- Don’t be impulsive. As we say, the impulse is the devil. If you want to start your point, don’t just impulsively interject.
- Don’t start to talk without a solid line to speak. You should bring value to the conversation.
- Don’t repeat the points unless it is highly required. This sometimes shows that you don’t have content to talk to.
- Don’t dominate the GD. You should note that it is a discussion, not a unilateral ppt.
- Don’t make any conversation personal. You should take sides and show the agility to change your opinion according to facts.
- Don’t object without a solid reason to back up your objection.
- Don’t deviate from the main topic. Always keep the main subject in mind when you talk
- Don’t interrupt others. This may seem rude.
- Don’t ask questions in the conversation without a base or giving a preface to it.
- Avoid unnecessary arguments and don’t make discussion into a debate.
In a typical Group Discussion round, a panelist judges a candidate on the basis of some pointers like knowledge about the topic, general awareness, comprehension skills and vocabulary that enable one to understand the meaning of abstract topics, but probably the most important aspect would be the communication skills and the ability to convince others about their side of the story.
It is one of the most competitive rounds for eliminating the applicants and making the few selected ones proceed for further selection process, most often the interview rounds.
With awareness about the general current events and good command on your language of communication, following tips will help you score in a GD round:
- Keep your sitting posture professional and serious about the process. Laid back attitude don’t go well with the panelists generally, whether it be online or offline mode. Maintain eye contact while listening to the speaker and keep looking at every other member while speaking so you make your points to everyone.
- Keep your body language positive. The non-verbal side of your communication is highly effective part, so make it your strength rather than a weakness. Look energetic but avoid overdoing it.
- Avoid panicking and be confident throughout the process. If you feel someone else took some points you had in mind, express openly in agreement rather than sitting silently.
- Keep your words simple rather than using idioms and synonyms. Everyone might not be as good as you in those things, and some good points might get lost there.
- Try to quote facts and figures to support your side of the story if possible. This makes an impression that you understand the topic and are not just debating for the sake of participation.
- Be respectful towards other members and panelists, even while disagreeing with their point of views.