By the Correspondent
GET READY FOR
GROUP DISCUSSIONS…
A group discussion is a very powerful screening device to select candidates for a prospective assignment or job. Candidates of the same age level, similar education qualifications, and experience and environment background are grouped together and put to a group discussion on any subject in an uninhibited manner. Usually, group discussion takes place between eight to ten candidates. All the candidates in the group can express themselves without hassles. Each of them is free to express himself/herself the way he/she pleases. There are no fixed time limits for speaking. You can express yourself fully taking your own time..!
OBJECTIVE OF A GROUP DISCUSSION:
The objective of any group discussion is to select a leader or leaders to achieve the desired results or objectives in all group endeavors. Since leaders are indispensable to achieve success, the participants are asked to compare with each other for election to the limited vacancies. After this churning process, only those endowed with natural and leadership qualities will be able to emerge and establish themselves as leaders.
The main areas tested in GD are:
Content: Content includes logical arguments on the subject. Collect the important points on the given topic and use them as a weapon for discussion. Be relevant to the topic and don’t discuss irrelevantly. It is advised to practise with a group of friends to perform exactly. Do not beat around the bush or talk about irrelevant things. Also note that a good communicator is also a good listener. Let others speak and do not interrupt in between. If you have an objection, wait for them to complete and then raise it.
Knowledge:
Awareness is very important to do well in a discussion. Topics can be related to political scenarios, social consequences, your opinion of a particular person etc. you may be a brilliant speaker but if the topic is alien to you, you will be helpless.
Read the paper every day and follow a reputed new channel. This will allow you to keep abreast with the latest and you will feel confident about your points. Try and use quotes, figures, statements and facts to create an impact.
Communication skills:
Communication is a dual process from both the perspective of listeners and speakers. Listening is also important like speaking. Listen carefully while others speaking and make your points in a clear and concise way. Make a note of important points and build on others points and give a conclusion to the discussion made by the entire team.
Ability to reason: you need to be able to explain your point of view. When you raise an objection to another speaker’s point, back it up with a solid reason to get the point across.
Group dynamics: GD is designedto test your behaviour and influence in your group. Formal English language and mutual respect are considered while speaking. Don’t give strong concluding statements at the beginning of the discussion. Learn to disagree politely if required without saying the words disagree.
Leadership: Leadership means not controlling the group. It is an activity to guide the group in terms of content. A good leader allows the group to express their views and conclude the given topic.
Organization:
Organization is a very important part of a successful discussion. Ensure that you carry a pen and paper to provide a structure to your points. Also, note what others say so that you are able to refer to that later.
PERSONAL SKILLS DESIRED:
The examining panel looks for initiative displayed by the candidate, his extent of self-confidence, his in-depth knowledge, and level of understanding of the subject. Another important criterion is candidate’s consistency in thinking and presentation of facts. It is observed carefully whether the candidate reiterates erroneous facts, whether the bombards others with data and complicates the issues at hand. Is he backed by correct knowledge or he shows shallow understanding and superficial knowledge.
Apart from this, equally important would be personal skill of logical and rational reasoning. You must be relaxed, pleasant, courteous and cooperative. Never be cold and aloof. It is very important to be assertive rather than aggressive. Important tips for an effective GD:
A candidate should follow below tips to face a GD:
. Get prepared well before the GD on your subject related topics
. Prepare well on some related questionnaires. Make sure you read widely.
. Do research before the interview on your area of subject. Choose Magazines that are rich in content. Be aware of topics that are repeated.
. Express clearly and communicate well during the GD
. Don’t respond harshly to the interviewer and don’t argue with other participants.
. Try and Maintain a Balance in your Tone.
. Be polite and try to convince the team members
. Don’t interrupt others while they are speaking and listen carefully while others speaking.
.Body Gestures are very important
. Be the first and also the Last to Speak
Imagine you are driving and you have the power to accelerate or brake according to the situation on the road and avoid any accidents. Try to be that conscientious driver in a GD. Take the initiative, know when to apply your brakes and when to seize the opportunity and accelerate the conversation to reach to a desired destination; conclusion in your case.