Way of Communication in a Group Discussion
A group discussion is essentially an arrangement wherein a group of individuals (generally applicants to professional degree courses or certain job profiles) are made to sit in a group (usually of ten to twenty) and asked to share their opinions on a certain topic of discussion and use rationale to conclude at the end. Speaking effectively in a group discussion is achieved by means of body language as well as public speaking skills. There are a number of ways to make ones performance in a group discussion effective and impressive.
In terms of body language, the following are very useful tips to carry oneself in a group discussion:-
1. Sitting with a straight back and both hands on ones knees appears formal and confident simultaneously while also making one feel more confident.
2. Making eye contact with each individual in the group creates more room for communication.
3. Nodding shows receptivity.
4. It is important to be assertive yet humble while also being oneself during a group discussion.
In terms of speech (a very important factor in a group discussion), the following points must be kept in mind:-
1. It’s great to seize the opportunity to speak first if you have an understanding of the topic and a valid point to make. If not, it is advisable to wait for another to speak and step in for value addition.
2. Facilitate contribution from others.
3. Without aggression, be assertive, without submission, be humble.
4. No one is a personal friend during a group discussion. The tone of the discussion is impersonal and cordial.
5. Avoid creating a fish market as far as possible. If you find yourself in one, break it, by raising your voice just enough to be heard and making a very heavy point (such as facts and figures to support your stand).
6. Statistics and facts are very impressive but need to be real and backed up by references in case one is questioned.
7. Don’t repeat a point, be lengthy or irrelevant. Intervene if someone else is going off on an irrelevant tangent.
8. Don’t take to making one on one conversation.
9. Be simple in your speech and conclude objectively.
In terms of mindset and behavior, one must remember:-
1. That ones skills as a team member and personality are being observed by the moderator at all times.
2. That one is mostly answerable for his/her actions during the group discussion in the personal interview which generally follows.
3. That being nervous will not help and being genuine will.
4. That leaders take a topic on its proper path.
Do’s and Don’ts of Group discussion:
1) Keep eye contact while speaking:
Do not look at the evaluators only. Keep eye contact with every team member while speaking.
Do not look at the evaluators only. Keep eye contact with every team member while speaking.
2) Initiate the GD:
Initiating the GD is a big plus. But keep in mind – Initiate the group discussion only when you understood the GD topic clearly and have some topic knowledge. Speaking without proper subject knowledge is bad impression.
Initiating the GD is a big plus. But keep in mind – Initiate the group discussion only when you understood the GD topic clearly and have some topic knowledge. Speaking without proper subject knowledge is bad impression.
3) Allow others to speak:
Do not interrupt anyone in-between while speaking. Even if you don’t agree with his/her thoughts do not snatch their chance to speak. Instead make some notes and clear the points when it’s your turn.
Do not interrupt anyone in-between while speaking. Even if you don’t agree with his/her thoughts do not snatch their chance to speak. Instead make some notes and clear the points when it’s your turn.
4) Speak clearly:
Speak politely and clearly. Use simple and understandable words while speaking. Don’t be too aggressive if you are disagreeing with someone. Express your feelings calmly and politely.
Speak politely and clearly. Use simple and understandable words while speaking. Don’t be too aggressive if you are disagreeing with someone. Express your feelings calmly and politely.
5) Make sure to bring the discussion on track:
If by any means group is distracting from the topic or goal then simply take initiative to bring the discussion on the track. Make all group members aware that you all need to come to some conclusion at the end of the discussion. So stick to the topic.
If by any means group is distracting from the topic or goal then simply take initiative to bring the discussion on the track. Make all group members aware that you all need to come to some conclusion at the end of the discussion. So stick to the topic.
6) Positive attitude:
Be confident. Do not try to dominate anyone. Keep positive body language. Show interest in discussion.
Be confident. Do not try to dominate anyone. Keep positive body language. Show interest in discussion.
7) Speak sensibly:
Do not speak just to increase your speaking time. Don’t worry even if you speak less. Your thoughts should be sensible and relevant instead of irrelevant speech.
Do not speak just to increase your speaking time. Don’t worry even if you speak less. Your thoughts should be sensible and relevant instead of irrelevant speech.
8 ) Listen carefully to others:
Speak less and listen more! Pay attention while others are speaking. This will make coherent discussion and you will get involved in the group positively. You will surely make people agree with you.
Speak less and listen more! Pay attention while others are speaking. This will make coherent discussion and you will get involved in the group positively. You will surely make people agree with you.
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