In order to master the art of group discussions, you have to first understand, what it is that the panel is looking to get out of this exercise. Once you know what they are looking for you can tailor your behaviour accordingly. The objective of a group discussion is to assess the qualities of leadership, communication skills, creativity, assertiveness, initiative and most of all teamwork.
A few things that you need to work on in order to make your presence felt in a group discussion are detailed below:
a) Awareness: Even before you step into a GD you have to prepare yourself by brushing up on the current affairs in the country and around the world. You cannot anticipate the debate topic that is going to be thrown at you, so you have to have a fair knowledge about everything that is currently happening.
b) Time: Yes, the panel is judging you on initiative and you have an advantage if you start off the group discussion, but make sure you do not come across as someone who does not know what they are talking about simply because you want to start, take time, put your thoughts together and then chip in.
c) Lead the team: The panel is looking for leadership qualities, so most people in the group discussion will try and lead the team. You have to maintain balance, by being assertive and steering the discussion in a meaningful direction.
d) Agitation: Do not raise your voice, there will be a lot of noise around you as people will want to be heard, however, make sure you do not add to the commotion, but work towards making your team mates discuss the matter in a civilized manner.
e) Body Language: Do not get carried away with the topic of discussion and forget your etiquette. Maintain good posture and do not slouch or raise your finger towards another person. Also focus on the people around you and do not look at the panel.
f) Conclusion: Remember that you have a set time limit to arrive at a conclusion and hence you should make an effort to make a list of points as to the conclusions of your debate at least a minute before you are supposed to end the debate. Structure your thoughts and make sure your conclusion includes every ones viewpoint.
A few things that you need to work on in order to make your presence felt in a group discussion are detailed below:
a) Awareness: Even before you step into a GD you have to prepare yourself by brushing up on the current affairs in the country and around the world. You cannot anticipate the debate topic that is going to be thrown at you, so you have to have a fair knowledge about everything that is currently happening.
b) Time: Yes, the panel is judging you on initiative and you have an advantage if you start off the group discussion, but make sure you do not come across as someone who does not know what they are talking about simply because you want to start, take time, put your thoughts together and then chip in.
c) Lead the team: The panel is looking for leadership qualities, so most people in the group discussion will try and lead the team. You have to maintain balance, by being assertive and steering the discussion in a meaningful direction.
d) Agitation: Do not raise your voice, there will be a lot of noise around you as people will want to be heard, however, make sure you do not add to the commotion, but work towards making your team mates discuss the matter in a civilized manner.
e) Body Language: Do not get carried away with the topic of discussion and forget your etiquette. Maintain good posture and do not slouch or raise your finger towards another person. Also focus on the people around you and do not look at the panel.
f) Conclusion: Remember that you have a set time limit to arrive at a conclusion and hence you should make an effort to make a list of points as to the conclusions of your debate at least a minute before you are supposed to end the debate. Structure your thoughts and make sure your conclusion includes every ones viewpoint.
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