Solid tips for Group Discussion
As you going to fill up a form for admission to an MBA institute or school and hear that a standard and famous organization is coming to your college for campus placement, that someone must think about the group discussion which is a part of interview that you will have to clear anyhow to reach the next level of Personal Interview. Here I am offering the answers to the questions you might have at this level:
What is basic purpose of organizing the group discussion by company?
Companies or institutes conduct GROUP DISCUSSION to find out the intelligent and smart candidates who have a good knowledge and personal skills to handle any kind of situation which is emerged in the company.
What characteristics do they look for in a candidate during the Group Discussion?
At the time of the GROUP DISCUSSION the candidates are evaluated and responsible for the following qualities which should be mandatory to get in:
- Knowledge base about the area of interest
- Alertness and presence of mind which should be spontaneous
- Communication bridge with the concern person in company and in normal life
- Confidence should be high
- Leadership quality can make you achieve your success at higher rate
- Listening Skills shows how much you are aware about other things
- Team Skills shows how you organize yourself with other candidates
- Goal Orientation decide where you see yourself after 5 years
Tricks that should be prepare for the Group Discussion?
Your preparation for GROUP DISCUSSION has to be separated down into two parts:
First is the Subject knowledge: Your subject knowledge is important and during the GROUP DISCUSSION can not be replaced by anything else. Read quickly on all subjects to have good affirmative ideas. Following could be your sources of information:
- News Papers for sure
- Magazines
- News Portals
- TV
Whenever you read, keep taking down the points on different subjects.
Developing soft skills with your subject knowledge than have to develop your soft skills to carry yourself out properly during the GROUP DISCUSSION. This needs actually work on your communication skills, listening skills, body gestures for improving yourself
What is the tricks to improve better communication skills ?
Good communication would always ensure that you are being able to put all your ideas in a short time during the limited time when you needed . It will also ensure that the group can be supportive to you.
For better communication skills, read many books on communication and general subjects. This will help you to update your vocabulary and give you a lot of ideas to speak effectively in a professional way. Just have good phrases handbook and use them in everyday discussion with friends and colleagues. Always Be polite during conversation and let the other person finish speaking before you start yourself . Learning disagreeing politely is an art which you must have. You can use always phrases like,
I am sorry but I think I disagree with you a bit here, I have a slightly different opinion here, you have a good point but I think there is another facet also to it.
Read loudly at times to make your pronunciation and voice clear.
Is someone can speak in a regional language during the Group Discussion?
No. In a GROUP DISCUSSION you are expected to speak in English only.
Preparation tips just before GROUP DISCUSSION
What is the timing for the Group Discussion?
A GROUP DISCUSSION normally lasts for 15-20 minutes or maximum half an hour.
How many candidates will be there in the Group Discussion?
A GROUP DISCUSSION normally includes has 8-15 candidates.
Can we look for evaluator’s help during the Group Discussion?
Not at all and It is for the group candidates to conduct the GROUP DISCUSSION. The evaluators are spectators who are there to evaluate you . Never ever try to speak up with evaluators or look at them during the GROUP DISCUSSION.
What about carry a paper and a pen along with me?
Most of the times, you should be allowed to carry a paper and a pen with you. Check it with the organizers before entering into the GROUP DISCUSSION room.
Will we be given time to prepare on the subject before speaking?
Usually the group candidates are given 2-5 minutes to put their thoughts together on the announced subject, before speaking.
Will initiating the discussion help?
Initiating the discussion would help if you know the subject well. Speaking just for the sake of speaking would not help. If you don’t know the subject well, it is better to listen to others. When you have gathered enough information about the subject, make an entry into the GROUP DISCUSSION with your thoughts.
Would interrupting others to put my point across help?
Let the other person finish what they want to say before you put your point across. Over aggressiveness can cost you negative.
How many times should I speak during the Group Discussion?
Quality matters more in a GROUP DISCUSSION than quantity. Speak to the point and give others a chance to speak. A short entry of 25-30 seconds 3-4 times during the discussion is enough.
Should I address other group member by name or number?
It will be difficult for you to remember the names of all the candidates correctly in a short time. Never try to concentrating on remembering names and it will be good if you focus and concentrate on the ideas you want to put there. You can refer your group candidates by you , he or him.
How is aggression rated in the Group Discussion?
Aggression to the extent that the group turns hostile is bad. It is always good to stay positive and polite.
Should we expected to keep a track of time or the evaluators will do that?
Being aware of time will not hurt but do not let it be part of distraction on your participation in the GROUP DISCUSSION.
