Group Discussion: How to Crack it?

Yesterday we posted about the intricacies of correct body language in your interview but before that, the one step which everyone has to go through is Group discussion (GD). GD is important as it brings out your leadership skills, team management, communication, knowledge, listening skills, problem solving and critical thinking skills.

It brings so many facets of your personality out in front of everyone and that is why it has become the stepping stone for one’s success. Cracking a GD can be very tricky, as many things happen during a very short spell of time. Lets find out what you can do to make it the "Right" spell!

Initiate the GD

As they say, it’s all about taking the first step. So don’t wait, initiate the GD and set the tone for the discussion. When you initiate the discussion, you get noticed and earn those "Extra" important points.

Allow others to speak
When you finish speaking, it’s important to not interrupt, while others are stating their point of view. If you interrupt, you will come across as a dominant personality. Also, it will be a test of your listening skills. If you really want to make a point in between, wait for the right moment to barge in.

Don’t use too much Jargon

It’s quite understandable that you might have prepared a little too much for this GD. You want to showcase your knowledge but using too much jargon and data will make your views really complex to understand. Speak clearly and politely.

Direct the flow of discussion

When the group discussion starts going haywire or the discussion looks like a scene from a fish market, step in and bring the discussion back on track. It will show your leadership skills and also highlight your problem solving and critical thinking personality

Positive attitude

Presenting negative in a positive way is a skill which you need to master, during a GD. Be positive in everything weather it’s your body language, your thoughts or your tone. Positivity will stand out and help you to get noticed.

Dress Formally:

Don’t take your casual attitude along with you ina formal discussion. Dress formerly, neatly and take care of personal hygiene.

Be prepared

Knowledge is power, and has no replacement. Read newspapers regularly, always update yourself with current affairs and increase your knowledge database, slowly and steadily. This will not happen overnight! Most of the topics which you get in GD are from current affairs so it’s important to keep updating yourself.

Hope these tips help you strike the right cord during your next formal group discussion. 

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