GROUP DISCUSSION (GD) TIPS

A Group Discussion (GD) is a formal discussion involving ten to 12 participants in a group. They will be given a topic to discuss. Some time will be given for the participants to collect their thoughts. Then the group will be asked to discuss the topic for 20 to 25 minutes. There will be usually 3-4 panel members to evaluate.
Group Discussion is more a technique than a conventional test. It is one of the most important and popular techniques being used in most personality tests. It is a technique or a method used for screening candidates as well as testing their potential. It is to test the candidate's team ability.
Skills that are judged in group discussion

• Ability of communication with others.
• Ability of listening skills.
• Ability of expressing your views.
• Ability of leadership.
• Abiility of analysis and decision making skills.
• Ability of Problem solving.
• Ability of critical thinking skill and your attitude

Notes for group discussion

• Try to initiate the GD. When you initiate a Group Discussion, you have grabbed the opportunity to speak, and also have grabbed the attention of the examiner and other candidates.
• Keep eye contact with every team member while speaking in GD.
• Listen to the speech of others and pay attention while others are speaking. This makes you to get involved in the group positively. You will surely make people agree with you.
• If you don't agree with other's thoughts, don't interrupt them while speaking. Make some notes and clear the points when it's your turn.
• If you can't get a clear idea of someone's statement, ask them to clarify in a polite manner. Don't speak eloquently. You must speak in a proper tone.
• If any group is distracting from the topic, then simply take initiative to bring the discussion on the track. This is the best point to score max.
• If you disagree with the statement made by other group, deliver your points politely to make others agree with you.
• If you are speaking about a complex topic, explain it in a simple manner so that other members can easily grasp it.
• Be confident and keep positive body language. Do not try to dominate anyone. Show interest in discussion.

A conclusion is where the whole group decides in favour or against the topic. During conclusion, do end with the conclusion note that shows your leadership quality.