22 May 10 How to Master the Art of Group Discussion

Written by: bikram

As the name says itself GD is Group discussion, and certainly not a debate or wrestling match. Most of the participants come forth with greed of scoring high and thus end up in aggressive verbal fights; which actually puts off the examiner. As a result participants seem to be petrified, confused, aggressive and disheartened. GD is supposed to be a systematic way of participation in the given topic of discussion. It’s rather an opportunity to build your constructive thoughts, organize thoughts with logic and deliver with sheer conviction. Command on the subject conveyed with conviction and confidence makes you an easy winner. If it still confuses you read the following tips.

A group discussion typically works in three phases –

• Introduction
• Body of the GD
• Conclusion

Introduction and conclusion of the GD are the most important phases, as these phases help impressing the examiner.

Introduction stage of GD is your opportunity to write your destiny. This is your first chance to impress the examiner. While you initiate the discussion you not only grab the opportunity to speak first, but you equally draw attention of the examiner and other candidates. First impression lasts for long. If you can kick-off with a good start (on basis of content, logic and your communication skill), the ball is already in your court. Don’t get numb or stuck soon after the introduction, it shows you started with a bang just for the sake of drawing attention. Maintain your participation throughout and make sure you are heard. On the other hand don’t jump into the well and start before others; if you are not confident about the topic. A hollow start brings negative marks. You are supposed to put things in the right perspective of framework. Some handy points which can help you to try a good start are –

• Definition of the topic in hand
• Related quotes
• Questions
• Shock statement
• Facts and figures (along with credible source)
• Short story
• General statement

Conclusion stage of GD is equally important. Every GD is summarized. Summarize what the group has discussed during GD, in a nutshell. It could be a conclusion either in favour or against the given topic. While concluding don’t raise new points again, avoid putting personal opinion or perceptions, avoid rigidity towards one aspect, keep your views short and crisp, don’t add anything new apart from the already discussed points.

Examiner not only pays attention towards your spoken words; but also sees through your personality traits and non-verbal communication aspects like –

• Ability to work in team
• Reasoning ability
• Communication skill
• Leadership skill
• Persuasion skill
• Assertiveness yet humbleness
• Pro-active attitude
• Flexibility
• Creativity
• Independent thinking process
• Time management
• Body language
• Patience and tolerance

When these things are taken care of, a big win is not far from you.

Tags: Communication Skill, Conclusion Stage, Confidence, Constructive Thoughts, Conviction, Credible Source, Destiny, Easy Winner, First Chance, First Impression, Greed, Group Discussion, Logic, Participants, Participation, Perspective, Sake, Shock, Systematic Way, Verbal Fights