Group Discussion Skills

Group Discussion (GD) dos and don'ts to keep in mind to put up a show and stay ahead of your competitors

What is a Group Discussion?

Group Discussion (GD) is a modern method of assessing a student’s personality.

• It is both a technique and a comprehensive tool to judge the worthiness of the student and his appropriateness for the job.
• As the name suggests, it is a discussion among a group of 8 to 12 members who will express their views freely on a particular issue, in a friendly manner.
• Within a time limit of 20 to 30 minutes, the abilities of the members of the group are measured.

Do's in Group Discussion (GD) :

• Stick to the topic of discussion. Don't sway from the Topic. Relevance is of utmost importance.
• Make original points & support them by substantial reasoning.
• Listen to the other participants actively & carefully.
• Whatever you say must have a logical flow; validate it with an example as far as possible.
• Modulate the volume, pitch and tone.
• Be considerate to the feelings of the others.
• Try to get your turn.
• Talk with confidence and self-assurance.
  • Maximize participation.
  • Show leadership ability.
  • Be analytical and fact-oriented.

Don'ts during Group Discussion (GD) :

• Being shy /nervous / isolated.
• Interrupting another participant before his arguments are over.
• Establish your position and stand by it stubbornly.
• Don’t make fun of any participant even if his arguments are funny.
• Don’t engage yourself in sub-group conversation.
• Don’t repeat and use irrelevant material.

Important things to remember in group discussion :

• Be assertive : An assertive person makes his point with high degree of emphasis but he is honest & careful about not hurting others’ self-respect.
• A patient listener : listening to another person is one way of showing appreciation.
• Right language : Right words at the right time make the best results.
• If any member of the group criticizes or disapproves a point, it is unwise to get upset or react sharply.
• In case the criticism is flimsy, the same can be pointed out politely.

Dressing Etiquettes :

First impression could be a lasting impression. Personal appearance, body language and the first words we say speak volumes about ourselves. We can use them as tools to influence the visual impact we make during our first moments with a new person. When we understand how much we influence others by our dress and appearance, we become much more careful in selecting what we wear.