General Tips for Group Discussion

Group Discussions
Many companies conduct group discussion after the written test so as to check on your interactive skills and how good you are at communicating with other people. The GD is to check how you behave, participate and contribute in a group, how much importance do you give to the group objective as well as your own, how well do you listen to viewpoints of others and how open-minded are you in accepting views contrary to your own. The aspects which make up a GD are verbal communication, non-verbal behavior, conformation to norms, decision-making ability and cooperation. You should try to be as true as possible to these aspects.

General Tips for Group Discussion
Ø A good level of general awareness will come in handy so that you aren't at a loss of words on certain issues.
Ø Understand the topic and analyze it mentally before speaking.
Ø Be clear about the purpose and content of your viewpoint.
Ø One should be able to communicate his views in an effective manner to everyone.
Ø Be clear in speech, audible but not too loud and above all remain confident.
Ø If possible try to start first, if not no problem but try to speak not keep mum.
Ø Be fixed to your attitude, it is if the opposite person argues strongly don't leave your topic go towards others.
Ø It's a discussion don't make it as DEBATE ,be cool. Don't jump on others. They test your patience too when you are at heavy argument. Patience doesn't mean silence but talk smoothly, try to convince your offenders. (Best way is say “yes” and say your way is best one)
Ø Always have a smiling face that will carry you towards the success(IN HR ALSO).
Ø Finally don't forget to conclude the discussion highlighting your strong points.
Ø Do a small work to know the names of GD members(when division of GD groups ….make friends of ur group members) and call them by NAMES in discussion rather than calling friend and so ….(IT HELPS U ….A LOT)
Ø Don’t see the observer seating besides you.
Ø Write the points which are discussed in the G.D tell all of them when Observer asks to give conclusion
Ø At the starting you should wish all the members and introduce urself and explain ur points
Ø Your eye contact never be diverted from your team members and especially speaking person.
Ø Don't point out anyone with finger.
Ø Use these phrases as many as u can………depend on the discussion ** “Friends ….Let’s us give equal opportunity to all” ** “I will say one point”
Ø You can also take an advantage of shy person to share his views…… saying ** “Friend! You can also share ur views” its adds points to both of them (if he/she speaks)
Ø If any person telling his views without listening others or without giving chance to others than use can stop him simple saying ** “please give chance to other people also”

Remember the six C's of effective communication –
“Clarity, Completeness, Conciseness, Confidence, Correctness, Courtesy. “
ü You should maintain eye contact with all others in the group and not focus on a particular person for he may benefit from that.
ü Be responsive to ideas from other people and seem to be very receptive and open-minded but don't allow others to change your own viewpoint.
ü Starting the discussion is considered to be good however it isn't that important; what is important is that you speak for a period long enough for you to be able to communicate your viewpoint.
ü Always maintain your calm and never get aggressive. If you haven't been able to talk then one can cut in saying "Excuse me, but what I think is .........." or something of that sort.
ü Never lose your temper and never attack anyone on a personal front.
ü Your attitude should be one of cooperation and not one of conflict.
ü Don't lose sight of the goal of the discussion.
ü Listen to any criticisms and give them a thought before trying to defend your views.
Group Discussion : Dos & Don’ts
Ø Be as natural as possible. Do not try and be someone you are not. Be yourself.
Ø A group discussion is your chance to be more vocal. The evaluator wants to hear you speak.
Ø Take time to organize your thoughts. Think of what you are going to say.
Ø Seek clarification if you have any doubts regarding the subject.
Ø Don't start speaking until you have clearly understood and analyzed the subject.
Ø Work out various strategies to help you make an entry: initiate the discussion or agree with someone else's point and then move onto express your views.
Ø Opening the discussion is not the only way of gaining attention and recognition. If you do not give valuable insights during the discussion, all your efforts of initiating the discussion will be in vain.
Ø Your body language says a lot about you - your gestures and mannerisms are more likely to reflect your attitude than what you say.
Ø Language skills are important only to the effect as to how you get your points across clearly and fluently.
Ø Be assertive not dominating; try to maintain a balanced tone in your discussion and analysis.
Ø Don't lose your cool if anyone says anything you object to. The key is to stay objective: Don't take the discussion personally.
Ø Always be polite: Try to avoid using extreme phrases like: `I strongly object' or `I disagree'. Instead try phrases like: `I would like to share my views on…' or `One difference between your point and mine…' or "I beg to differ with you"
Ø Brush up on your leadership skills; motivate the other members of the team to speak (this surely does not mean that the only thing that you do in the GD is to say "let us hear what the young lady with the blue scarf has to say," or "Raghu, let us hear your views"
Ø Essentially be subtle), and listen to their views. Be receptive to others' opinions and do not be abrasive or aggressive.
Ø If you have a group of like-minded friends, you can have a mock group discussion where you can learn from each other through giving and receiving feedback.
Apart from the above points, the panel will also judge team members for their alertness and presence of mind, problem-solving abilities, ability to work as a team without alienating certain members, and creativity