Group Discussion Tips, Compiled by Prof.

Lawrence G, GSB

Introduction

Group discussion is an important activity in academic, business, and administrative

spheres. It is a systematic and purposeful interactive oral process. Here the exchange of
ideas, thoughts, and feelings take place through oral communication. The exchange of ideas
takes place in a systematic and structured way. The participants sit facing each other
almost in a semi-circle and express their views on the given topic/issue/problem.

How does Group Discussion differ from a Debate?

Debate is competitive in nature while group discussion is a co-operative group process. In a

debate, a speaker can speak either ‘for’ the topic or ‘against’ the topic whereas in a GD, the
speaker can express both. The final decision or result in a debate depends on voting while
in a GD, the group reaches group consensus.

Why is a group discussion an important activity at college level?

As a student, it helps you to train yourself to discuss and argue about the topic given, it
helps you to express your views on serious subjects and in formal situations. It improves
your thinking, listening and speaking skills. It also promotes your confidence level.

It is an effective tool in problem solving, decision making and personality assessment. GD

skills may ensure academic success, popularity and good admission or job offer. Thus it is
important to be able to take part in a GD effectively and confidently. Participants should
know how to speak with confidence, how to exhibit leadership skills and how to make the
group achieve the goals.

Purpose of Group Discussion

Post cut off list each institute conducts GD to evaluate MBA aspirants for the soft skills with
following objectives:

 To know the communication skills of MBA aspirants

 To judge body language of the candidates
 To understand top of mind personality of the candidates
 To understand attitudinal attributes of the candidates
 To understand attributes of positivity of the candidates
 To understand the Entrepreneurial traits of the candidates
 To understand the institute fit quotient of the candidate
Group Discussion Tips, Compiled by Prof. Lawrence G, GSB
Group Discussion Tips, Compiled by Prof. Lawrence G, GSB
 Group Discussion Tips, Compiled by Prof. Lawrence G, GSB

Five important evaluation parameters for a GD:

I. Initiative

It is the ability to impart directional inputs and provide a flowchart for the subsequent
discussion. The three ‘C’ approach helps in taking the right initiative –

Clarity: This refers to the clarity in thought process and is manifested in the way you
channelize the discussion. This assumes even more significance if the topic for discussion is
an abstract one, thus making the discussion dependent on your perception.

Content: This refers to your ability to add discrete subject matter for the discussion at
hand. Generally candidates with a grip on current affairs and strong environmental
sensitivity have a competitive advantage here.

Confidence: This is your ability to connect comfortably with other members of the group
and participate confidently.

Initiative is not just limited to being the first speaker in the discussion; even a speaker who
participates later in the discussion may be high on initiative. It merely depends on your
ability to add something new and relevant to the discussion.

II. Contribution

Approach

Action/Reaction: You may either contribute in two ways- initiate an action or react to
someone’s action. Initiating an action requires utmost clarity with respect to the topic at
hand, as well as sufficient content. Reacting to a speaker’s viewpoint may be either
indicative of your agreement with the speaker or mark a disagreement. In case you agree
with the speaker’s point, it is advised that you add value to the point by giving an
illustration or example. In case of a disagreement, you are required to construct effective
arguments to support your contradiction.

Role

Leader: In this role you showcase an ability to motivate the team members and coordinate
the overall discussion.

Fountain Head: This is a role where you evince an ability to add new and relevant points
to the discussion so as to keep it alive and active.
 Group Discussion Tips, Compiled by Prof. Lawrence G, GSB

Piggy Rider: In this role you steal someone else’s idea and ride on the other someone.
However, you need to be smart and fluent to measure up to this role.

Nature of contribution

Positive: A person who contributes in a positive way is able to create a learning and
participative environment for the group members. He/ She would not dampen the spirits of
other participants.

Negative: A person, who impedes the flow of meaningful discussion by redundant

intervention and objectionable behaviour/attitude, is a negative participant. Such a
participant doesn’t conform to the basics of team dynamics and is therefore undesirable.

III. Communication

Verbal Communication

Fluency: This is the ability to speak in a continuous and uninterrupted manner. This
should not be confused with rate of speech. You may be speaking at a slower rate, but may
still come across as a fluent speaker. An optimum rate of speech coupled with good fluency
adds to the effectiveness of speech.

Articulation: This is the ability to speak in a clear and pleasantly audible manner. An
articulate speaker has the advantage of enhanced impact due to speech clarity.

Modulation: This is the ability to add a contextually relevant flavor to your voice, as
reflected in occasional pitch variation.

Non-verbal Communication

Energy: This is indicative of your capacity for work. Participants with high energy levels
have a definite advantage over the other lot. However, this should not be confused with
impulse, which is a negative trait.

Posture: Your body posture should be upright and appropriate, projecting you as a well-
composed and poised candidate.

Eye Contact: This takes care of the way you acknowledge other participants and the split
between the ones adding value and otherwise. As per Pareto rule, 80% of the time you
should look at the key speakers, and the remaining 20% at other participants, including the
ones who are absolutely quiet.
 Group Discussion Tips, Compiled by Prof. Lawrence G, GSB

Gesticulation: While gestures, if appropriate and positioned well, add to the overall
communication effectiveness; an overdose of these may label you as impulsive and restless.
Avoid pointing fingers at other candidates and also curtail unnecessary leg movements.

IV. Persuasion

It is important to persuade other participants, more so in controversial topics. A persuasive

speaker is more probable to lead the discussion.

Three pronged approach to persuasion:

Ethos: This refers to persuading on the basis of trust and credibility, as demonstrated in
previous participation. Candidates who add value to the discussion in its formative stages
are more probable to be heard and respected.

Pathos: This is about managing the emotions of other group members. This may be done in
multiple ways, like knowing when to counter/support the viewpoints of other participants,
knowing the right entry /exit points in a discussion etc.

Logos: This refers to the logical proposition in your speech. Candidates with stronger
logical quotient are better received than others.

V. Group Dynamics

 Striking a balance between individual excellence and group performance is one of

the biggest challenges for effective group dynamics.
 Establishing positive relationships with participants is a great advantage in
connecting with the team. However, this should not be misconstrued for
compromising the essence of healthy controversy.
 Ensuring a logical progression of the discussion is another effort towards positive
group dynamics. You are advised to logically graduate from one discussion thread to
another, rather than random hip hopping.

Reference:

http://www.sastra.edu/nptel/download/Prof%20GPRagini/pdf_New/Unit%2026.pdf

https://www.mbarendezvous.com/group-discussion/

https://gdpi.hitbullseye.com/MBA/Group-Discussion-Evaluation.php