G.T.O’s Tests : Group discussion in I.S.S.B - Sibtain Afzaal

Group discussion.(1)

•In group discussion these are the things you have to be careful about.
ry to be calm, tension is there as it’s a very important task and you have a tough competition before you.
•Sit in a proper way, don’t look casual.
•When you are given a topic by GTO listen to it carefully, and for a second or two, revise what he said, in your mind to get a clear idea about the topic so that you can arrange your thoughts about the topic.
•Its written in many books and many people say that you should take initiative. That’s not a good idea. The initiator is always in trouble if he has not properly understood the topic, and if he has he would start the topic and give a long speech, which is totally a wrong approach.
•You keep quiet for a while and see if someone other tries to start the discussion, in the mean time keep your mind busy thinking about the topic.
•If everyone is looking at each other like idiots for 3 4 seconds then start and take the initiative.
•When you initiate you should explain the topic don’t say that I agree or disagree and jump to conclusions, save it for the second turn which you would get.
•If the topic is simple then you can give your views as well when you initiate.
•Don’t take too much time it might irritate other members and GTO.
•Don’t say “I agree with chest no. 123…” do not make another guy look good, it would give an impression that you take him as your leader. You should use words like “I agree with the argument that………..”
•While talking don’t look at the GTO, keep your neck on the move, look at all the members “sab per nazar doraani hay” giving the impression that you are addressing all of the members. Some people look down other look at the wall or ceiling or just one of the group members, don’t ever do that, it would have a very negative impression.
•Don’t get aggressive if someone constantly goes against you, just be calm and have a slight smile.
•When you see some member is not getting a chance to talk , while others are in argument, just break them by saying “ Gentlemen I think we should give a chance to chest no./….. to express his views”. This would have a superb impact on your image.

Example:
Topic : “Basant should be banned or not”


(This topic has many dimensions, a very controversial topic and people would have a lot of fights while having discussion, some of the main points are:

•Some would say that Basant is non Islamic, its said that hindus celebrate in remembrance for some bad thing done by someone.(cant recall the history).
•Other would say that it’s a cultural event to celebrate the start of spring, has nothing to do with Islamic teachings.
•Someone might say that we have a lot of loss of life because of kites and chords.
•Some would argue that because of kite industry a lot of people earn money who would suffer if a ban is implemented.

So what is the right answer to this topic that would make others say “yes I agree with chest no…….” ??? The answer to this problem is to be diplomatic, neutral and give middle a solution rather then fight to convince others. Here is a possible answer.


“Bismillah Alrahman Alraheem. Gentlemen the topic that we have been given to us has been in debate for quite some time, that is the basant which is celebrated as a festival be banned or not.(this is a easy topic so you can go on with your views). As far as the religious issue is concerned it depends on thinking of people, The intention of people while celebrating basant is not to adobt some values of Hinduism, but to enjoy and to have some fun with their families and get some time off from their hectic life. But It has been seen that when ever basant is celebrated the society has to face a lot of troubles, many kids fall from roofs while chasing kites, people get cut because of chord, we have power fluctuation because of the electric wire that is used to fly kites. This festival brings nothing but problems for the society. Its history may not be good but its now a cultural thing especially for Lahore and we have seen that when it was celebrated on official level it attracted a lot of tourism.
What should be done is that Basant should be celebrated with responsibility, rather then flying kites on roof tops, public parks should be used where people can fly safely, and it would be a controlled environment so it would be easy to see that people use harmless chord not plastic or metal wire. By doing so no harm would be done to public and this festival would be enjoyed by all.”

What happens in this discussion is that

•you explain the topic,
•Highlight the key issues.
•Give proper solution for those issues.

This makes the discussion complete.