10 Tips for Group Discussions

Well if the no. of candidates is high, many corporate and B Schools organize group discussions or GDs as they’re popularly known in the youth community. The purpose of GD is to sieve out interested candidates from those who’re not interested. There’re two modes, either a single topic is given to speak on else two or more are given and the candidates decide among themselves on which topic they’ll speak. To make a good impression in a GD you must: Tips for Interviews  Tips for GD: Listen to topic carefully, when it is being spoken, it is a good habit to write down the topic on a piece of paper. Thereafter try to create a rough structure by scribbling draft on the aforesaid paper. On most occasions you’ll be given some time to think before you’re instructed to start discussing. It is always a plus point if you can start the proceedings, i.e. become the ice breaker and give a hue to the discussion fore with.  On most occasions person who speaks first sets the tone of the interview, unless and until it is blatantly wrong. Therefore, idea is to set the tone of the entire discussion. Even if you’re not among the one who takes the initiative, make it a point to speak either second or third. Though a fact has to keep in mind, whenever you speak, kindly refrain from speaking impromptu or just for the sake of saying. Make points in the discussion around various aspects of the topics, taking a stand. Try to create an opinion in your group. Make your presence felt among your peers. See if they’re taking your points in a just manner and supporting your arguments. Avoid too much aggression and keep the pitch and loudness of your voice in check for female and male candidates respectively. I personally feel, you must avoid playing the role of a moderator in a group, many people think it is beneficial, and sometimes they’re even rewarded, but again my personal belief is negative. Please avoid interrupting when your peer is making an argument. Also, avoid nullifying anyone’s argument unless and until you’ve strong proofs to verify your claim. If that is not the case, ignore. If possible and you think that your peers are congenial enough, you must try to sum up the entire discussion and conclude the discussion with a consensual answer. These points if followed will definitely help you to sail through the Group Discussion process. However, you need to do some serious homework before you’ve to appear for a group discussion. Make sure you’re well versed in various current affairs. Also, you may write a page or two on various GD topics which are easily available online. It’ll help you to structure your argument and make an everlasting impression on the assessor. GD topics are different and they depend on kind of interview process, i.e. for job it will more generic, whereas for B-School it’ll be more focused. All the Best!   Source: Youth4Work.com