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