All institutions office or college and even high schools, recently added a new round in their interview sessions, which is called Group Discussion or in short, GD. This round usually comes after an applicant qualifies the initial rounds of an interview. The GD round is conducted in front of examiners or qualified professionals and applicants are judged on the basis of the observations made by the former. In the GD round, there is not only one applicant. Multiple applicants (ranging up to five to eight in number) are put together and expected to make a discussion on a topic assigned. The aim of doing the discussion in a group is, different members come with varied view points and it is seen who can lastly stick/prove their view. Many times, within the GD group, teams are made where one speaks for the motion and another shows the against view, thereby making it a kind of debate.
Now, if you have a GD queued for an interview process, then there are certain smart ways to deal it. The smart ways of doing in a GD are listed here, in order to help applicants of all levels perform well.
Remember, while the aim is to be the best among all members of the GD – yet, none is your enemy. So, start simply by introducing yourself to your group members and also, try to know them. GD is not a one man’s cup of tea and can only be successful when all members of the group equally participate. However, the time to do this might be very less and you need to be prompt.
You cannot remain absolutely shut during a GD. You have to talk and it is alone your words that will make you stand out in the team. If you get puzzled and cannot state your point during the GD, the outcome will definitely not be favourable. So, ensure you talk meaningful and related to the topic of your GD. Talking nonsense or irrelevant not only conveys your poor impression but also, puts other members in problem.
During a GD, it is very important that you talk relevant to the topic you are assigned. If you are speaking in the middle of a GD, you have to ensure that what you talk is in connect with the person who was speaking prior to you. If you go out of flow or connect in a GD, you might be disqualified. Also, your insensible talking can make the GD uncomfortable for other team members.
Usually, after assigning the topic, all GD members are given a short span to plan their content. Utilize the extra time that you will be given to list points related to the topic mentally and how you will put them forward. Do not use the extra GD time to talk with your team members and discuss as they might simply take your points, and then you go clueless. Make complete use of the extra time to plan what you will talk about the assigned topic.
You cannot be harsh or rude in a GD round. Let all members make their points along with you. If you unnecessarily yell or scream to prove your point and not cooperate with others during a GD, then the outcome will be bad. Let each speaker get their turn to talk and when you get your time, you can make ample use of it.
Suppose the topic of your GD is tough and you do not have enough points to talk about the same. It does not mean, you will blabber the same thing. Ensure the point you want to make is clear and the examiners got it clearly. If you talk in a way that examiners cannot get your view on the GD topic, then, there is no point participating in the same.
During the GD, you may find out that your team member has a better point to make, over you. That does not mean, you will immediately change your standpoint and jump to their shoes. Whatever you talk in a GD should be same from start to end. In case, you change your view as per other team members, it will show your lack of confidence in front of the examiners.
The time duration of a GD depends on, the topic or number of group members. However, once the time span ends do not continue talking. Examiners do not count what you talk after the stipulated GD time. So, ensure you make all your points related to the topic, within the proposed GD time.
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