HOW TO FACE GD (GROUP DISCUSSIONS)
A group discussion consists of:
- Communication Skills
- Knowledge and ideas regarding a given subject
- Capability to co-ordinate and lead
- Exchange of thoughts
- Addressing the group as a whole
- Thorough preparations
Communication Skills
The
first aspect is one’s power of expression. In a group discussion, a
candidate has to talk effectively so that he is able to convince others.
For convincing, one has to speak forcefully and at the same time create
an impact by his knowledge of the subject. A candidate who is
successful in holding the attention of the audience creates a positive
impact.
It
is necessary that you should be precise and clear. As a rule evaluators
do not look for the wordage produced. Your knowledge on a given
subject, your precision and clarity of thought are the things that are
evaluated. Irrelevant talks lead you nowhere. You should speak as much
as necessary, neither more nor less. Group discussions are not debating
stages.
Ability
to listen is also what evaluators judge. They look for your ability to
react on what other participants say. Hence, it is necessary that you
listen carefully to others and then react or proceed to add some more
points. Your behavior in the group is also put to test to judge
whether you are a loner or can work in a group.
You
should be able to convey your thoughts satisfactorily and convincingly
before a group of people. Confidence and level headedness in doing so is
necessary. These add value to your presentation. In case you are not
good at it, you might gain by joining an institute that offers
specialized courses in public speaking. For instance, British Council
Division’s English Language Teaching Centre offers a wide range of
courses like conversation skills, business communication skills,
business writing, negotiation skills and presentation skills. Mostly
people attend these courses to improve their communication skills.
Students here are involved in activities which use communication skills
and teachers provide inputs, monitor and facilitate the classes. The
course at the Centre makes you confident enough to speak before people
without any nervousness.
Knowledge and Ideas Regarding a Given Subject
Knowledge
of the subject under discussion and clarity of ideas are important.
Knowledge comes from consistent reading on various topics ranging from
science and technology to politics. In-depth knowledge makes one
confident and enthusiastic and this in turn, makes one sound convincing
and confident.
Leadership and Coordinating Capabilities
The
basic aim of a group discussion is to judge a candidate’s leadership
qualities. The examiner withdraws and becomes a silent spectator once
the discussion starts. A candidate should display tactfulness, skill,
understanding and knowledge on varied topics, enterprise, forcefulness
and other leadership qualities to motivate and influence other
candidates who may be almost equally competent.
Exchange of Thoughts
A
group discussion is an exchange of thoughts and ideas among members of a
group. These discussions are held for selecting personnel in
organizations where there is a high level of competition. The number of
participants in a group can vary between 8 and 15. Mostly a topic or a
situation is given to group members who have to discuss it within 10 to
20 minutes.
The
purpose is to get an idea about candidates in a short time and make
assessments about their skills, which normally cannot be evaluated in an
interview. These skills may be team membership, leadership skills,
listening and articulation skills.
A
note is made of your contributions to the discussion, comprehension of
the main idea, the rapport you strike, patience, assertion,
accommodation, amenability, etc. Body language and eye contact too are
important points which are to be considered. .
Addressing the Group as a Whole
In
a group discussion it is not necessary to address anyone by name. Even
otherwise you may not know everyone’s names. It better to address the
group as a whole.
Address
the person farthest from you. If he can hear you everyone else too can.
Needless to add, as for the interview, attend the group discussion in
formal dress. The language used should also be formal, not the language
used in normal conversations. For instance, words and phrases like
“yar”, “chalta hai”, “CP”, “I dunno”, etc. are out. This is not to say
you should use a high sounding, pedantic language. Avoiding both, just
use formal, plain and simple language. Hinglish, (mixture of Hindi and
English) should be discarded.
Confidence
and coolness while presenting your viewpoint are of help. See that you
do not keep repeating a point. Do not use more words than necessary. Do
not be superfluous. Try to be specific. Do not exaggerate.
Thorough Preparation
Start
making preparations for interview and group discussions right away,
without waiting till the eleventh hour, this is, if and when called for
them. Then the time left may not be adequate. It is important to
concentrate on subject knowledge and general awareness. Hence, the prime
need for thorough preparation. Remember, the competition is very tough.
Only 460 candidates make it to the final list from 2.75 lakh civil
service aspirants each year.
It
may so happen that you are called for interviews and group discussions
from three or four organizations but are not selected by any. The
reason obviously lies in your not being well-prepared.
In
a group discussion you may be given a topic and asked to express your
views on it. Or in a case study GD, students have to read a case study
and suggest ways of tackling the problem. For this you should have a
good general knowledge, need to be abreast with current affairs, should
regularly read newspapers and magazines. Your group behaviour and
communication skills are on test, i.e. how you convince the others and
how clearly you are able to express your points of view. You should be
articulate, generate ideas, not sound boring, should allow others to
speak, and adopt a stand on a given subject. During the course of the GD
this stand can even be changed, giving the impression that you are open
to accommodate others’ viewpoints.
Additional marks may be given for starting or concluding the discussion.
Points to Remember
- 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.
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