Group Discussion Tips

Parameters for evaluation in a GD (Group Discussion) vary from one organization to another. For e.g. a BPO (voice) company  the highest weight age would be give to language and accent, whereas for a sales organization  a group discussion would be more focused on team playing ability, confidence and initiative. Hence, it is very important to understand the job profile and to know exactly what would be the organization looking forward to while conducting a group discussion.

There are various kinds of group discussions conducted by the companies, the topics provides can be either factual, debatable, case studies, abstract or reflective. Each of these topics would have to be handled in a different way and the same strategy may not be of much use.  

Three most important parameters for evaluation in a group discussion are Communication Skills, Ideas/Creativity, Knowledge and Team playing ability. All these skills when exhibited properly would help you contribute to the group discussion.

The following is to be taken care of in the group discussion.

• Voice Level and Clarity of communication: Loud and clear voice is an asset. It gets you the attention of the other participants in the group discussion.

• Language: One has to try and improve his language as a part of preparing for the group discussion. Good language skills can help you clearly express your ideas in a group discussion.

• Body Language: Your body language should show confidence and basic communication etiquette is to be followed. Do not present your self as too casual or over-aggressive in a group discussion.

• Eye Contact: Eye contact is essential to garner the interest of other people in the group discussion. A good eye contact will help you present yourself as a confident person.

• New Ideas and Initiative: Ideas and initiative helps taking the group discussion forward. hence a person with ideas different from the group and also showing a lot of initiative can be a valuable player in a discussion.

• Relevance of the discussion: Rather than speaking more, it is important that what you speak is relevant to the topic of the group discussion.

• Team playing ability: Show that you are a team player, you can be a part of the team and hence contribute to the discussion.

All these parameters together account for the contribution. While preparing for a group discussion one should try to read about current issues across the world. Most of the topics that are discussed are current issues or ongoing debates. You can also conduct mock group discussion with your friends this would help you with practice and hence help in boosting your confidence.

- Ajay Zener (Consultant Trainer - VERTEX)