Prepare for group discussion
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This document outlines the importance of group discussions (GD) as a selection tool where candidates demonstrate their knowledge, analytical skills, and communication capabilities. It emphasizes the need for preparation through active listening, current affairs engagement, and effective articulation of one’s views, while maintaining respect for differing opinions within a team environment. Success in GDs is determined by understanding the topic, logical presentation, teamwork, and the ability to handle stress gracefully.
Prepare for group discussion
- 1. By Col Mukteshwar Prasad Ref-1.Monster 2.Leading –Alex Fergusion Prepare for Group Discussion
- 2. Introduction GROUP DISCUSSIONS (GD) is one of the standard selection tools. A group of students is assigned a topic for discussion for 15–20 minutes. While your academic record and scores in the entrance test qualify you for an interview call, your final selection depends largely on your performance in the ‘last mile.’ We must remember two things – The panel is looking for an effective combination of knowledge and skills in the candidates. Knowledge comprises Some understanding of the topic assigned, and A good level of awareness of the world around us.
- 3. Knowledge and Skills Knowledge gives the ‘content’ in a discussion – without good content you cannot do well. Knowledge comes through Listening o Life long free education o Advice comes when you least expect and it is free Watching/Experiencing o Experience first hand and observe from side lines o Widens Field of View o Zoom in to see details and zoom out to see whole picture o Believe what your eyes sees but it is hard to do o Avoid biases and preconceived notions o Keep your Radar operative 24 Hours Reading o Avoid garbage and read what matters
- 4. Knowledge and Skills Variety of skills in the aspirants are needed. These comprise Analytical skills- Management is an applied discipline – students need to use their analytical skills to apply theory effectively to solve day-to- day problems. Moderators wishes to see whether the candidate is able to think clearly about a situation, dig into his treasure of knowledge and apply it usefully in the short time he has to make his point. Students can train themselves to think analytically –It is an attitude that one can develop as opposed to not ‘think’ at all. Make it a habit to get to the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of issues – don’t take things at face value – think about them before you form an opinion. Communication skills- Communication skills are perhaps the most critical attribute of the modern manager. These include listening and articulation skills. Moderators look for the candidate’s keenness and ability to listen to others – mature managers are very good listeners because every time you listen, you learn.
- 5. Preparation For Communication Inculcate the good habit of structuring your thoughts and presenting them logically. Writing essays on a variety of topics is good practice developing thought structure. It is not about speaking a lot, speaking in a stylish accent and using ‘big’ words. Train yourself to be a good listener – develop the patience to listen attentively. Acknowledge that everyone has something valuable to say. Articulate your point of view in a way that is easy for others to comprehend. Candidates perform well because they talk sense and there is sufficient ‘meat’ in what they say. Good communication is about listening, speaking at the appropriate time, using easy-to-understand English and getting your point across in as simple a manner as possible. Self talk while walking alone or while lying on bed is an important Communication development tool Do consider standing in front of mirror and talking on any topic is another
- 6. Knowledge and Skills… Team Skill-The GD is the first test of how good your team skills are. Do you listen to others? How do you handle points of view different from yours? Are you able to get across your point of view without appearing to be trying too hard? Do you cross the line from being assertive to being aggressive? If you are a good team player, the other members of the group will tend to connect with you. Ability to handle stress, Decision-making skills etc.
- 7. In short, the GD panel is testing Whether you know the topic well, Are able to present your point of view in a logical manner, Are interested in understanding what others feel about the same subject and Are able to conduct yourself with grace in a group situation.
- 8. How students should prepare for success . The only way to prepare is to Read more, Develop a keen interest in current affairs and Seek opportunities to discuss these in groups Outlined are some tips and suggestions that will help you prepare well for Group Discussion: Train yourself to be a good listener. Develop the patience to listen attentively. Acknowledge that everyone has something valuable to say. Your job is to articulate your point of view in a way that is easy for others to comprehend. Inculcate the good habit of structuring your thoughts and presenting them logically.
- 9. How students should prepare for success . Writing essays on a variety of topics is good practice developing thought structure. The only way to prepare is to read more, develop a keen interest in current affairs. Seek opportunities to discuss these in groups. Learn to respect others for what they are. Learn to be open-minded and recognize the fact that people think differently about issues. Train your mind to think analytically. Your GD arguments should have ‘meat’. Candidates who work with the group, accommodate diverse viewpoints and assert themselves without aggression score high.
- 10. QUICK TAKE Train your mind to think analytically Your GD arguments should have ‘meat’ Respect other people’s views Listening is important. Practise patience Writing essays can improve thought structure