Group discussion – Interview round

Group discussion

A group discussion or GD round is conducted to check the team effort of a candidate. This round is held generally after a personal interview, where the candidate’s communication skills have already been approved.

Group discussion is also an excellent opportunity to talk to a variety of people, each having their own views and opinions about a given topic, each having his/her own way of thinking and looking at a problem. So always keep in mind that at the end of the day you will be learning something or the other by the end of a discussion.

Remember that every person in the group discussion is just another human being, and that you will not be criticised for rising you voice against a certain issue.

You are not expected to be a leader in a group discussion. How-ever you can be a moderator, trying to balance the way a discussion goes.

Preparation:

·Put on formal dress, neatly polished shoes, comb your hair and put on a wrist watch make sure you have an awesome first impression for everyone.

·Try taking a mock group discussion in a forum, or you can have one with some really close friends.

·Sometimes, hosts might ask you to pick a topic, use this opportunity to give out a topic that you are really good at. Have topics in your arsenal.

·Make sure you have gone to the bathroom prior to the discussion. This can sometimes be a life saver. It also ensures that you can be at ease during the discussion.

Before the Group Discussion:

·Jot down points on a piece of paper. It is usually sufficient to write down words, that can be later related to the discussion.

·Make sure that you have looked at the topic at as many different perspectives as possible.

During a group discussion:

·Have good eye-contact with all candidates.

·Ignore people outside the group.

·Make sure the topic stays relevant.

·If you are good at notes, then note down significant points made by others in the group, to add to the points or contradict it later on.

·Make sure that you are open to all kinds of points during the discussion.

·Come up with effective solutions to the topic under discussion; also mention some effective solutions that prevail.

·You must always keep in mind that you will be able to relate the topic to a lot of other topics such as:

o   An instance from history

o   An instance from a movie, game, comic or cartoon.

Try to inspire others by quoting from these.

·Make sure you do justice to all the points that you come up with, during a group discussion.

·Never get angry or take things personally.

Suppose another person points to one of your statements:

·If you realize that his claims are wrong. Then you will have to add a stronger support to your point and prove him wrong.

·If you realize that his claims were right. Then you will have to apologize and think of a point that addresses the topic better.

·If you are not sure as to accept the point, then it is safe to just drop the issue and start a new point.

When to open a topic:

·You know the topic too well.

·You have already had a GD on the current topic,

·Your English is dam good and you are the kind of person who can sell anything to your buyers and have a convincing charm.

Suggestions:

·Enquire about the time limit.

·Give the group something to talk about.

·When a discussion has lost its track, bring it back to the right track.

·If you are really good at summarizing, then summarize the whole event in 1 or 2 minutes.

·Create an opportunity to a member who hasn’t spoken to the group yet.

·Display you knowledge of current affairs and cutting edge technology.

·Smile at everyone in the group.

·Adjust to the discussion depending on whether its an abstract or content specific topic.

·If you are interrupted, request the person with a polite “Excuse me” for your chance.

·Suppose you have not yet had a shot at an opening, use your facial expressions to indicate it and when you do get the opportunity, make sure you say something that is unique, huge and relevant.

·Share a personal experience about the topic only if you are absolutely sure that it fits into the discussion.

·Think of the group discussion as an opportunity where your ideas and opinions really count.

Don’ts

·Don’t look around the room.

·Don’t look at your watch.

·Don’t stare at a female/male in the group.

·Don’t interrupt another person.

·Don’t take a stand completely one sided approach... you might get into some pretty deep shit.

·Don’t hesitate to give out a point if your English is not as good as the next guy.

·Don’t remain silent through the group discussion. You will be eliminated.

·Don’t think of this as a competition, its supposed to be like a casual talk.

·Don’t click your pen unconsciously remember to keep it away from your hand during the discussion, clicking creates an irritation.

·Don’t pick your nose or scratch any part of your body.

·Don’t play with you pen.

·Don’t touch a group member by feet or hands.

·Don’t make up stuff.

·Don’t fold your arms.

·Don’t get emotional, or get carried away.


Finally, in my opinion:
1) Group discussion is the easiest way to ensure that you get the job. In this round the interviewer/mentor gets to know the kind of knowledge you possess in addition to your team effort.
2) Group discussion even if informal is the easiest to practice among the different stages of an interview, because all you need to do is discuss your opinion and come up with a solution that you think is practical.
3) Group discussion is the easiest best way to overcome stage fear and reach out to the world with just what you got inside of your head...




All the best for your group discussions... (TY)