What does one need in a Group Discussion?

1. Clarity of Topic
2. Start where Left: active involvement
3. Active Participation
4. Healthy Tone

When in a group discussion, rule number 1: Once the GD has begun, there is no moderator in the GD
room. < That does not mean you need to assume the role of one> GD is all about becoming visible in
a crowd. It usually takes a format in which everyone does no t get a desired time to pitch in and
speak. Hence, my experience tells me, the rule number 2: Being on the feet, thinking, thinking and
thinking is the most important thing.
There are two ways of approaching a group discussion:

1. The “I am the one” way: Big Daddy approach

a. START: In the time to think, Structure the topic: Write down a. How to start b. main 2-3
points and begin!!!!!!
b. INTRODUCE THE TOPIC AND OPEN IT UP FOR DISCUSSION: modularization is the word
folks!
c. SIT back, relax: In the remaining GD, all you need to do is:
i. Listen
ii. Smoothen the flow: put in additives or contribute/ support other’s ideas
iii. Add new turns to the topic: Dimension building
d. Try and Summarize in the end: not necessary
e. All the while remember, if 12.5% is your share of speech, use 20-25%, not more than
that. Why so??? Think :)

2. The “Best manager” approach:

a. Don’t start, structure your points. Pay specific attention to innovative directions possible
for the topic.
b. Let them begin, let 2 or maximum three of them speak. Then you put in your nose with
“immediate” buzz of:
i. Structure
ii. Direction
iii. Involvement with the things being discussed: you had been listening
iv. Reasons: The moderator should think, “Thank God he spoke”

c. Once entered in late, don’t leave the discussion. Pin in whenever you can for any of the
below three reasons:
i. New direction * * * * *
ii. Add on to the ongoing discussion * * *
iii. Examples/ evidences in favour of what someone else is saying * *
d. Try and summarize!!!!

Dos and Do not in a Group Discussion

Do Not:
1. Shout
2. Use unhealthy words like, “wrong”, “incorrect” etc.
3. Look at the moderator while speaking
4. Read from the notes you have been making( when speaking)
5. Look at Miss X, when poor G is speaking
6. Use your hands or move your head
7. Repeat words or points

Do:
1. Be assertive
2. Be aggressive if necessary
3. Look at everyone when speaking, move your head at times
4. Speak as if you have a solid argument to make
5. Speak as if you are convincing others, not arguing with them
6. Look collaborative and compete!!!
GROUP DISCUSSION TYPES:
Abstract. 1. Speak your mind and your heart
a. Beauty and the beast
b. The age of vampires
Abstract. 2. Tell your story
a. She could have done no better than to delete the scene from her
memories………
b. A man of words, he could never be accused of ……
Abstract. 3. Share your opinion
a. A king who has lost has to see the bad eyes of his people
b. Prime minister should necessarily be a good orator. Agree or disagree
Factual. 1. Editorial stuff: Analyze
a. Corruption cannot be cured by forming a new party.
b. Population is India’s biggest strength and biggest weakness.
Factual. 2. Case in point: Discuss
a. Indian rupee – where is it going?
b. Delhi Rape Case – What’s wrong with NCR?