SUMMARY – Lesson 25

GD – the rejection procedure.

A Group discussion is a procedure to shortlist candidates by elimination when large number of candidates cannot be interviewed. It involves rejection and elimination process.

GD - Objective: to select the right people.

GD - Procedure:

1. Group (of 15-20 candidates) speaks on a given topic for about 15-20 minutes;

2. Progress:

• Chaos period [(every body starts speaking at once (1.5-2 minutes)],
• Putting the point across [Generation of ideas (7-8 minutes)],
• Discussion on Points/ideas [(5-6 minutes)],
• Group Inference /Conclusion [(1 minutes)];

3. Evaluation Criteria:

• Communication skills
• Content
• Analysis
• Leadership Quality
• Body Language

GD - Qualities:

• Thinking on feet
• Clarity of thoughts
• Communication
• Assertiveness
• Team spirit
• Listening skill

GD - Topics:

• Real Topics
• Controversial Topics
• Creative topics
• Case Study
• Group Assignment

GD - Do's:

• Speak (slowly, confidently, and precisely).
• Think before you start.
• Select a different but a stronger point of view.
• Address the group (not individual).
• Initiate & begin with a good point.
• Agree with others to some extent & put across your view point at the same time.
• Give real life examples.
• Utilize the lull.
• Be coherent.
• Be assertive.
• Be involved & a good listener.

GD - Dont’s:

• Don't be inert.
• Don't be too aggressive/ passive.
• Don’t mix personal emotions.
• Don’t stop (continue with your ideas).
• Don’t contradict your statement.
• Don’t blame others.
• Don’t look at conductors.
• Don't rush.
• Don't interrupt abruptly.
• Avoid individual discussion.
• Avoid Hindi (or any other language).

For Practice:

• Improve your knowledge and general awareness.
• Read newspaper, current affair magazine.
• Watch news channel.
• Make a list of probable topics especially raging topics.
• Research & understand the issues involved and its implication.
• Form opinion on the topics.
• Discuss the issues and opinions formally/ informally with friends, relatives and family.
• Get feedback.
• Refine your thinking/ opinion.

Quotes:

• ‘Any body is winning means you are losing the game’.
• Accept - ‘One is always better than you’.