Group Disscussion

10 things to succeed in Group Discussion

Following are some of the things which you must take care off to succeed in the GD.

Read voraciously

Make a habit of reading voraciously on every subject. This will keep you ready for any topic for a discussion in GD Your knowledge is your most important weapon in a discussion.

Initiate the discussion

Most of us have a misconception that initiating the discussion would give you an advantage over others. It does give you an advantage but only if you know the subject well and have something relevant to start the discussion otherwise it is a disadvantage.
For e.g. When a group was given a subject “Is Capital punishment right?” some members of the group heard the word punishment and jumped at starting the discussion with out understanding the meaning of Capital Punishment. The evaluators kept hearing for 2 minutes after which they intervened and asked the group if they knew the meaning of Capital Punishment. Not to say, the members who initiated were quite looking at each other’s faces. That is when a quite member of the group got up and explained the meaning of the topic. From this incidence, you can easily tell who must have succeeded in the GD, the ones who initiated the discussion or the one who explained the topic and gave it a right direction.
They say, “Speaking just for the sake of speaking is noise”. So, don’t create noise in the GD rather make some useful and resourceful contributions to get noticed in the discussion.

Speak politely and pleasantly

As you speak make sure that you do not speak at the top of your voice. You should be audible and clear. Remember that you are participating in a discussion which is different from a speech given out by the leaders in their rallies. Even if you disagree with the other’s point of view, disagree politely. Use phrases like, I would like to disagree a bit here, I am sorry but I think I have a slightly different point of view here.

Be précised

Abstain from using irrelevant information and data from your talks during a GD Speak precisely so that others also get a chance to put across their point of view.

Acquire and apply knowledge

Stay attentive to the ideas put forward by other group members and keep writing the important points discussed during the GD As you get a chance to speak, put forward your views about the topic. You can also agree or disagree with other’s ideas, based on your knowledge about the subject.

Agree with the right

Don’t take a stand on either extreme when the discussion begins. It might happen that you get convinced by other’s argument and want to change your stand. Respect other’s opinion as well and agree with what is right, even if you initially had a different opinion.

Speak confidently

Maintain your confidence as you speak. Establish eye contact with other members of the group and do not let your voice tremble.

Moderate

Try to moderate the discussion if any arguments arise. This is necessary to ensure that the group doesn’t wander from the goal of the GD

Use positive body language

Your body language should not demonstrate dominance or low self confidence. Show your interest in the discussion through your gestures like bending forward a bit, nodding your head.

Be a team player

Last but not the least, be a team player as this is a group activity. Be comfortable with the group members and vice versa.  

8 things you should NOT do in a Group Discussion

Group Discussion, abbreviated as GD is a form of many-on-many discussion. It has become an inseparable part of admissions to management institutes and your selection in campus interviews. GD is held to identify certain traits that the companies and the institutes like to see in their employees and students. Let’s take a look at the traits which the evaluators look out for in a candidate during the GD.

Knowledge

Whatever you do in a GD, your knowledge about the subject can’t be replaced by anything else. You are required to talk in A GD but a talk that doesn’t contain substantial value doesn’t hold any meaning. Be a voracious reader to increase your knowledge on various subjects. T.V., Newspapers, magazines, News portals etc. could be your good sources of knowledge.

Alertness and presence of mind

In a GD you are required to carefully listen to the other person’s thoughts and keep an argument, example or a supportive statement, fact, example ready to participate in the discussion. Here comes into picture your alertness and ability to think & act immediately. As you participate in a GD, make sure that you sit with an attentive mind and keep taking down the relevant points put forward by others.

Communication

You have a lot of good points to put across but if you can’t communicate them clearly, you won’t stand a chance to impress the evaluators. Practice to communicate in a clear and effective way.

Confidence

Your self confidence adds a lot of value to your candidature. Look at every group member as you speak, avoid too much hand movement and looking at evaluators.

