Table of Contents
“Your Next Round is GD!”
Haven’t you heard this statement an umpteen number of times? But do you know what GD means? The major objectives of GD are different from your primary knowledge about it. Let’s dive deep into group discussions.
Introduction
Group discussions are generally called GD. Group discussions involve the exchange of conversations. It is the quality of communication between members in a group based on a specific topic. Before the group discussion commences, you will be given topics.
Based on the given topics, members in a group are advised to exchange conversations and arrive at a conclusion. The group discussion is facilitated by a moderator.
The major task of the moderator is to make sure that all the members in the group are getting equal opportunity to express their ideas and thoughts freely. The participant spirit is what makes GD more effective.
Usually, the second round of any interviews can be group discussions. It is an open space to share the information. Group discussions facilitate the direct exchange of ideas on a given specific topic.
Your approach to the discussion topic is considered for the next level of evaluation. Group discussions allow the participants to share their take on a given subject and gain more knowledge.
A group discussion usually triggers critical thinking and logical reasoning. For an effective group discussion, the candidates must have the following characteristics.
- Logical thinking
- Reasoning
- Effective communication skills
- Critical thinking
- Academic background
- Professional knowledge
- Teamwork
- Leadership qualities
- Spirit of debate
- Team spirit
- Interpersonal skills
The above-given skills can enrich you to become an active participant in any group discussions. As group discussions play a quintessential role in the interviews, one should have a thorough understanding of the same.
Types of Group Discussions
1: Which of the sentences below is grammatically correct?
There are several types of group discussions. Group discussions usually aim to bring out the best in an individual. The group discussions also evaluate whether the individual is a team player or not. The group discussions can be divided into two categories based on
- Format
- Objective
You have to understand the different types of group discussions to understand their essential elements and functions. Once you understand the type of group discussions, you will be able to frame structured responses at the time of group discussions.
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Topic-based group discussion
Group discussion based on a given topic. The topic-based group discussion can be of different types based on the topics.
The topics can be varied depending on the situation. Based on the nature of the topics, the group discussions can fall into different categories.
They are as follows.
Abstract Topics
- Topics that test the creative spirit of the participants
- Open-ended
- Topics that trigger creativity
Factual Topics
- Topics based on fact
- Events or incidents
- Share the factual data while participating in group discussions.
- Real-world events, no drama
- Supportive documents to be considered while participating in GDs
Controversial Topics
- Stance-based group discussion
- For and against arguments should be discussed.
- Topics that trigger discussions
- Based on the categories, the GDs can be again subcategories.
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Factual Group Discussion
- Focuses more on real-world incidents or events
- Formal discussion
- Exchange of ideas on a given topic
- No subjective arguments are encouraged.
- Focus on analyzing data.
- Personal experiences are not considered.
- Triggers decision-making based on facts
Opinion-Based Group Discussions
- Participants can express their ideas and opinions freely.
- Viewpoint-based discussion
- Diverse opinions
- Subjective
- Opinions are evaluated.
- Welcomes the experience of sharing
- Focuses on personal views
- No discussion based on objective data.
- Individual perspectives are considered.
- Sharing experiences is the key.
Case Studies-Based Group Discussion
- GD based on case studies
- Analysis of case studies
- Focuses on specific areas
- Case studies based on real-life events
- Hypothetical scenarios can also be the topic of discussion.
- Focuses on problems and solutions.
- Helpful in arriving at a logical solution
- Action triggered
- Analyze the leadership qualities of each individual.
- Seeks decision-making skills of individuals.
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Abstract Group Discussions
- Based on general topics
- No specific details are shared.
- Test the creative side of individuals.
- Exploration of new ideas
- Individual thought processes will be appreciated.
- No issues to solve
- Happens often in creative sectors.
- Triggers creative minds to come up with new, innovative ideas.
- Encourages critical thinking
Role-Playing Group Discussions
- Assign specific roles.
- Understand roles better.
