Group Discussion Tips You must know in order to win any GD for best results. Group discussions occur in many different formats – from very informal ones between friends to highly structured and challenging discussions included as part of a selection process. In both cases, there are a number of specific skills that we can help students develop to become better able to contribute effectively to group discussions.
Your soft skills definitely come into the picture here. Here are some of the things that you can do to make a winning impression in your GD.
- Communication skills:
Good communication skills are essential in today’s competitive world. Having good communication skills shows that you are a good listener and a speaker, the top qualities of a leader. How well you can drive your point across in a simple language, supported by data and information will help you get an edge over other participants of the GD. - Cooperation Skills:
Well, a true leader does not bash others to become successful but carries his team along to climb the ladders of success. And here’s where your co-operation skills will come to the fore. - Leadership:
A true leader takes his team through the maze of success. In a Group Discussion too, you should display true leadership qualities. Display a pleasing personality trait and uphold the etiquette of a group discussion. If you disagree, put your point through politely stating the reasons. - Analytical Skills:
A true leader never believes blindly. He/she assesses, verifies, and then takes a decision. In the group discussion too, you should first, analyze the topic and then speak up with a relevant statement, fact or statement. Blabbering without making any point will definitely take you to the bad books of the panelists. Make sure that whatever point you make has a direction. - Knowledge:
In a group discussion, panelists see how well you are aware of things/ events happening or taking place around you. Hence you should read a lot and gain significant knowledge on various topics spanning commerce, politics, arts, law, and media, social causes, etc. so that speaking up in the discussion comes naturally to you. Providing facts and figures (in numbers) give you an added advantage over other candidates in a group discussion. - Confidence:
Be smart and pleasant. Your confidence during a GD can get you in the good books of the panelists. Convey your point to other candidates coherently If you disagree, express the same, but politely cite the reasons. Never try and dominate other candidates. Let them speak without getting into a fight. - Persuasion:
This skill comes in useful when students need to make decisions on how to do something. Persuading other candidates or the panelists into believing your point in the group discussion will give you a better image. This will also lead to a higher chance in the selection process. - Support:
One of the most important things for this skill is for students to learn when it is and isn’t appropriate to interrupt and how to do it. Very often students will talk over each other in an effort to get their point across and forget to listen. - Encouragement:
Feedback can take several forms and it is a good idea to vary the way it is given. Students can observe each other doing group discussions and give each other feedback on the specific areas of input that you have covered. - Conclude:
Group discussions can take a variety of formats and are useful for all types of students. They can be done in preparation for job interviews or as extended speaking practice simply to increase fluency. It is important to consider the different sub-skills that are involved in participating in a group discussion and ensure that you do activities that address each of these. Additionally, structuring and varying the way that feedback is given will help the students to identify areas for improvement.