Leadership and team skills

Your participation in a GD clearly establishes not only your Leadership skills but also your capability to work in a team. To meet the objectives, a good leader has to be a team player.

 

Electronic media vs. print media

Print media typically includes newspapers, articles, journals etc. on the other hand, electronic media could be internet, television etc.
Print Media

• Choice of reading – Allows user to read anytime and can be carried anywhere.
• A much affordable form of media when compared to electronic.
• For an individual, it’s quite an easy proof for any sort of information – People specially living in rural areas can easily afford a newspaper as compared to TV’s etc.
• Relatively easier form of accessibility public for campaigns etc.

Electronic media

• A more advanced form of media. 
• Introduces more revenues and job opportunities.
• Relatively a more innovative form of media. Thanks to motion pictures, animation etc.
• A variety of options available unlike print media. People can surf through different channels, site etc.
• Very appropriate for instant POLLS reviews of public.
• Works better for people with hearing and seeing disabilities.
• Can be reached faster and can be made LIVE.

The main intent of any media is to pass information to pubic. Be it electronic or print media, the public needs to be aware of the news. Most of the people in daily lives start with print media and gradually, as the day passes by, switch to electronic media.

 

Sex Education

Sex education is the process of educating people about relationships, intimacy. It helps people protect themselves against abuse, exploitation, abortions etc.
It mainly focuses on

• Relationships
• Unwanted pregnancies
• Reproduction

Why sex education?

• People are educated about different STD’s, AIDS etc.
• Lack of sex education results in unnecessary abortions.
• People are not aware of contraceptive pills, condoms and other means to avoid pregnancy. This also results in harm to reproductive organs.
• Sex education is not just about teaching about sex. It’s about teaching how reproductive organs are built, stages that a boy and girl go through, relationships etc.

When and who should educate?

• For some people, sex education is still not necessary as it hurts their religious sentiments.
• Ideally sex education should start from onset of puberty.
• Sex education should not just be in schools. It should start from home as well. Parents should not feel conscience about discussing queries raised.
• Special care should be taken that the education and teaching should not sound vulgar.

People should get rid of the stigma attached to the word “sex”. Sex education will definitely reduce criminal acts like rape, sexual abuse etc as people will be literate enough to realize the consequences.

Inflation

In simple terms inflation is the rise in price of commodities and low purchases.
Causes and effects

• Inflation is caused when there is too much demand is more for goods or too much money in circulation.
• Inflation affects the entire economy of the nation.
• A drop in exchange rate, increase in tax or wages can lead to inflation.
• An increase in the quantity of money supply can cause inflation.

Controlling inflation

• Depending on what caused inflation, policies should be implemented. For instance if the cause was excessive demand for commodities, it should be reduced.
• Production costs can be reduced.
• Banks can increase interest rates to avoid circulation of money in excess.
• Trying to maintain a stable and fixed currency rate.
• The supply of gold to the amount sold or output should be stable.
• The percentage of inflation can be measured using the consumer price index. It is a measure for price change based on production of goods.

Reservation for women would help the society

Most of the offences and injustice today are on women. The victims are not just adults but also infants and old women.
For

• There is no valid point till date which makes any women unequal in comparison to a man.
• Giving reservation to women would give them encouragement. They would not be recognized in society as mere “domestic” workers.
• Reservation should not be given to treat them superior; it should be given to help people understand that they are equal. This is because, few communities in India still believe in “female foeticide”. Little do they know that it’s a woman that delivers a man!

Against

• If women need to do something for the society and country, there is no need for reservation.
• Instead of concentrating on reservation, the society can be improved by concentrating on other ethical issues.
• There have been many great and famous women in politics that did what they could for society. They didn’t any special reservation!
• Women may undoubtedly take advantage of reservation to defend themselves.

Although reservations should be encouraged and Like they say “Great powers come with great responsibility”, it should become a moral responsibility of women to not misuse the same.

