nature?

II. Impact of Smoking on Global Warming? III. Can we live without Fuel?

IV. Do we need to protect Endangeruod species? Polictic Topics:

I.

Reserving seats for women in Panchayat has not only been a farce but has distracted from developing a more genuine voice of women.

II. Have the nuclear tests of 1998 benefited or harmed India?

III. Voters, not, political parties are responsible for the criminalisation of politics. IV. The voters are required to be well informed and educated about their candidates so that they can elect the right aspirant by their own assessment. V. India should go for the presidential form of democracy. Economic Topics: I.

In our economic matters, there is an excessive tendency towards the thinking rather than doing.

II. Every cloud has a silver lining

III. Can the economy achieve an 8 percent growth rate?. IV. Is disinvestment really that good for India or is a rethink in order ?

V. Are co-operatives relevant in today's globalised environment?. VI. Foreign aid is a dangerous drug that can stimulate in small

doses but become fatally addictive in larger doses.

VII. Modern day sport in industrialised society is an industry, as anything else. VIII.Government should clean its own hands before pointing finger at the private sector for corruption. IX. Is the NPA ordinance too harsh? X. Reforms have to grow up.

XI. The future lies with glocalisation . XII. Developing countries need trade, not aid. XIII.Why do we lag behind China? XIV.Capitalism is a very flawed system but the others are so much worse.

XV. Flexibility of labour laws is the key to attracting more Foreign Direct Investment.

XVI.Is the business of business only business? XVII.Is the consumer really the king in India?. XVIII.Globalisation versus nationalism XIX.Conditional access system for cable TV watchers: boon or bane? XX. If India is poorly governed, the reason is that we have designed our system of governance for protecting, if not encouraging, corruption?

XXI.Commercialisation of health care : Good or Bad ? XXII.For globalisation to succeed in India people must be able to see what is in it for them XXIII.Is the US economy headed the Japanese economy way? XXIV.Economic freedom not old fashioned theories of development will lead to growth and prosperity

XXV.Markets left to themselves encourage greed. XXVI.For globalisation to succeed in India people must be able to see what is in it for them XXVII.Should businessmen run the finance ministry

XXVIII.Should important services like transport be left to market forces?. XXIX.Is there any point in having a business strategy when the world changes from month to month?

XXX.Is the patents bill good for India? . XXXI.Is the business of business only business?. XXXII.Globalisation is good for developing countries XXXIII.Public sector being a guarantor of job security is a myth.

XXXIV.Is industryless growth here to stay ? XXXV.Capitalism is a very flawed system but the others are so much worse ? XXXVI.How can business get rid of the bad name that it has earned? XXXVII.Government pumping money into the economy is not the solution for our economic problems

XXXVIII.Business ethics are no longer a luxury for corporates but a necessity?

XXXIX.How should privatisation proceeds be utilised ? XL. Is the budgeting exercise of any use?

XLI.Should agricultural subsidies be stopped ? XLII.Will Mumbai's film industry ever evolve into a truly modern corporatised one?

XLIII.Will market reforms enrich rich states further, while poorer ones lag further?.

XLIV.Why do we lag behind China ? XLV.Who says MNCs are superior to Indian companies ?. XLVI.Why not use a brand index to measure national prosperity?. XLVII.What we need to reduce scams is better regulatory bodies.

XLVIII.War rhetoric is misplaced in a country like India which is trying to globalise its economy.

XLIX.Trade can help the poor ? L. The power ministry should cut off supplies to all the defaulting SEBs.

LI. Steal a few lakhs and you're a criminal. Steal a few hundred crores and you become an industrialist. LII. Should PSUs be divested through strategic sale or public offer? LIII. The state is above the law? Management Education Topics I.

Managerial skills learnt in the classroom can never match those learnt from experience

II. Democracy is hampering India progress III. MBA in India is highly overrated.>

ROLE OF THE CONDUCTOR OF GD

role of the conductor of group discussion

The moderator at the group discussion has a distinct role. He or She is the chief person who gets you the passp of further interviews. The role of the conductor is at a senior level. He plays a silent referee to the goings-on at group discussion. It is with a lot of experience and expertise at conducting such discussions that he is in position to observe.

