Group Discussion

                   Group Discussions

A group discussion is a formal discussion conducted on a topic among a group of ten to twelve participants. The participants analyse the topic from their respective angles and present their views and opinions. The group is given a topic. They contemplate on it for a few minutes and then start discussions. The discussion is usually for ten to fifteen minutes. Experts listen to the members and evaluate them.

Group discussions are usually held on topics of four kinds:

 (a) factual, for example 

‘Plastics should be banned’

 (b) a social or political issue, for example ‘moral policing’, 

(c) abstract, for example ‘conscience’ and

(d) case study based, where the group discusses a case study and analyses it or offers solutions.

       Group Discussions are one of the effective interactive methods of classroom learning. They are used to select candidates for different courses or for jobs by employers. They are used to gauge whether a candidate possesses certain skills required for pursuing a particular course or a job that involves working in groups, giving opinions and solve problems together to achieve common goals. The candidates are tested for their knowledge and communication skills as well as their ability to work as a part of a group and to lead other towards conclusions and solutions. One should be able to use his understanding of a subject to give opinions on it and support his ideas with logical arguments. Since communication is a two-way process, it is important that besides speaking, one listens to the participants in the group discussion and respond to their ideas or take them forward. You can contribute to a group discussion in some of the following ways: helping it start, giving direction to it, making sure that everyone’s views are heard and thought about so that the group moves towards some kind of agreement and closing it with a summary or a conclusion.

The Language of Group Discussions:

Here are some expressions you can use to perform different functions during a group discussion.

Expressing opinions:

I believe…… I think…….

Could I make a point, please?

In my opinion……

It seems to me……

Expressing agreement:

Absolutely You’re right……

I fully agree with…..

Expressing disagreement:

I’m afraid I don’t agree with…..

I’m sorry but I see it a little differently.

I can see your point but…..

You may have something there but…..

I respect your point of view, but I’m sorry I can’t go along with you on……

Suggesting: 

I think we should…… Why don’t we…..?

Let’s…… Couldn’t we……?

Don’t you think we could….?

 Asking for opinion : 

What is your opinion on….? What do you feel about…?

I wonder what do you think about…..? I’d like to know your stand on…..

Interrupting: 

I’m sorry to interrupt but….

Excuse me. Could I add something, please?

That’s true. Sorry, but…..

 Handling interruptions : 

Just a moment please. Could I finish what I am saying?

If you would just let me finish……. Could you wait for a minute, please.

Concluding : 

To summarise/conclude,…… We can conclude by saying……

Let’s run quickly through the main ideas before concluding the discussion.

Example 👇

Mayank, Anagha, yash and Anuj are participating in a group discussion. The evaluator has given them a topic ' Whats app, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat are killing creativity' write suitable dialogues for each participant giving his or her opinion on the topic.

 Evaluator : You have all be given a few minutes to think on today's topic for discussion. The topic is ' Whats app,Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat are killing creativity '.  You may begin now.

 Mayank:  I think the topic of the discussion is very relevant these days. Having a cell phone in every hand, social media like Whats app, Facebook,Instagram and Snapchat became teenagers priority. They are spending hours and hours on it.

 Anagha : I agree with Mayank. Social media has taken  a place of books and playgrounds. Friends on Facebook are more important than friends on ground. Features like cut,copy and paste kill the creativity. What do you feel about it Yash?

 Yash : I do not agree with you both. Many teenagers are using social media to reveal their creativity. They are creating videos of their talent and sharing them with the public.  Even some youngsters are creating short films and getting appreciation. Social media has become a strong platform to show talent and creativity.

 Anuj : Excuse me. Could I add something please.

 Yash : Yes, you may.

 Anuj : I would like to share my views regarding social media. Social media has emerged as a boon. Whether it is  a bane or boon depends upon the user. Sometimes we are sticking to social media beyond limit. Spending time in posting, checking for likes and comments and shares will definitely kill creativity. Still I feel that social media has given a platform to learn many things.