Group Discussions

We worked on this form of communication in our last multimedia lab session.

It is surprising how important group discussions, or GDs as they are more commonly called, are to any ambitious individual in today’s world. Almost all job interviews, entrances to MBA colleges etc. require a candidate to pass the GD session.

GDs consist essentially of a group of people who talk about a given topic, with or without supervision, and try to arrive at a sensible conclusion.

A GD consists of 3 main sessions:

i. Brainstorming –

Candidates of the discussion put forward their views or ideas on the topic, in an order. The person who initiates the discussion by defining the topic, introducing it and giving a firm ground for the discussion is called the Initiator. This is usually not fixed, but the person who does assume the position, is considered a natural leader which automatically helps him gain a good impression. The rest of the group members continue to put forward their points of view in an order which is followed throughout the discussion. Each member is usually allotted a time of 60 seconds.

ii. Discussion –

After all the main points have been put forward, all the members can talk in any random order. Interrupting others, using or saying impolite gestures or words are obviously big no-nos. Sometimes, new ideas may also crop up in this section which can be pursued if they are not irrelevant. However, agreements and disagreements are allowed only to the extent that they help the GD to reach a logical conclusion. iii. Summary – Usually, a person other than the one who initiated the discussion (the Initiator) is expected to summarize all the points of the discussion. The Summarizer is not allowed to use any discretion as to the importance of any given point. The summary should include all the different points of view expressed, any suggestions offered and conclusions reached, if any.

What are the different types of GD?

Check my next blog entry!

References:

A CD we were asked to listen to in the multimedia lab, and more importantly, our lecturer’s (Ms. Suneela) suggestions and ideas.