What is a Group Discussion?

 As the term itself suggests, a GD is a discussion, but most students misconstrue it to be a debate. They akin it to a wrestling match and try to score points over the other participants. Consequently, you find a 'fish market' situation in most GDs. What is actually expected in a GD is participation in a systematic way on a particular topic.

 
The prospect of a GD tends to leave most students petrified. You can get rid of that feeling of fear by remembering you have experienced group discussions right from childhood. Remember those heated discussions you had across the dinner table with family members, friends and relatives? Consciously or unconsciously, they have helped you learn a thing or two about discussing in a group. 

Your parents may have come across as the most heard and respected as they were much better well informed. Besides, instead of forcing their point of view on you, they heard you out and presented their points in a logical and methodical manner because they had the strength of content and courage of conviction.

 

 As a result, you would have often felt the desire to prove that you were right and they were wrong. A bundle of angst would build within you.

 

 Discard that feeling now. Remember, a GD is a discussion -- and not a debate -- between the members of a group.

 

Discussion Etiquette (or minding your manners)

 

Do		Don't
1	Speak pleasantly and politely to the group.	1	Lose your temper. A discussion is not an argument.
2	Respect the contribution of every speaker.	2	Shout. Use a moderate tone and medium pitch.
3	Remember that a discussion is not an argument. Learn to disagree politely.	3	Use too many gestures when you speak. Gestures like finger pointing and table thumping can appear aggressive.
4	Think about your contribution before you speak. How best can you answer the question/ contribute to the topic?	4	Dominate the discussion. Confident speakers should allow quieter students a chance to contribute.
5	Try to stick to the discussion topic. Don't introduce irrelevant information.	5	Draw too much on personal experience or anecdote. Although some tutors encourage students to reflect on their own experience, remember not to generalize too much
6	Be aware of your body language when you are speaking.	6	Interrupt. Wait for a speaker to finish what they are saying before you speak
7	Agree with and acknowledge what you find interesting.