In order to arrive at a judgment, especially that involves human resource, it is crucial that one keeps a heal

mind and an unbiased opinion. Several times the appearance or persona of a person is quite contrary to his belie A person projecting a very appealing appearance may not have very deep thoughts or does not possess

qualities of the making of a leader. The moderator should hide his personal opinions of the subject and look for s skills excellence among the participants.

Many a times the conductor is called from outside or offers a guest service so that people in company

management school are not partial and also to avoid mind sets. He ideally does not form the panel of committee board and also does not interview the person. This is an ideal situation as one can easily be influenced by speaking capacity of a person and pull him up in the interview too.

A fact sheet of several scores is handled by the conductor of the GD and he scores them on the basis of points

tick marks whichever is stipulated by the committee. There are marks on body language, politeness, leader s

and relevant articulation. Actually each person is given a chance and in an event when a person is monopoliz the conversation, the moderator offers to intervene through a short sentence wherein the people who have spoken are urged to talk. This is the true mark of an experience evaluator.

Group discussion or GD is also an elimination round. Keeping emotions high or imbalanced mental state will cau

problems and the company or school will further incur the result of a wrong recruit. The conductor of GD should

well read about current affairs and general happenings. It is very essential to update oneself about new things a

technology. The crowd participating in the GD is very well informed and updated with all sorts of corporate a general knowledge. It is vital for the conductor to choose topics that allow debate.

Aggressive group discussions are a natural trend these days as professionals are mostly assertive. Each particip

is looking for a chance to be heard and that his ideas appear saleable. All of them are vying for this one chance

be short listed. This is why the role of moderator is extremely essential in offering a topic. It is also advisable write the topic on the white board for all of them to comprehend. Ideally GD is spontaneous and sometimes conductor gives a two minute time for the participants to jot down the points and opinions.

Ultimately the jury is the conductor and surely needs to work with a balanced mind, informative knowledge a having an eye for recognizing initial talent.

GD AT CORPORATE LEVEL

group discussion

Group discussion forms the primary stage of contact between the interviewer and interviewee. These are management entrance procedures by universities or also adopted at the recruitment stage by many companies. Aided with qualifications and mutli faceted job related profiles candidates are all of the cream variety. Group

discussions once more separates the cream group and makes them eligible for further rounds of tests so as to be chosen in an accurate career position.

Though group discussion sounds a cacophonic idea of many individuals, there stems many management points t

can be noticed in an individual. Skills of management level and expertise in cooling down a situation can easily b

recognized during discussion of a topic. This helps the conductor of group discussion to list out the right candidat

There are many group discussion skills that need to be adhered too. Firstly the main objective is to participate w

and moderate in case of a confusion. This easily gives more objective to the interviewer. Be polite and maintain a composure. Easily getting into a heated argument is not the objective and you may be giving many negative

signals through your body language. Aggressiveness can be modulated in the form of assertiveness during voicin out an issue. Decorum has to be clearly maintained. The group discussion is not merely to impress the conductor but putting

forth your firm beliefs. It could happen that you could be the only one who is believing in a particular idea and al

others have jumped on you. Firstly you should consider yourself in a better bargaining position than others and u valid reasons to state your concept perfectly.

Group discussion are knock out rounds, and never consider any participant weak. Also agree with others where y

feel correct. Lamely looking around for someone to give you chance may not work. Find a place for yourself. Dre

appropriately. Ladies to better avoid dangling bangles, and flip flop attires. Be formal, monotone garments are fin and avoid too much make up. Sloppy dressing is not tolerated even in social circles. One should have a winning attitude and grooming speaks a lot about yourself.

Learn a little about soft skill application and also about the latest trends and styles in putting forth facts. Learn to articulate a fact and this comes only through reading and listening to peer discussions. Interrupting is definitely allowed in group discussion and be polite while doing so.

Management preparation classes conduced many mock group discussion efforts to let you have a feel of the sam

Use informative phrases, avoid jargons and state firmly. Do got express with articulated hand gestures and open

up the discussion is also a nice idea. Concluding a discussion is also seen as a management quality and a token o leadership talent.

