All About GDs My interactive Learning Element (MILE) AT

GD Techniques 21st Oct. 2007

By Mohit Mangal

Learning Goals
Mile One
GD and Concepts

Mile Two
GD : A psychologists perspective

Mile Three
Some FAQs

Mile One Understand

GD and Its Purpose Types of GDs Elements in a GD Parameters of Evaluation

What is a GD?
A GD is a discussion of a topic by a group of people
Exchange of thoughts and ideas Participants vary from 8-15 A topic or situation given, 8-15 mins Important element in any selection process

What is a GD?
3 variables
Group to speak on A specific topic For a Specified time

Why is a GD conducted ?
Helps evaluate It helps form opinion about a large number of candidate in a short period of time on a common platform Assess critical interpersonal skills Team membership, leadership, ability to influence, etc. Not possible through the application, aptitude test and even a personal interview

In the PDP perspective

A Group discussion is really your Personal Effectiveness in action

Types of GDs
Structured - Default GD
Topic given with 8-15 mins for discussion No leader appointed, brief may not include anything but the topic 80% of the occasions

Types of GDs
Unstructured GDs
More unstructuredness built in choose a topic OR Select a Chairman OR A game or a group exercise!

Types - Special GD
Case studies
Situation in writing Creates the framework

Role plays
Specific roles to each participant Respond by assuming characters role

Parameters of Evaluation

GD Elements
Content
The what or matter spoken

Process
The how, when and why it is spoken

Weight age must be 50-50 Do not be preoccupied by the process

Parameters of evaluation
Quality of content (Content) Behavioral and Personality skills (Process) Communication Skills (Process) Hence, key success factors

Parameter 1
Quality of content (50% weightage)
Comprehension of core idea Structure and Direction Analysis of the topic (Asking a Why or a How) Relevance of contribution Various Interpretations/perspectives Reasoning behind your views Real life examples Generate supportive Data

Parameter 2
Behavioral and Personality skills AT PAR Hierarchy (25% weightage)
Attitude Team membership Participation Assertion vs Accomodation Ready for Process Leadership

Parameter 3
Communication (25% weightage)
Listening skills Assimilation Coherent Articulation Body Language and Eye Contact

GD Concepts A Summary
Content Process
Elements in a GD

QOC B&P communication

Parameters of evaluation

PREP Model
Quality of content

AT PAR Hierarchy
Behavioral and Personality Skills

GD

DRILLS

Group Discussion A Psychologists Perspective (MILE TWO)

Roles seen in a GD
The Professor The Salesman The Gatekeeper The Timekeeper The Butcher The Spectator The Passenger

Roles seen in a GD: Professor

His strength:
Grasp of the subject, knowledge and ideas

His limitation:
Pre occupation with his own ideas Low on listening Does not even know if others are listening to him

Roles seen in a GD: Salesman

His Strength :
Very good at selling any thing to any body Very good at making friends

Weakness: - Needs an idea to be sold - Not rich in own ideas

Roles seen in a GD: Time Keeper

Strength
Keeps time and eggs the group to move on

His weakness:
More preoccupied with time than the task and quality

Roles seen in a GD: Butcher

Strength (Main Attribute)
Chops things to pieces with disdain Welcome in a group with aggressive members

His limitation: Might be uncontrollably aggressive himself

Roles seen in a GD: Gatekeeper

The Gatekeeper
Controls entry and exit; Maintains the place. Knows who is doing what; Uses that to allow entry or exit

His limitation: Low content

Roles seen in a GD: Spectator

The Strength :
Involved in the proceedings though plays limited role Appreciation of the game very high

His limitation:
Invisible; Lost in the crowd

Secret of Success Group Task

MOBILITY

GD Roles A Summary
Acknowledge the roles in a GD Know your natural roles Work on mobility to enhance your effectiveness Assess with a match the following exercise

FAQs (MILE THREE)

How to generate ideas ?

Wheel and Mind Map Approach Identify the key words Separate out from the topic wheel Each goes into another wheel Explore each word Definition, meanings, etc,. Establish linkages new meanings, similes, other interpretations Share these.and you are on your way

Tell me more about body language

Be aware of positive and negative body language
Be aware of YOUR own body language Avoid glaring errors

Mantra: positive body language and good eye contact Be aware and not too conscious of your body language

I dont feel too confident about my EnglishHelp !

Dont Worry Excellent hold over English : Means nothing Content quality most important Can you convey your idea ?
Yes ? Good enough Fluency, Accent : far less important

I want to improve my english !

13 minutes a day 10 Mins : TV News Reader
Into a mirror Into a dictaphone

3 mins : Short Extempore

1 min Simple topics

Speak in English at home/with friends

Nothing better

How can enter better ? I am weak at that

Entry strategies: ways to enter the discussion
Enter at the troughs Establishing link to the previous speaker
Add an example (Support or against) Reasoning (Support or against)

Summarising at the right time Entry thro Role Change very effective

Is it important to start a GD ?
Not at all Risk Return Dont stop yourself if you have clarity Key Expectations from a starter :
Gives a positive start Sets the direction and the pace Gives confidence to others Gain confidence of others

What shd I say If I am asked to summarise ?

Try to summarize
Restate all points of view Not only your own if there has been no consensus, Do not force it into your summary Grab the chance

How do I manage an aggressive group ?

Focus on your performance Focus on making at least 2 impressions Gate keeper : an important role; An Aggressive member takes care of himself. He needs no enemies
The Panel takes care of the rest

What is aggressive ? What is assertive ?

Aggressive High on opinion; low on supportive data, reasoning and examples High on articulation; low on listening High on repetitive; Low on assimilation PREP model missing, in essence Assertive Desirable trait to have Very strong on PREP model of contribution Active listener and effective in assimilation Fewer but relevant and forceful articulator