Group Discussion in interview

Group Discussion is the most important one among the rounds of interview. This appears to be a fantastic test for your communication skills. In this method, a group of candidates is provided a topic. A limited time will be allotted for them to think. Then, they will be asked to discuss among themselves on the provided topic. The timing for the discussion is depended on the number of members in a group, the company, etc and usually 20 minutes is considered to a reasonable time.

Contents

Why group discussion is conducted in a interview process?

Evaluation of a group discussion
How to get success in a group discussion?

Do's and Don'ts of a group discussion

Tips for group discussion

My GD Story 

Frequent group discussion topics

Why group discussion is conducted in a interview process?

Companies conduct group discussion as a part of the interview because the GD's help a lot for them to note your intellectual and also personal skills. This is used to find how good you can be a leader and a listener. Team work is more important to stay in a company for a long and the group discussion helps the interviewers to evaluate it easily.

Group discussion is supposed to be a stage where major number of candidates can be easily eliminated and this serves as a narrower of the interview process.

Evaluation of a group discussion

The following are the set of things that are to be noted in a group discussion -
1. Communication
2. Body language
3. Voice control
4. Thoughts (Points)
5. Listening skills
6. Eye contact

This doesn't mean that the interviewers are gonna evaluate and scores would be allotted this way. It means that these measures are the ones that an interviewer would look within a success candidate. 

1. Communication 

Without proper communication skills, don't ever dream about getting selected in a interview (except few cases). I am not intended to threaten you. Believe me, English is a must. Its not that difficult, as you like, to pick up the language. With few methods and tricks, you can develop your communication skills to a appreciable mark. Every thing becomes finer when you are practicing it hardcore. Make a note on the frequent topics of the group discussion and keep practicing it.

2. Body language 

The panel members will definitely observe your body language. The body language will tell about yourself. It would depict your activeness and attitude.

Do's - Sit straight, observe keenly, have a smiling face, Be patient.
Avoid - cuddling you hair, meddling with your pens, leaning back, yawning, etc.

3. Voice control

Voice control forms a major dimension of the group discussion. It is not necessary that you must have a strong (loud) voice so that others would not be able to oppose you when you talk. The voice control solely lies on the valuable points that you plan to speak.

Incident - When I was in a group discussion, this has happened. My topic was "Leaders are born or made". The discussion started and it went on and on. There happened to be a guy who was interfering with the every other speaker. When an other person speaks he could interfere and then say his own point to the end. The guy was having good communication skill but even then what he was doing was absolutely wrong. You can interfere the other speaker only if you find that you have a valid point to throw it that time. Finally, he wasn't selected.

4. Thoughts (Points)

Analyse your topic clearly and also be prepared for both ends.

Incident -  "Leaders are born or made" was my topic. Almost 2/3rd of the members, including me, spoke that "Leaders are made". Can you guess what has happened? The panelists said that each and every person must speak in the topic that would oppose what ever you have spoke earlier i.e. I must speak about "Leaders are made" in my case.

Know the structure of the group discussion and make sure you include them when you make your points. This would increase the probability of you getting selected.

5. Listening skills 

Only a good listener can be a good speaker. So, be a good listener. Respond to the other members and give your opinion on their points. This is possible only if you have listened them talking.

There are some cases where the interviewer may happen to select a person from the group and ask them to summarize the group discussion session. And What if it happens to be you? Therefore good listening is a must which helps you to remember the other speaker's thoughts.

6. Eye contact

This is the major point of the group discussion where this would make sure whether you are listening to the group discussion or not. When you are speaking make sure that you see each and every one. If possible nod your head wherever necessary. Similarly, when the other speakers speak, have a look at them. Don't stare :P just keep your eye on them.

How to get success in a group discussion?

When you are at a group discussion, as a part of some 8-12 group of people, what should you do? Where will you start? How will you start? What are the points to be included? 
The major motto is to get selected. And its very easy if you follow -  How to get success in a group discussion?

Tips for group discussion

1. Make use of the time allotted to make notes.
2. Start with a phrase or a Quote that would relate with your topic.
3. If it is the case of a for and against topic, then stay only at a particular side. (Don't talk for both sides).
4. Manage the time given to you efficiently.
5. Take your turn properly and speak at least 60-90 seconds per turn.
6. Nod your head when the other speaker sees you.
7. Don't talk frequently.
8. State examples wherever necessary.

Do's and Don'ts of a group discussion

1. Do make use of the time and take proper notes.

2. Grab the chance wherever available.

3. Maintain proper eye-contact.

4. Don't ever shout (raise your voice over others).

5. Even if you fail to make a valid point, don't get caught by giving wrong thoughts. 

6. Don't act (Be natural).

7. Be a good listener.

8. Remember that it is a discussion and not a debate.

My story 

I have already share a vivid story of my group discussion on the topic - "Leaders are born or made" and hope you will find it useful. As we want a.com to be more interactive come informative, you can also share your experiences via comments. This would help us a lot in the preparation process. Also know about the proper structure of the group discussion which one must follow then selecting the points. These may hike your chance of getting selected.

Frequent group discussion topics

No one can predict the GD topic. All we can do is make you aware of the frequent topics and have a brief practice. Keep yourself updated with the frequent GD topics, note their points, know the structure to make points in the GD. That's all you will really rock the day. 

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