ROLE OF LEADER IN GD

Role Of A Leader In The Group Discussion August 9th, 2009 | GD / PI / CV, Group Discussion

Signs of a Good Leader: 1. A leader is confident, able to carefully articulate his thoughts into words and can persuade his audience with ease. Leaders ought to be patient, perseverant and understand human behavior. 2. A leader must be able to interact easily with others in the group. 3. A leader should be able to motivate others and make the group willingly follow his suggestions. 4. Everybody possesses a different temperament, sociability and communicates differently. A true corporate leader can manage people of myriad viewpoints and maintain composure even in sticky situations. It is important to remain calm in the harshest situations. 5. The leader must smoothly steer the dialogue in the right direction and see that it reaches the intended conclusion. Apart from other attributes, it is the crisis management which makes him acceptable to all. 6. A leader is able to tactfully deal with arguments of the participants and provide an opportunity to every candidate to speak their mind. 7. A leader should also be able to demonstrate his intellectual excellence and leadership quality and utilize it to steer the discussion away from the murky waters 8. A leader must be able to express views logically and cogently within two or three minutes. WHAT IS GD

A Group Discussion is a verbal dialogue and exchange of thoughts and opinions between a group of people. It is a personality test commonly used by institutes where there is a high level of competition. Candidates and executives are selected for managerial appointments, training, awarding of scholarships, admission to post graduate or specialized courses using this test. A typical GD involves 8 to 12 participants discussing a topic for a stipulated time, usually for 15 to 20 minutes. Like an interview, a GD can be administered easily because it is a verbal test. It has all the advantages of field tests which make it more objective and reliable. Candidates can even rank themselves and then compare the rank to that given by the examiners. No special materials are required to conduct a GD and it can be done anywhere, any time. Thus, a GD is economical and time saving. A Group Discussion can be Structured, Unstructured, or Specialized. 1. Structured GDs: The topic is stated and the time limit is set. No consensus is expected at the end. No leader is chosen. These are easier to handle. Topics chosen are general and do not require technical knowledge. 2. Unstructured GDs: A leader must be chosen and the group has to reach a consensus. The leader has to direct the group, set the tone for discussion and ensure that the discussion is smooth. Sometimes to make things complicated, the group is asked to decide on a topic, discuss it and reach a consensus.

3. Specialized GDs: These include role-plays or scripted GDs. Candidates are given a certain brief about a role that they need to play. Candidates are provided with the profiles of the people they are supposed to play and a subsequent situation they must deal with. A GD monitors the level of coordination and cooperation. Your ability to work in a team comes to the fore. Do not lose your temper or appear distressed. It is a sign of inability to work in a team. The objective is to work together and accomplish the task within the time allotted. If you can articulate and express yourself well, you will do marvelously at the GD. Of course, wide general knowledge of the subject will supply more points to talk about. Competition within the group can be tough and each candidate will try to impress all others in the group. In a bid to make a good impression and make as many points as possible, there will be overlapping, confusion, conflict of the interests and confrontation. WHAT IS ROLE PLAY

What is a Role Play? May 30th, 2007 | Group Discussion A role-play type of GD is one where a situation is described and each person in the group is asked to assume a specific role in the same. You must completely step into the role and your reasoning will have to be consistent with role you have assumed. The participant, in this specific case, needs to appreciate the gravity of the situation and generate appropriate reasoning to facilitate decision making for the group. WHAT ROLE U WANT TO PERFORM IN GD

What Role You Play In A Group Discussion? May 30th, 2007 | GD / PI / CV, Group Discussion Everytime we have a GD, participants play some or the other familiar role in it. 1. Mr. Brain/Plant : • He brings in a lot of substance and comes up with wide interpretations of the topic. Downside: It is difficult to stop him, as he is preoccupied with topic discussion as opposed to group discussion. He is happily obvious to simple things like who is sitting next to him. At the end of the GD if you happen to ask him whether the person sitting next to him was a boy or a girl, the answer would likely be ‘I do not know’. 2. Shopkeeper : • He is the sales man who can sell anything, has the gift of the gab, a very strong ability to relate to people and be at the centre of things. Downside: He does not usually come up with original thoughts himself. Needs Mr. Brains to feed him with ready-made ideas that he can sell.

