Preparing for a Group Discussion

Preparing for a Group Discussion

• While GD reflects the inherent qualities of an individual, appearing for it unprepared may not augur well for you. These tips would help you prepare for GDs:
  
• Reading: This is the first and the most crucial step in preparation. This is a never ending process and the more you read, the better you are in your thoughts. While you may read anything to everything, you must ensure that you are in good touch with current affairs, the debates and hot topics of discussion and also with the latest in the IT and ITES industry. Chances are the topics would be around these. Read both for the thoughts as well as for data. Also read multiple view points on the same topic and then create your point of view with rationale. Also create answers for counter arguments for your point of view. The electronic media also will be of good use here.
  
• Mocks: Create an informal GD group and meet regularly to discuss and exchange feedback. This is the best way to prepare. This would give you a good idea about your thoughts and how well can you convince. Remember, it is important that you are able to express your thoughts well. The better you perform in these mocks the better would be you chances to perform on the final day. Also try to interact and participate in other GD groups. This will develop in you a skill to discuss with unknown people as well.
  

Additional marks may be given for starting or concluding the discussion.

• Knowledge is strength. A candidate with good reading habits has more chances of success. In other words, sound knowledge on different topics like politics, finance, economy, science and technology is helpful.
• Power to convince effectively is another quality that makes you stand out among others.
• Clarity in speech and expression is yet another essential quality.
• If you are not sure about the topic of discussion, it is better not to initiate. Lack of knowledge or wrong approach creates a bad impression. Instead, you might adopt the wait and watch attitude. Listen attentively to others, may be you would be able to come up with a point or two later.
• A GD is a formal occasion where slang is to avoided.
• A GD is not a debating stage. Participants should confine themselves to expressing their viewpoints. In the second part of the discussion candidates can exercise their choice in agreeing, disagreeing or remaining neutral.
• Language use should be simple, direct and straight forward.
• Don't interrupt a speaker when the session is on. Try to score by increasing your size, not by cutting others short.
• Maintain rapport with fellow participants. Eye contact plays a major role. Non-verbal gestures, such as listening intently or nodding while appreciating someone's viewpoint speak of you positively.
• Communicate with each and every candidate present. While speaking don't keep looking at a single member. Address the entire group in such a way that everyone feels you are speaking to him or her.
• Avoid stating only your viewpoint.
• Avoid dwelling only on one aspect of the GD.
• Keep it brief and concise. It must include all the important points that came out during the GD.
• If you are asked to summarise a GD, it means the GD has come to an end. Do not add anything once the GD has been summarised.
• Always be the initiator and concluder of the Group Discussion then being a participant.
• But if you are participant always try to be the most vianl/key participant.
• put points firmly and always try to get others support too.
• If you find that the discussion is going off-track then never loose an opportunity to bring it back to stream this is the best point to score max.
• Try to keep latest information on the topic.
• Be very polite, people may try to provoke you to to get more points but try to keep cool.
• Most important don't wait for your turn to speak when discussion is on. inturrupt politely if you want to put forward your points.
• Last but not the least keeps atab on the time given for discussion.
• score points by wrapping up the discussion if you feel that the discussion is heating but the time is going to be over.
• During conclusion, do end with the conclusion note. that shows your leadership quality.
  

Roles in a Group Discussion

You may want to play one or more of them

Initiator Information seeker Information giver Procedure facilitator Opinion seeker Opinion giver Clarifier Social Supporter Harmonizer Tension Reliever Energizer Compromiser Gatekeeper Summarizer

Negative Roles to be Avoided

• Disgruntled non-participant
• Attacker
• Dominator
• Patronize