What is the difference between debate and group discussion

Formally, in a debate, the group is divided into two teams — one in favour or support, while the other opposing it. Along with the two teams, there is an adjudicator and audience. The audience judge the quality of the facts and arguments stated.

It is helpful in building confidence and self-esteem in the participants and also improves public speaking skills. Further, the debate is driven by certain rules, which are agreed upon, in the beginning. It is being judged and so one side wins while the other loses it. It is started by the affirmative team, i. In this way, each team gets a fair chance to fend off the argument of the opponent.

In a debate, each speaker is given a set amount of time so as to present their points and answering the questions raised by the opponent team. And so there is a warning bell to give them some time to wrap up and complete which is followed by a final bell. Group Discussion can be defined as an extensive technique, used to assess the fitness of an individual with respect to the concerned criteria for the job, admission, etc.

It is meant to refine the views of the participants. In this technique, a topic is given to the members for discussion and the exchange of information and ideas takes place in a systematic manner. The sitting of the candidates is done in such a way that they face each other. A panel of judges observe, compare and form an opinion about the participants, on the basis of their intellectual, social, leadership and communication skills.

Competitive debating is carried out in local, national and international level. In parliaments and other legislatures, debates are conducted before making laws and amendments. Here, the members of parliament discuss the positive and negative sides of the proposal and cast votes. Debates are also a part of the US presidential elections; it is customary for the main candidates from the largest parties to engage in a debate.

A discussion is an exchange of ideas, information, opinions between a group of people. It can also be viewed as a type of conversation between several people. A discussion can have different goals; for example, a group of students who start a discussion over a lesson has the objective of sharing and understanding facts and information.

A group of people who get together discuss a film or book is united by the common goal of sharing their personal opinions and ideas.

Although opposing views may be presented during discussions, the speakers will not usually engage in a debate about this contrast. This happens because there is no competition or the need to prove his standpoint. Debate: A debate is a formal contest of argumentation between two individuals or teams.

Discussion: A discussion is an exchange of ideas, information, opinions between a group of people. Debate: A debate always has two opposing sides. You agree that we have no liability for any damages. What is a Group Discussion? The following are the common types of group discussions according to method of conduct: Structured A topic is specifically chosen by an authority and a time-frame is allotted.

Unstructured The participants mutually decide on a topic and the time-frame is not strictly set. Role Play The discussants have to express their opinions within the parameters of their given role. With a Nominated Leader A nominated leader facilitates the flow of discussion and summarizes key ideas. What is a Debate? The following are the common types of debate: Lincoln-Douglas This is also known as the two men debate since there is only one speaker from each camp.

Rebuttal There are two to three members in each team and the affirmative side starts the debate. One-Rebuttal There are also two to three members in each team and all of them have a chance to rebut except the first affirmative speaker who closes with his rebuttal speech. Oregon-Oxford There are two to three members from each side.

Differences between Group Discussion and Debate Goal of Group Discussion and Debate The main goal of a group discussion is to have a clearer understanding of the chosen topic. Formality Unlike debates, group discussions are less formal as they do not have strict rules on topic coverage, time, taking turns, mode of speaking, and others. Position The contradicting positions are evidently stated in the beginning of a debate whereas two opposing opinions are not needed for a group discussion to commence.

Competition In a debate, there is a winner and a loser though there are times when the results can be a draw. Audience Debaters have an audience who listen to the pros and cons of an issue. Taking Turns Participants in a debate need to properly take turns in airing out ideas. Cooperation There is less cooperation involved in debates as the opposing sides need to attack or defend opinions. Complexity A debate is largely more complex as more preparation, details, and roles are involved.

Persuasion Debaters need to persuade the listeners to take their side while group discussants simply aim to share information. Conclusion Debates end with a specific conclusion which denotes the winning side whereas group discussions may not have a specific conclusion as there is no winner nor loser at the end.

Group Discussion vs Debate: Comparison Chart Summary of Group Discussion Verses Debate Both group discussion and debate involve exchange of information between individuals regarding a certain topic.

A group discussion is a friendly exchange of ideas between people. The common types of group discussions according to conduct of method are: structured, unstructured, role play, and with a nominated leader.

Group discussions aim to share ideas while debates aim to persuade. As compared to group discussions, debates are more formal, complicated, and argumentative. Unlike group discussions, debates need to have two opposing sides. Debaters need to properly take turns while group discussants need not to. Group discussions do not usually end with a specific conclusion while debates do.