Tips for acing group discussions

Business & Management
1

There is no mantra that can ensure that one performs exceptionally well at any group discussion. However, there are certain things that can be kept in mind and implemented that can ensure you leave a lasting impression in the minds of the judges of the GD.

  • Take control of the discussion: by taking control, it does not mean that you do not let others speak. It means that you are efficient in keeping your ideas and opinions on the table and whenever anyone else also offers their ideas, you accept them and mould them accordingly so the group moves collectively towards a conclusion…
  • Be attentive: having good observation skills is something that sets a candidate apart from the others. Since most members in GD focus on their arguments, they forget to pay attention to what others are saying. However, if you listen to what the members of your group are saying, and react to it- you will create the impression of an attentive listener, as well as an observational person.
  • Read up: GDs generally involve topics that are brought up in the news very often and thus it helps the judges evaluate the candidates knowledge about his surroundings. So read up current affairs topics before any GD so you know about the topic being discussed.
2

GD preparation tips :-

  1. Understanding the topic :- When the topic is delivered, pay close attention to it. If something is unclear or you have a question about a topic, ask right away. To perform well in the GD, you must have a clear understanding of the topic.
  2. Precise and sharp thoughts :- Try to keep your thoughts exact and concise as you collect them. Remember that what you communicate is more important than how much you communicate when it comes to communication. In a group discussion, quality always takes precedence over quantity. Allow your opinions to be pertinent and to-the-point. To a large extent, strive to think beyond the box so that your point of view stands out.
  3. Communicating your views :- If you have good communication skills, that’s great; if not, you’ll need to focus on improving them. You can choose a topic, stand in front of the mirror, and start talking about it to improve your communication skills. Predict a few questions from a hypothetical audience and try to answer them as you speak. Analyze what you’re doing, look for holes in your communication, and then work on them. During the GD, this will help you come across as a confident person. On the day of the Group Discussion, your goal should be to organize your thoughts and effectively communicate them to the rest of the team and the assessors.
  4. Taking the initiative :- If at all feasible, try to start the Group Discussion. By taking the lead, you will give the discussion structure and define how it will proceed. This will demonstrate your ability to facilitate actions by breaking the ice. A word of caution: only strive to be the leader if you have a good understanding of the issue and know exactly what you’re talking about. If you take the initiative to take the lead and fail to follow through, it will utterly backfire on you.