 

Younger generation is more practical than older generation

With the advancement of technology, luxury and a palette of options available, the younger generation are naturally practical. They need not take extra efforts to a practical approach.
For

• They are optimistic and ambitious.
• Earlier on, people fell easily for emotions whether it was for family or friends. Today’s youth can equally balance emotions.
• Science has made life very easy for the generation today. Accessing someone today isn’t as difficult as it was earlier, when people relied on telegrams!
• Even though the younger lot is considered to be impatient, their impatience is because they don’t want to waste time.
• The young generation wishes to explore all possible horizons.
• Thanks to the social networking sites, younger generation is more enterprising. Their ides are practical.
• Due to the adverse competition, their practical perspective leaves with no time for ethical issues like ego, arrogance, emotions etc.

Against

• Most of the times over smartness shown by youngsters put them in trouble.
• Older generation has seen life and hence they know the pros and cons of every situation. They have a natural ability to do so.
• Older generation can better judge people since they have met so many in their life.
• Due to their over practical nature, it puts them more in depression and hence suicide rates are more.
• It is seen that most of the crimes are committed by the younger generation who get influences from TV and cinema.
• At times the greed of money and publicity makes them do something they are not supposed to.
• Older generation being more practical and intelligent can easily point out the difference between wrong and right.

All said and done, a generation gap will always persist. Youngsters of today will drive the world tomorrow. With the advancement of technology and ease of living, generation to come will be even more practical!

English should be made the Official Language

The first question that may arise in anyone’s mind whose mother tongue is not English – Why should it be the official language? The most certain reason would be its acceptance and use. English is the most common language used throughout the world. The other more convincing points could be:-
For

• The WWW has 80% of it’s content in English.
• Almost all countries in this world are aware of the language.
• English is being followed for years. It is used as the most common medium of communication.
• In this era of globalization, we need to follow what most of the world does. English, being the most common and widely used language is one of them.
• Competition is what drives the world and economy. In order to survive and be defensive, English is a must.
• Money drives the economy, to grow as an individual English is a must.

Against

• Due to severe competition, youngsters tend to concentrate more on English and forget their national language.
• It is indeed shameful to not be aware of your own mother tongue fluently and know English well.
• All of us aware of freedom of speech and hence making any language official defy this.
• Having multiple languages helps to maintain diversity, respect and know about different communities.
• People can’t be forced to do anything today. At home, they will anyways speak the language they are most comfortable.

There can be innumerable reasons for making English as the official language. What’s more? – This is being in communicated in English as well! Last but not the least, even though English may be declared as the official language, the essence of the mother tongue should never be forgotten.

 

 

Arranged marriage is better than love marriage

The most convincing reason that proves arranged marriages is better than Love marriages would be Statistics! In most cases, couples who had an arranged marriage are more understanding towards each other.
For

• In an arranged marriage, first few years of the marriage are spent in knowing and understanding the person. There is a sense and demand of spending more time with each other.
• In a love marriage, before the marriage, the couple shares a very different level of understanding. This understanding when tied to social obligations expected once married, are difficult to obey.
• It is easy to adjust with the partner in an arranged marriage as compared to love marriage. This is because in a love marriage things may often be taken for granted.
• Since the partners have never met before, in an arranged marriage, they care more about each others needs.
• Arranged marriages help resolves domestic issues faster. There is a sense of fear of loosing the partner.
• For some unforeseen reason, the marriage does not work; there are many people who will support more.
• In most cases, love marriages force the couple to stay away from family. This leaves them with no choice but to tackle their own problems.

Against

• In today’s busy lives no one has the time to understand each other after marriage.
• Arranged marriage, most of the times works on compromises. In a love marriage they were in love even before the marriage and hence compromises are less.
• In an arranged marriage, social obligations can get frustrating at times.
• Love married couples learn how to become independent since most of the times they are separated and hence are able to tackle their problems.
• A comfort level has already been developed between the couple.
• Expectations from parents are less since most of the times decision of marrying is usually initiated by the couple.

Whether it is love or arranged, trust, understanding and commitment is what drives towards a successful marriage.