Group Discussion-10 things to succeed in Group Discussion

Read voraciously

Make a habit of reading voraciously on every subject. This will keep you ready for any topic for a discussion in GD Your knowledge is your most important weapon in a discussion.

Initiate the discussion

Most of us have a misconception that initiating the discussion would give you an advantage over others. It does give you an advantage but only if you know the subject well and have something relevant to start the discussion otherwise it is a disadvantage.

For e.g. When a group was given a subject “Is Capital punishment right?” some members of the group heard the word punishment and jumped at starting the discussion with out understanding the meaning of Capital Punishment. The evaluators kept hearing for 2 minutes after which they intervened and asked the group if they knew the meaning of Capital Punishment. Not to say, the members who initiated were quite looking at each other’s faces. That is when a quite member of the group got up and explained the meaning of the topic. From this incidence, you can easily tell who must have succeeded in the GD, the ones who initiated the discussion or the one who explained the topic and gave it a right direction.

They say, “Speaking just for the sake of speaking is noise”. So, don’t create noise in the GD rather make some useful and resourceful contributions to get noticed in the discussion.

Speak politely and pleasantly

As you speak make sure that you do not speak at the top of your voice. You should be audible and clear. Remember that you are participating in a discussion which is different from a speech given out by the leaders in their rallies. Even if you disagree with the other’s point of view, disagree politely. Use phrases like, I would like to disagree a bit here, I am sorry but I think I have a slightly different point of view here.

Be précised

Abstain from using irrelevant information and data from your talks during a GD Speak precisely so that others also get a chance to put across their point of view.

Acquire and apply knowledge

Stay attentive to the ideas put forward by other group members and keep writing the important points discussed during the GD As you get a chance to speak, put forward your views about the topic. You can also agree or disagree with other’s ideas, based on your knowledge about the subject.

Agree with the right

Don’t take a stand on either extreme when the discussion begins. It might happen that you get convinced by other’s argument and want to change your stand. Respect other’s opinion as well and agree with what is right, even if you initially had a different opinion.

Speak confidently

Maintain your confidence as you speak. Establish eye contact with other members of the group and do not let your voice tremble.

Moderate

Try to moderate the discussion if any arguments arise. This is necessary to ensure that the group doesn’t wander from the goal of the GD

Use positive body language

Your body language should not demonstrate dominance or low self confidence. Show your interest in the discussion through your gestures like bending forward a bit, nodding your head.

Be a team player

Last but not the least, be a team player as this is a group activity. Be comfortable with the group members and vice versa.

What will be the duration of the Group Discussion?

A GD normally lasts for 15-20 minutes.

How many members will be there in the Group Discussion?

A GD normally has 8-15 members.

Can we seek evaluator’s help during the Group Discussion?

No. It is for the group members to conduct the GD. The evaluators are spectators who are there to rate you. You should not speak to the evaluators or look at them during the GD.

Can I carry a paper and a pen along with me?

Most of the times, you should be allowed to carry a paper and a pen with you. Check it with the organizers before entering into the GD room.

Will we be given time to prepare on the subject before speaking?

Usually the group members are given 2-5 minutes to put their thoughts together on the announced subject, before speaking.

Will initiating the discussion help?

Initiating the discussion would help if you know the subject well. Speaking just for the sake of speaking would not help. If you don’t know the subject well, it is better to listen to others. When you have gathered enough information about the subject, make an entry into the GD with your thoughts.

Would interrupting others to put my point across help?

Let the other person finish what they want to say before you put your point across. Over aggressiveness can cost you negative.

How many times should I speak during the Group Discussion?

Quality matters more in a GD than quantity. Speak to the point and give others a chance to speak. A short entry of 25-30 seconds 3-4 times during the discussion is enough.

Should I address other group member by name or number?

It will be difficult for you to remember the names of all the members correctly in a short time. Rather than concentrating on remembering names, it will be good if you concentrate on the ideas you want to put across. You can refer your group members by ‘You’, ‘He’, ‘Him’.

How is aggression rated in the Group Discussion?

Aggression to the extent that the group turns hostile is bad. Its always good to stay assertive and polite.

Are we expected to keep a track of time or the evaluators will do that?

Being aware of time won’t hurt but don’t let it distract your participation in the GD.

Are we expected to argue during the Group Discussion?

GD is a discussion and not a debate where you are expected to prove your point right. Avoid arguing in the GD.

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