GROUP

DISCUSSION
MYTHS REGARDING
GROUP DISCUSSION
SEVEN MYTHS OF A GROUP DISCUSSION
 YOU SHOULD BE AGGRESSIVE
Giving others a chance to begin, exhibits your leadership skills as well as
an extrovert, cooperative nature.
 YOU SHOULD SPEAK MORE
You must speak to the point.
What you speak is more important that how much you speak. Quality
counts, not quality.
 YOU SHOULD SPEAK IN FAVOUR
Not necessarily you should always say, ‘I completely agree with
the topic.”
 YOU SHOULD CUT DOWN YOUR OPPONENTS
Do not interrupt the speakers. If they speak first, it is good for you,
especially if you are familiar with the topic. Moreover if the speakers
speak illogically, it goes in your favour.
YOU SHOULD MAKE OTHERS AGREE TO YOUR POINT
If you disagree with everyone, everyone will disagree with you. It is
always better to say, ‘I agree with Mr. X, however, I think….”
YOU SHOULD BE AN INDIVIDUAL SPEAKER
You are in a group discussion, not a debate. Particiaption is very important; so go the
extra mile to help others in voicing the opinions. Look for the individuals who has not
spoken and motivate him/her to speak. You will create a very positive picture of yourself
to the coordinator.
 YOU SHOULD PROJECT YOPURSELF IN STYLE
99% You will be caught. Do not change your pronunciation or accent and
try to speak in ornamental English. Never try to put on an act in a group
discussion – unless you are Dev Anand.
Do’s and Don’ts of a
Group Discussion
 DO’S OF A GROUP DISCUSSION
• Listen to others. It is not necessary to initiate a
Group Discussion.
• Initiate the discussion if you are familiar with
the topic.
• Intervene if the discussion is turning out to be
hostile. It reflects your leadership.
• Speak to the point without Repeating.
• Back your points with Facts and Figures.
• Be gentle with your presentation.
• Be Natural. Calm and Maintain your compose.
• Be Participative and Reciprocate.
• Say ‘Thank You’ before ending your
presentation.
• Think before you speak.
• Say what you feel, without going in “Favour”
or “ Against” it.
 DON’Ts OF A GROUP DISCUSSION
• Do not be loud and aggressive.
• Do not go overboard with enthusiasm if you
are familiar with the topic.
• Do not interrupt other speakers.
• Do not deprecate(criticize) other speakers.
• Do not speak first if you are unfamiliar with
the topic.
• Do not change your opinions.
• Do not ask irrelevant questions.
• Do not stop abruptly.
• Do not get nervous if the previous speakers
have presented their points in a better way.
• Do not exhibit your emotions.

Knowledge is priceless.
BE YOURSELF
Prerequisites of a
Group Discussion
A candidate who knows numerous topics
will speak with authority, confidence and
interest and inspire others to speak well
too.
 ACTIVE LISTENING
Listening inculcates more knowledge than speaking. Even
without proper knowledge, one can succeed in a group
discussion, provided one has developed the art of skilful
listening.
 IMPRESSIVE PRESENTATION
Many times, despite a complete command on the subject, a
candidate fails to impress the coordinator, thanks to a poor
presentation. A presentation should have a proper beginning and a
logical conclusion.
A word of caution- the presentation should be informal, which make
the other candidates listen to you.
 INITIATION
Usually, speakers who initiate discussions are selected. But this
is due to their knowledge and command over the topic.
Do not be under illusion that if you initiate the discussion, you
stand automatically selected or it reflects your leadership
qualities.
 BODY LANGUAGE
Facial expressions and body gestures communicate more
than the spoken words. EXPRESSIONS, EYE CONTACT,
SITTING POSTURE AND THE TONE OF VOICE indicate the
an=mount of interest a person has and also his feelings.
 SMILE
A SMILE HELPS IN CREATING A FRIENDLY AMBIENCE AND
INDUCING THE OTHER PARTICIPANTS TO AGREE WITH
YOUR VIEWS WITHOUT HOSTILITY.
 COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Communication is a two-way process. When the
message sent by a sender is received and understood by
the receiver and the receiver then sends a message to
the sender, communication is complete.
• Being meaning while communicating, taking
care of the overtones as well as the basic
contents of the message.
• To take the opportunity, as and when it arises,
in conveying something of interest and value
to the receiver.
• To seek not only to be understood but, more
importantly, also understand what the other
participants are saying, that is, being a good
listener.
 COOPEARTION
Rapport building starts from the very first step of paying compliments,
exchanging pleasantries and sharing experiences with others.
If you respect the other’s viewpoint and the energy and effort put in to
expressing his ideas, you are bound to win their confidence, regards and
reciprocation.