In this unit you will learn:

• about various kinds of group discussions

• the purpose of conducting a group discussion

• how to initiate, continue and conclude a group discussion

• how to take turns at a group discussion

• how to involve others in a group discussion

• how to interrupt others

• how to help the group to arrive at a consensus

• how to establish rapport with members of a group

• what personality traits are appropriate in a group discussion

• how to use appropriate expressions in a group discussion

• how to behave in a group discussion

• how to prepare for a group discussion

• how to check your performance in a group discussion.

What is a Group Discussion?

A group discussion (GD) is a type of interactive, oral communication which takes place when a group of people get together to discuss something. A group discussion can be informal or formal. An informal group discussion occurs when a group of friends talk about things in general at their college canteen, outside the classroom, at a bus stop or any other place; or when a family talks about various things, or when a group of people talk about various matters, such as sports, train travel, price rise, examinations, favourite film stars. In these informal discussions, each one freely expresses his views on the subject.