GROUP DISCUSSIONS:

Typically, GDs involve 8 to 12 participants sitting in a circle or semicircle discussing a topic for a stipulated time, usually 15 to 20 minutes. Broadly GDs can have three formats-Structured, Unstructured and Specialized GDs.

1. Structured GDs:

Time limits and topic is defined although no consensus is expected at the end. No leader is to be selected for facilitating the process. These are easier to handle. Topics chosen are usually general and do not require technical knowledge.

2. Unstructu5tred GDs:

Things are made difficult by making choice of a leader mandatory and consensus on the topic at the end. The leader has to direct the group, set the tone for discussion and control the dynamics of the group. They can even make the going They can even make the going worse by asking the group to propose a topic, reach consensus on it and then discuss.

3. Specialized GDs:

It includes role-play or scripted GDs, where the candidates are given a certain brief about a role that they need to play. For example, a business situation is given where two companies are negotiating a deal. Here candidates would be given the profits of the two CEO’s, marketing managers, HR managers, advisors and a neutral entity like a consultant. Alternatively, candidates may be given the role of the five Pandavas and the main Kauravas negotiating on distribution of their kingdom in a 20^th century.

Content VS process?

It is crucial to understand the difference between the Content and Process of GD.

Content indicates things like what is your Level of preparation, the Ability to organize your thoughts in a logical way, understand the topic in its totality and the ability to Innovate.

Process includes Way of expression, Communication skills, Body language and the Attitude of the person.

Most candidates have their preoccupation with process. On the contrary, all too vital questions like what did I speak, do I have enough reasoning to sustain my line of argument, can I think of examples to substantiate my logic take a back seat. Preoccupation only with the Process is fraught with disastrous are equally important for an effective contribution in a GD.

So how does one ensure a good quantity and quality of content?

Take a one Minute Pause. This is the way to ensure that you perform above a threshold level of quality. Utilize this one-minute to focus on WHAT you are going to speak. Then collect and organize your thoughts.

CRUCIAL SUCCESS FACTORS IN A GD:

 Innovativeness - Ability to think in an entirely different perspective.

 
Quality of content - It shows the level of preparedness.

 Frequent and consistent participation.

 Logical ability – Ability to reason, think and debate on pros and Behavioral skill.

Aggressiveness / Assertiveness - Aggressiveness is negative while Assertiveness is positive. Assertiveness is standing on your own feet, while aggression is trampling others feet.

Communication – it includes Articulation, Listening and Body language. Clarity of thought leads to articulate language.
Functional knowledge of language is all one needs to have as opposed to having an accent.

Leadership-Leadership involves all the above skills. More importantly, the fundamental strength that you need to carry in order to be effective is MOBILITY. 

It is mobility that lets you demonstrate leadership skill as the contest demands.

ROLES PEOPLE PLAY:

Broadly, participants play the following familiar roles in a GD.

1. Mr. Brains/Plant:

He brings in a lot of matter and comes up with wide interpretations of the topic.

DOWNSIDE:

It is difficult to stop him, as he is preoccupied with topic discussion as opposed to group discussion. Happily oblivious to simple things like who is sitting next to him/her. At the end of the GD, if you happen to ask him whether the person sitting next to him/her was a boy or a girl, the answer would most likely be “I don’t know”.

DOWNSIDE: 

He does not usually come up with original thoughts. Needs Mr. Brains to feed him with readymade ideas that he can sell.

2. Shopkeeper:

 He is the sales man who can sell anything, has gift for gab, very strong ability to relate with people and the ability to be at the center of things.

3. Watchman:

  He usually maintains order in the group but runs short of Content.

  Preoccupied with directing the group process such as controlling entry and exit of participants.

  Very important to meet time commitments made to the panel. Especially, in consensus group discussions.

4. Critic :

 He criticizes everybody’s points left, right and center, without contributing anything new.

5. The butcher:

  Does great service to the group by enhancing the quality of content by not letting anybody runway by saying anything.

  Is most welcome in groups, who have one or two aggressive elements in it.

6. The spectator or the passenger:

  Is involved in the proceedings though play a limited role.

 Contribution is very limited and does not affect the outcome of the group task.

 SO WHAT ROLE SHOULD YOU SPECIALIZE IN?

Each role has several benefits in isolation. However strong attachment to any single role throughout the GD could limit your chances.

What is more important to do well is to demonstrate Leadership at every moment. You must work to achieve an ability to move across these roles as the situation demands. Anyone performing more than 3 of these roles will positively make a strong impact on the panel. Mobility is the key word in becoming effective in GDs.

The roles discussed above are not watertight compartments. The key to success in GD is to be able to effortlessly move from one role to the other depending on the situational demands without getting trapped in one role and hence performing sub-optimally.

There are certain tricks that help you retain center stage for longer durations of time and explore with abundant chances to speak. These should however be used with caution and at appropriate moment, like the legendary Brahmastra in Ramayana and Mahabharat.

Given data, examples, anecdotes, and survey figures, compelling short stories. This gives people the impression that you know a lot. The participants would not brand you as a bore of Mr. Brains. So you don’t even need to face interjections or arguments. However be sure of the validity/relevance of the data or story, and more importantly remember, KISS.
KISS: Keep It Short Stupid.

PEST Analysis:

No, we are not saying you catch a rodent or a roach and explain its anatomy. PEST basically stands for aspects of the topic which pertain to:

PEST: Political Economic Social Technological 

For example, with the political aspects, start with a basic blasting of the politicians in the context of the topic and you will have the whole group swear by you. Use hand motions-when you start speaking in a GD, try to speak point wise and use hands as if counting the points on your fingers. Everyone will get the impression that you have several well-structured points and they will not mess around with you.

ALL THE BEST