Group Discussion

                                                                     Group Discussion

 

In simple language, a group discussion judges the temperament of a person and is commonly known as GD. The behavioral traits such as team skills, leadership skills, problem-solving skills, presentation skills, and social skills are gauged in a person. 

The words Discussion and group have contrast in meanings. The discussion refers to the exchange of information on a particular topic to an abstract conclusion. Whereas group means several people classed together who may or may not have reciprocal action before. Therefore, group discussion came under animated discussion in which a specific topic is analyzed and a fair decision is made at the end of the discussion by the members. Though it needs teamwork, it simultaneously portrays discrete personalities. 

 

Who can conduct a group discussion?

B-schools, companies, engineering institutes, and other management conducts a group discussion. GD has become an important formality for the admission process and companies if they want to make GD as a part of their interview process. 

 

Reason for GD conduction

Entrance exams are conducted in order to test their academics as well as their knowledge about the subjects. But in the case of GD, the candidate's soft skills and abilities to handle different situations are tested. 

A group discussion helps companies and institutes to check if the candidate bears the required characteristics or not. Because the management is concerned about what are some particular traits they want in their respective candidates. 

However, group discussion can also be used as a mass-elimination tool. For the sake of selecting the best amongst many, GD can be useful for the institutions when they have a lot of applicants for limited seats. 

 

Common process 

Generally, a group has six to twelve members. A specific topic is given and some minutes to prepare. After this, they are invited to proceed with the discussion and the duration of the discussion is based on the topic and each member's views. It differs from every institution or the management. A supervisor is assigned for one or sometimes more than one candidate to watch their moves. 

 

Preparing for a group discussion

There are no such special rules to prepare for a GD. Nevertheless, below are some basic points that an individual to consider while preparing for a group discussion which are categorized into two parts i.e. before the GD and at the GD. 

 

1. Post group discussion

 

Stock yourself with information: Nobody has any clue before they have given the particular topic. So you need to spread branches of the knowledge that you already have more in each field.

 

Current affairs: Current affairs refers to something happening in the world at present. Reading newspapers on regular basis, watching the news on television, the understanding recent crisis will better help you to gain knowledge about what currently the world is witnessing. 

 

Historical topics: An individual should have a clear understanding of regarding country's history along with the history of other countries. It will surely help you to cite examples and to make references in case required. 

                          

Literature, sports, and arts: It would be good having a fair knowledge about personalities leading in the field of sports, literature, arts, and other basic aspects. You can easily put your opinions while attending a group discussion based on these topics. 

 

Data crunching: Make yourself familiar with important data. If you have complete control over the topic, representing your perspectives will certainly leave a fantastic impression amongst the assessors. 

 

2- At the group discussion

 

Understanding the topic: When you get your topic, pay attention to it, and try to understand how much knowledge do you have about the given topic. Having clarity regarding the topic will ensure you perform well in the group discussion. 

 

Sharp thoughts: Remember, there is quality over quantity at all times which means it is important what are you sharing rather than how much you are sharing. As you are exchanging opinions, be confidential to your views that have to be relevant, accurate, and to the point.

 

Communicating your views: Here one question arises that you may have outstanding views on the given topic, but can you fruitfully express them? Well having good communication skills will help you in getting out of this kind of situation. And if you are not good at communicating try to spot your flaws. Try to practice in the mirror, choose any topic and start communicating with yourself, or your family members. Doing this will help you to come out of your social anxiety problem. 

 

Taking initiative: Only if possible, try to start the discussion with your own. Taking initiative will take the discussion in progress and gradually every member will start participating. If you have excellent knowledge about the topic, your initiative will build your personality as a good proactive person. 

 

Knowledge about the topic: You should be confident enough about your knowledge related to the given topic. While discussing, systematically put your points and also sequentially. Your views should convey the depth of information that you take-over based on your understanding of the topic. To a great extent, citing related examples will help. 

 

Understanding dynamics

 

In a group discussion, endeavor to gain control over the discussion. Doing this will not be easy as the rest of the members will also try to do the same. Raise your voice wherever you feel you are best at. Along with this, apart from being a good- speaker, be a good- listener. Give each member a chance to take participate in the group discussion. And if someone is not contributing, ask the individual to speak up. Listen to others also patiently, correct them if they go somewhere wrong. But in order to lead the discussion, do not act egocentrically. This can leave a bad impression on the assessors. If the discussion stopped or no-one put their opinions, attempt to fuel the ongoing discussion. Showcase yourself as an outstanding team player. 

 

Logical conclusion

 

Try to conclude the discussion when it is about to come to an end through raising points that every member has made & coming to a fair conclusion. 

 

Generic tips

 

1. Be sure and confident of what you are communicating

2. Try to avoid superficial talk

3. Speak clearly & loudly

4. Use easy to understand English

5. Be a good listener & speak only at a suitable time

6. Avoid being over-confident

7. Dress up in a professional manner 

8. Do not be dissuaded by other members submissive or aggressive behavior

9. Lodge diverse viewpoints

10. Without being egocentric, put your forth points

11. Do not get diverted by other irrelevant points, instead, try to correct them

12. Do not speak if you do not know something

13. Try maintaining a balanced tone all around the discussion

14. Do not get over-excited if you know something

15. Try contributing all over the discussion

16. Try being the first as well as last to speak

17. Concentrate solely on the discussion

18. Stick to the point that you have made

19. If someone is quiet, ask the person to speak up

20. Improve your vocabulary

21. Avoid using heavy words

22. Gain knowledge as much as you can 

 

Good luck and best wishes