3. Watchman : • His role is to maintain order in the group, usually content is low. • Pre-occupied with directing the group process such as controlling entry and exit of participants. • He is crucial for meeting time commitments made to the panel. Especially, in ensuring consensus. 4. Critic : • He criticizes everybody’s points without contributing anything new. 5. The Butcher : • Does great service to the group by enhancing the quality of content by not letting participants get away with just about anything. • Is most welcome in a group which has one or two aggressive elements in it. 6. The Spectator or The Passenger: • Is involved in the proceedings but plays a limited role. • Contribution is very limited and does not affect the out come of the group task. So What Role Should You Specialize In? Each role has several benefits. However, strong attachment to any single role throughout the GD could limit your chances of success. What is more important is that you demonstrate leadership at every moment. You must be able to move across these roles as the situation demands. Anyone seen to be Performing more than three of these roles will definitely make a strong impact on the on the panel. Mobility is the keyword in becoming effective in GDs. The key to success in GDs is to be able to effortlessly move from one role to the other depending on what the situation demands. GD A GD 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 candidates is given a topic or a situation, given a few minutes to think about the same, and then asked to discuss the it among themselves for 15-20 minutes. Freshersworld.com brings you an elaborate section for GD as you had ever seen anywhere else. Some of the personality traits the GD is trying to gauge may include :Ability to work in a team Communication skills Reasoning ability Leadership skills Initiative Assertiveness Flexibility Creativity

Ability to think on ones feet

Why GDs:The reason why institutes put you through a Group discussion and an interview, after testing your technical and conceptual skills in an exam, is to get to know you as a person and gauge how well you will fit in their institute. The Group discussion tests how you function as a part of a team. As a manager, you will always be working in teams, as a member or as a leader. Therefore how you interact in a team becomes an important criterion for your selection. Managers have to work in a team and get best results out of teamwork. That is the reason why management institutes include GD as a component of the selection procedure. Company's Perspective: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 contribute 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 behavior, conformation to norms, decision-making ability and cooperation. You should try to be as true as possible to these aspects.

WHY DO WE HAVE GD Reasons for having a GD •

It helps you to understand a subject more deeply.

•

It improves your ability to think critically.

•

It helps in solving a particular problem.

•

It helps the group to make a particular decision.

•

It gives you the chance to hear other students' ideas.

•

It improves your listening skills.

•

It increases your confidence in speaking.

•

It can change your attitudes.

Strategies for Improving GD Skills for Tutorials & Seminars Asking questions and joining in discussions are important skills for university study. If you find it difficult to speak or ask questions in tutorials, try the following strategies. Observe Attend as many seminars and tutorials as possible and notice what other students do. Ask yourself: •

How do other students make critical comments?

•

How do they ask questions?

•

How do they disagree with or support arguments?

•

What special phrases do they use to show politeness even when they are voicing disagreement?

•

How do they signal to interrupt, ask a question or make a point?

Practice Start practicing your discussion skills in an informal setting or with a small group. Start with asking questions of fellow students. Ask them about the course material. Ask for their opinions. Ask for information or ask for help. Participate Take every opportunity to take part in social/informal discussions as well as more structured/formal discussion. Start by making small contributions to tutorial discussions; prepare a question to ask, or agree with another speaker's remarks. Discussion Etiquette (or minding your manners) Do •

Speak pleasantly and politely to the group.

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Respect the contribution of every speaker.

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Remember that a discussion is not an argument. Learn to disagree politely.

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Think about your contribution before you speak. How best can you answer the question/ contribute to the topic?

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Try to stick to the discussion topic. Don't introduce irrelevant information.

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Be aware of your body language when you are speaking.

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Agree with and acknowledge what you find interesting.

Don't •

Lose your temper. A discussion is not an argument.

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Shout. Use a moderate tone and medium pitch.

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Use too many gestures when you speak. Gestures like finger pointing and table thumping can appear aggressive.

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Dominate the discussion. Confident speakers should allow quieter students a chance to contribute.

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Draw too much on personal experience or anecdote. Although some tutors encourage students to reflect on their own experience, remember not to generalise too much.

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

Leading a Discussion You may be in a seminar group that requires you to lead a group discussion, or lead a discussion after an oral presentation. You can demonstrate leadership by: •

introducing yourself and the members of the group

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stating the purpose of the discussion

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inviting quiet group members to speak

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being objective

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summarizing the discussion

Chairing a Group Discussion When chairing a discussion group you must communicate in a positive way to assist the speakers in accomplishing their objective. There are at least four leadership skills you can use to influence other people positively and help your group achieve its purpose. These skills include: •

introducing the topic and purpose of the discussion,

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making sure all members have approximately the same time, (i.e. no one dominates the discussion by taking too much time)

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thanking group members for their contribution

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being objective in summarizing the group's discussion and achievements.