Group Discussion Tips & Tricks

A group discussion (GD) is a simulated exercise, where you cannot suddenly put up a show, since the evaluators will see through you easily. GD is a discussion by a group of people which involves an exchange of thoughts and ideas. Group Discussions are largely used by institutes where there is a high level of competition. The number of participants in a group may vary from 8 to 15 people. In most cases a topic or a situation is given to the group and the members have to discuss it within a given period of time

A group discussion consists of:

• Communication Skills
• Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject
• Capability to co-ordinate and lead
• Exchange of thoughts
• Addressing the group as a whole
• Thorough preparations

There are some simple procedures that can help you to foster equal and open sharing in group discussions, whether with fellow teachers or with your students

A good description of your objective is - to be noticed to have contributed significantly in an attempt to help the group reach the right consent.

The most important aspect of your contribution to a GD is the quality of content (QOC), which is reflected in the points you make, knowledge of the relevant subject, and the supportive examples you give.

When you start a GD, you are responsible for putting it into the right perspective or framework. So initiate one only if you have indepth knowledge about the topic at hand.

There are different techniques to initiate a GD and make a good first impression:

• Quotes
• Definition
• Short story
• Question
• Shock statement
• Facts, figures and statistics

You should be able to articulate your thoughts properly and you should also be able to understand what others are trying to say.

Critical success factors in a GD

Group Discussion Topics