Active Listening Tips and Techniques to Practice for Group Discussions and Interviews

So, you have cleared your written MBA entrance exam or prelims and mains of Civil Services examination. Now, it's time for the GD and the interview where a lot of candidates are screened for their communication skills, leadership skills, skills to handle conflicts and resolve issues, and how they guide a discussion to a positive, fruitful outcome. Here are some active listening tips and techniques you should practice while preparing for competitive examinations:

• If your mind keeps drifting when the other person is talking, try to repeat their words mentally. This will help you focus on what they are saying and reinforce their message.
• In an interview or a group discussion, talking to a brick wall with no response or face expressions is the worst nightmare for a speaker. Acknowledge that you are hearing by nodding your head, saying ‘yes' and ‘of course' whenever appropriate, or using other signs to indicate that you are present there while the other person is speaking. It helps you to focus on what is being said too.
• Pay attention to the facial expressions and body language of the speaker to anticipate his or her real thoughts. Non-verbal communication is as important as what is being said.
• Look directly at the speaker, do not talk to the person beside you in a group discussion when someone is speaking, and try not to prepare a rebuttal before the other speaker has finished with his or her speech.
• At times, we are not clear about what is being said or do not agree with others' viewpoints. A great view to put forward your point is to start your sentence with, "You said...but...". You may ask an occasional question to clarify your doubts by stating "Do you mean..." and repeating the words of the speaker. In a group discussion, you can enter mid-way by summarizing the important points that have been discussed saying, "Allow me to summarize what all has been said till now..." and then, add your two bits on the topic.
• Handle controversial topics or the topics that enrage you or others with care. Handling conflicts is one of the important part on which candidates are evaluated in a group discussion for entering into management programs. Do not interrupt the speaker while he is speaking but once he or she finishes, you can say, "I may be taking it personally but did you really mean...?" Then, allow the other person to explain.
• While being open, frank and honest is important for holding a meaningful conversation, it is equally important to give respect to others and try to understand their viewpoints. So, be candid in your response and do not try to corner a person by being offensive.

 

Source: Shiksha Team

Date: 20th November, 2010

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