In order to get into a good B-school or get a job, it is important to ace the group discussion which is not very easy to crack as it doesn’t have a dedicated audience. But by keeping a few things in mind one can be a winner, says Dhrubajyoti Banik
Group Discussion, or GD as it is popularly known as, is a part of selection process for almost every B-school in the country. Apart from that it is also used as a part of recruitment processes for many corporate both in private sector as well as Government jobs. First let’s understand that GD is quite different from regular public speaking, debate or even extempore.
What makes a GD tougher is lack of a dedicated audience. Since every participant is more eager to speak than to listen, most of the time it is chaotic fish market. Thus even the best of the public speakers are sometimes found to be completely caught on the wrong foot when it comes to GDs. That’s, therefore, the first point to keep in mind. GD is a formal scenario. Informal — in terms of language, tone or even body language is a big no. Even if others are vulnerable to commit mistakes, the one with the self-control survives the competition.
Over the recent years, we have observed different types of GDs being conducted by different institutions. Content, thus, is undoubtedly the single most important factor. The next important parameter is communication skill which is a two-way process —speaking as well as listening. While speaking, try to be both efficient and effective. One very important aspect of GD is to be precise and to the point.
Since everybody is eager to speak, speakers will be interrupted on a regular basis. It is therefore important that whatever speaking time you get, you should utilise it properly. Also plan your choice of words well because it needs to create the desired impact or effect and not something else. One good way to develop this is to practise voice modulation to recognise the correct way of putting forward a view point. Correct stress on selected words and tone is an effective tool to attract attention of listeners.
Group behaviour also plays a key role in the selection process. GD is a group activity and therefore showing appropriate response towards the co-aspirants is also very important. Openness to opposite view points, being ready to accept new ideas and ability to convince others without disrespecting a contrary view are key parameters. Thus a strict eye should be kept on body language and the type of vocabulary we use during the discussion process.
Casual sitting postures indicate lack of interest for both the process as well as group. Shoulder shrugs and pointing out towards somebody are not taken as formal gestures. Similarly too many interruptions and no substantial value additions post that will not go well with the moderators. You should definitely try to give others a chance to speak, provided you have spoken good points in the initial few minutes.
leadership is a function of content, communication and good group behaviour. Thus if you concentrate on them well, chances are leadership in the GD will get established automatically. You should not overtly try to establish leadership in a GD, rather, be cooperative and an active member of the group participating with enthusiasm and encouraging others and you will automatically become the leader. One can apply the following strategies to generate content: Key Word Analysis, View Point of Affected and Parties Social Political Economic legal and Technical Aspects.
Remember GD requires knowledge as well as skill. Thus while you read a lot, it is also important to participate in mock GDs to improve your content generation and participation skills. Sharpening your thought process and getting comfort in breaking through and active participations are skills that can be developed only when you participate in mock GDs.
Read newspapers and develop opinion building on issues in news. Confidence comes with content and that’s the best combination to have when one walks into a GD room.
(The writer is chief knowledge expert, TIME)