Group
Discussion is a kind of ‘formal communication’. It is oral and face-to-face communication. It can be
defined as ‘a
situation in which a limited number of persons discuss pros and cons of some
burning issue with one another.’ In
Group Discussion, all the participants present their views personally and
conclude with a common judgment. 7 to 10 persons are necessary for the
effective Group Discussion. Diversity of opinions is also one of the most
important features of Group Discussion. Communication skills, knowledge,
leadership are important qualities the participant needs to have for Group
Discussion. Silent speaker is rejected in Group Discussion. The Group
Discussion is effective if the group is dynamic. In this, there is observation
of the creativity, intellectual power, approach to solve problem, patience and
the behaviour in a group.
A
Group Discussion is used to conduct a personality test. It helps to shortlist
candidates for the final interview for the administrative posts in various
departments or for the admission to some job-oriented courses like MBA, MSW,
MLS, etc. Group Discussion is also a kind of public speech. It is a kind of debate. There are various qualities of
the candidate which are evaluated in Group Discussion :
1) Personality
2) Dress Manners
3) Body Language
4) Tone and
Voice
5) Facial Expressions
6) Etiquettes and Manners
7) Knowledge
8) Communication
Skills
9) Leadership Qualities
1. Personality :
Generally, people have misunderstanding about the
term ‘Personality’. If a person has six feet height and 80 kg weight, they
consider him as a person with good personality. But that is not the case. Personality
includes physical appearance, dress manner, body language, knowledge,
communication skills, attitude, leadership qualities, voice, etc. Physical
appearance of a person conveys the first impression. A favourable first
impression is helpful to win easily and quickly. But if the first impression is
unfavourable, then it is very difficult to correct during the Group Discussion.
The participants’ movements and postures must be active, positive and
responsive to the group. The participant’s body language should show
confidence, openness, readiness and positive and vigorous attitude. Confidence,
sincerity and friendliness should be expressed through eyes. The voice should
be moderate and warm. When the participant speaks, his knowledge should get
reflected through his speech.
2. Dress
Manner :
The participant’s dress manner plays a very vital
role to create good impression. It is not necessary that the clothes should be
costly, new, dazzling and of the latest fashion. They should be clean and neat
only. If the candidate is well-dressed he naturally feels confident. Others too
pay him respect if he is neatly dressed. His footwear must be polished and
clean. His hair style should match the personality. The candidate
must brush his teeth and ensure that there is no bad smell. It is nice if the
candidate applies light perfume or deodorant. But extremely dark perfume should
be avoided.
3. Body
Language :
Body Language is a form of non-verbal
communication. It helps to make verbal communication more effective. It
includes facial expressions, gestures, postures, eye contacts, smile, etc. It
directly appeals to a person’s mind. One’s personality is judged by a way one
acts and moves. For example, having a bend in back while walking and sitting
makes a very wrong impression. One must walk briskly with head held erect. One
must meet the other person’s eye with warmth and friendliness. All the
movements of the person should reflect confidence, enthusiasm and zeal.
Therefore, the participant in Group Discussion should use positive Body
Language. However, overuse of Body Language should be avoided. It makes a very
wrong impression.
4. Tone and
Voice :
Proper tone and voice can be used to
impress the listeners and to make communication process more effective.
Sometimes, the tone conveys the message more effectively than words. A tone
that orders and commands hurts the listener’s ego. Everybody likes to be requested.
Everybody likes to confer a favour rather than obey an order. So, it is
essential to cultivate a voice that is lively and cheerful and conveys a
request. So, proper and modest tone and voice should be used by the speaker in
Group Discussion. The speed of speaking also should be moderate. It should not
be either too fast or too slow.
5. Facial
Expressions :
It is well-said that our ‘face is an
index of our mind’. It reflects exactly what is in our mind. A cheerful and
pleasant face is important for a good appearance. Such person is liked by
everyone. A ready, pleasant and spontaneous smile conveys friendliness and
creates a favourable impression. Self-confidence and optimism automatically
create cheerfulness and bring happy smile to the face. The participant in Group
Discussion should put smile on face while speaking.
6. Etiquettes and
Manners :
Behaviour, etiquettes and manners are
very important aspects of Personality. There are many examples of the people
who got success not for their intellectual ability but for their good
behaviour, etiquettes and manners. Therefore, the participant in Group
Discussion should show his good and modest behaviour and good etiquettes and
manners.
7. Knowledge :
Knowledge is very important aspect of
Personality. Knowledgeable person is respected by everyone. In Group Discussion
knowledge of the subject helps to handle any situation. It helps to win any
Group Discussion too. If the participant has enough knowledge of the subject,
it makes him more interested, enthusiastic, confident, fluent and energetic.
8. Communication
Skills :
Effective communication is a salient
feature good Personality. It makes the participant more energetic and forceful
in Group Discussion. Any idea is effective only when it is expressed clearly
and effectively. Some people are born orators whereas others acquire good
oratory skills. Learning to communicate effectively is a kind of skill. It
requires command over a language and practice. The participant in Group
Discussion should have adequate vocabulary and clarity in expression.
9. Leadership
Qualities :
A
man is a social animal. So he lives in
a group. He cannot tolerate to be lonely. When he lives in a group, he
establishes cooperation and coordination among members of the group. Every
group requires a competent leader. It cannot exist for a long time without a
leader. Although every group needs a leader, there could be only one leader in
it. Others follow that leader. The leader needs to have qualities like
courage, charisma, loyalty, ambition, honesty, a little arrogance, good health,
political skill, confidence and vision. A leader must have the skill
to coordinate different members in the group. Anyhow, he should keep the group
intact.