- Discussion of issues from the perspective of assigned roles
- Perspective-based group discussions
- Participants role-play to arrive at a logical solution for a problem
- Helps in preparing action plans.
- Triggers both the creative and problem-solving sides of individuals.
Structured Group Discussions
- Follows a specific structure and pattern
- Group discussions in the presence of a moderator
- No free flow of thoughts is allowed.
- Based on set rules
- Should follow specific patterns.
- Participants should follow guidelines.
Unstructured Group Discussions
- No predetermined guidelines.
- No rules to adhere to
- Encourages the free flow of ideas.
- No specific patterns or rules to participate
- Easy to participate.
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Join Now!Popular Group Discussion Topics
Based on the type of group discussion, there are an umpteen number of topics available. Before you attend any group discussion, you should be well aware of the commonly discussed topics.
You should have good communication skills to develop the ideas into action. You should frame structured ideas on a given topic while you are given a chance to participate in group discussions. Here are some popular group discussion topics.
| Group Discussion Types | Popular Group Discussion Topics |
| Factual Group Discussion |
|
| Opinion-Based Group Discussion |
|
| Abstract Group Discussion |
|
| Case Study-Based Group Discussion |
|
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Tips to Perform Well in a Group Discussion
Performing well in group discussions requires time and effort from the participants. The group discussion demands active participation from the side of the participants.
Group discussions help the participants to understand the situation and discuss ideas logically. Group discussions are also platforms for brainstorming. To perform exceptionally well in group discussions, you should follow the guidelines given below:
- Speak with confidence.
- Maintain a positive attitude.
- Mind your body language.
- Share ideas that are not prejudiced.
- Work more on communication skills.
- Stay updated.
- Aware of the latest developments and trends in society
- Practice in the mirror before your actual participation.
- Follow the GD guidelines strictly.
- Encourage all the participants to speak.
- Never try to dominate the discussion.
- Avoid taking control of the entire group discussion.
- Show equal interest while other members share their thoughts.
- Be an active listener.
- Acknowledge good ideas and initiatives.
- Maintain eye contact.
- Avoid being dramatic.
- Support your arguments with the necessary facts.
- Communicate your ideas logically.
- Demonstrate your leadership qualities.
- Summarize the key ideas.
- Guide the discussion team upright.
- Stay focused on the topic.
- Bring the best out of you.
- Present ideas after reasoning.
- Engage yourself in the group.
- Encourage maximum participation.
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Group discussions are important as they demonstrate the leadership skills and qualities of each member. A group discussion helps the interviewer to analyze whether a particular employee is competent enough to stay in a specific work culture.
Group discussions are evaluation points where you will be assessed based on your performance in the group. Group discussions allow the interviewer to check whether you are a team player or not.
Group discussions are all about the quality contribution that each individual offers to the group. Better communication skills are essential to participate effectively in a group discussion.
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Join Now!Frequently Asked Questions
What is a group discussion?
It is the quality of communication between members in a group based on a specific topic.
What is the major task of a moderator in a group discussion?
The group discussion is facilitated by a moderator. The major task of the moderator is to make sure that all the members in the group are getting equal opportunity to express their ideas and thoughts freely.
What is the significance of topic based group discussion?
The topic-based group discussion can be of different types based on the topics.The topics can be varied depending on the situation. Based on the nature of the topics, the group discussions can fall into different categories.
What are the major characteristics of opinion based group discussions?
Participants can express their ideas and opinions freely.
The major characteristics of opinion based group discussions are as follows:
- Viewpoint-based discussion
- Diverse opinions
- Subjective
- Opinions are evaluated.
- Welcomes the experience of sharing
- Focuses on personal views
- No discussion based on objective data.
- Individual perspectives are considered.
- Sharing experiences is the key.
What is the connection between group discussion and job opportunities?
Group discussions are important as they demonstrate the leadership skills and qualities of each member. A group discussion helps the interviewer to analyze whether a particular employee is competent enough to stay in a specific work culture.
