Tips and tricks for Group Discussion (GD) rounds!

Interview Preparation
, , , ,
#1

Group Discussion
Having knowledge on Group Discussion rounds are indeed very vital for students who are seating placement drives to secure their dream jobs. Group Discussion rounds have certainly become a primary tool for shortlisting of the candidates. Group Discussions rounds helps the recruiters to identify the knowledge of the student and what is his/her body language towards answering about a topic. Generally group discussions are conducted to test the candidates confidence, knowledge, evaluate a candidate confidence in a peer group.
Some of the tips and tricks for group discussion are:

  • If you are aware about the topic its good that you take the imitative and start the group discussion this will give you extra points.

  • After sharing your points be calm and listen carefully what your peers are saying after their turn you can counter their statements by saying I agree or disagree with your points.

  • Hence, pay close attention to others what they are saying and counter or aggree with them according to your perspective.

  • Give ample opportunity for everyone to speak and share their opinions. Do not be over aggressive, stay calm and active.

  • At last minute if you are confident with the overall discussion you shall conclude the group discussion with a overall approval from your peers, this will also give extra credits.

#2

Group discussion is a significant part of B-school admissions. The main objective of the process is to examine how applicants work together and solve real-world problem scenarios. With a case-based pedagogy, group discussions are a significant part of the classroom programs; an applicant who can bring out their own views upfront and also take others points of view is always a value add.

1)Increase the horizon of your knowledge, read as much as you can as you never know which example or fact can bolster your point.
2)Always back your entries with relevant arguments and facts; gasing around does backfire.
3)A maximum of 3 entries is sufficient for a GD of 20-25mins. Anything more and you might form an impression of a bossy person to the panelist
4)Be loud and assertive for your points but maintain a calm and polite demeanor.
6)The points should be crisp. Try to put your points concisely, not extending the stated facts by more than 3-4 lines. Too lengthy, and you lose the interest of your fellow participants.
5)Try to give a structure to the GD in case you are entering the GD as a first speaker. After introducing the topic, take a consensus from your fellow participants or bring your format to the discussion table.
6) If the topic is vague, you get a level playing field, bring a new turn to the topic, or highlight a new perspective. Anything new to the discussion does provide leverage.
7)If it is a case-based GD, stick to the case facts and try to bring out logical deductions. Anything vague or not relating to the case can backfire.
8)Maintain decorum during the process. No one likes unruly behavior during discussion.

#8

Being able to win people on your side of the argument, policy, decision and keeping your viewpoint strongly amidst a group of people assembled at a place for a common goal, are important traits of a leader of the pack. Another trait of a leader is being able to accommodate and respect diverse views, finding a space for them in the discussion even if they contradict his or her own points.
Apart from the general communication skills and awareness about the current affairs, the panelists of a Group Discussion round also assess how good of an influencer are you, being able to keep the attention of your colleagues, who will also be your competitors at some point or other, focused on the core issue.
Following points can be useful for someone going in for a Group Discussion:

  1. Never hesitate to take a start if you have figured out the topic of the discussion and can make some solid points to take a stand. There is always a bonus point for a person who can get the ball rolling with a logical argument.
  2. Try to build consensus after every member has made their share of comments on the topic. This does not mean that you rush in to conclude and summarize the topic. Let the conversation go on and keep a timer on the proceedings, with last two minutes solely devoted to reach a summary and if possible, a consensus.
  3. Remain calm and composed throughout the process, while being active and maintaining a high energy level, engaging with other participants through eye contact and appreciating any fine point made by them.
  4. In case not aware of any topic, wait for others to begin, make a mind note about the points they have made, and try to speak something if you could figure out, or wait for the stage when you can summarize their points fluently. Whatever may be the case, express confidence from your tone and body language.
#9
  1. Read newspapers frequently so you don`t fall brief on contemporary affairs understanding
  2. Enter the dialogue on the proper factor like while others are taking a small pause. Be loud and assertive however well-mannered to your points.
  3. It isn’t always essential to reach at a consensus in the course of a GD. Candidates have special reviews and consensus can`t be arrived at times. But it’s far essential to finish the GD.
  4. Do now no longer attempt to show others incorrect in a GD. Just don’t forget it isn’t always a debate however a set dialogue.
  5. While taking part in a GD, cognizance at the following:
    • Content
    • Team method
    • Leadership skills
    • Communication skills
    • Analytical & logical reasoning
  6. Ensure participation through displaying adulthood and setting up applicable points. Build your arguments with facts and figure. Keep a logical method at some point of the GD. It will become clean to construct on other’s arguments and finish.